Does the above screenshot look familiar? ‘An error occurred while updating [game] (Content file locked)’ is this the error message flashes on your screen every time you try to update your steam game? If yes then, you are at the right place! Here we have the best solution to troubleshoot Steam Content File Locked issue on your computer. Have a look below and resolve the content file locked steam issue promptly. Alternatively incase steam downloads get’s stuck while downloading the games, you can easily fix the issue by following the article.
How to Fix Steam Content File Locked?
There can be several issues which contribute to the problem you are facing. Try the resolution methods one by one here and fix the issue,
Verify your Antivirus Settings
Often the real cause behind the Steam Content File Locked issue is your Antivirus program itself.
McAfee Antivirus
At the time of real-time scanning, often the McAfee antivirus causes the problem. The inability to exclude specific steam files from the list of virus programs is the reason behind the issue. To resolve the problem, you will have to disable the security software before you update the Steam File completely.
To disable your McAfee Antivirus follow the steps below,
- Firstly, open the McAfee Antivirus from your computer.
- Now, select ‘Virus and Spyware Protection.’
- Locate the option ‘Real-Time Scanning.’
- Then, click on it and select ‘Turn Off.’
Once you disable the Real-time scanning option of your McAfee security software, you will have to verify the integrity of game files. Follow the steps below to do so,
- At first, restart your computer and relaunch Steam
- Then, go to the library section
- Now, right-click on the game with which you are facing issues
- Then, click on properties and choose the local files tab
- Finally, select the option to verify the integrity of game files. Within a few minutes Steam will verify your game.
Also read: Help! Can’t Find Friend On Steam: How To Fix?
ESET Antivirus
The users of the ESET NOD32 antivirus face Steam Content File Locked issues while they try to update the steam. Thankfully, there is a sure way following which you can exclude your Steam Directory files from real-time scanning.
- Firstly, visit “C:\Program File\Steam\SteamApps\common”- the default location of the steam directory
- Now, you have to copy this above address
- After that, open the ESET NOD32 and paste the address in the ‘exclude from real-time scanning’ option
- It’s time to verify the integrity of the game files. You may follow the steps below,
- Restart your computer and relaunch Steam
- Then, go to the library section
- Now, right-click on the game with which you are facing issues
- Then, click on properties and choose the local files tab
- Finally, choose the option to verify the integrity of game files.
Besides these two, other security software can cause the same problem as well. If you have some other antivirus program, you can exclude the steam directory files from real-time scanning and after that verify the integrity of the game files.
Reset Winsock
A problem with the Winsock catalog can also be the reason why the steam download paused content file locked error. Resetting the Winsock can help you to resolve the issue. Go through the steps below to reset Winsock,
- At first, Press the Windows Logo Key+ R at the same time from your keyboard. This will open the Run dialogue box on your computer.
- Now, in the dialogue bar type the following command and hit the Enter button,
netsh Winsock reset - Finally, execute the command and restart
Repair Corrupt Files
There can be missing or corrupted files due to which you will have to face the steam error content file locked problem. Repairing the files will fix the problem. Here are the steps you need to follow to repair missing or corrupted files from your steam directory,
- Firstly, exit steam and go to the steam directory. If you haven’t changed the default location then, you need to navigate to (C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam).
- Then, you have to go to the folder ‘logs’ to open the ‘txt.’
- Next, scroll down to the bottom of the text file and search for recent errors.
- Now you have to move to the root folder of the mod. Depending on your game, the file size will vary since different games have different file size.
- Finally, restart steam and go to the download folder. As you can see that the steam is asking for an update, go for the upgrade of certain files and your problem will be resolved.
Also read: Steam Not Recognizing Installed Game: How To Fix?
Anyway, Folks! That’s all from our side. Try each of the solutions one by one to fix the steam content file locked error. If you face any issue with proceeding with any of the resolutions methods you can ask us for the assistance. Simply put your queries in the comment section. We will get back to you with the proper answers. Lastly, don’t forget to share your feedback about the post.
