Many PC gamers are recently been having issues while playing Hogwarts Legacy.
One of such common errors that they are getting is ‘Unable to initialize Steam API.’
So, if you are one of them and want to know how to fix the error, follow this article.
How To Fix ‘Unable To Initialize Steam API’ Error On Hogwarts Legacy?
Follow the methods described below and perform the steps when you cannot initialize Steam API while playing the most anticipated RPG, Hogwarts Legacy.
1) Allow The Game Exe File In Windows Security And Antivirus Program
Sometimes Windows Security or Antivirus program you are using interferes with the game and creates problems.
This can be why you cannot initialize Steam API on Hogwarts Legacy.
To fix the problem, allow the game through Windows Security or the third-party antivirus program you are using.
If you are using Windows Security, which is the default Windows antivirus, then here is how you can do it:
- Type Windows Security in the search bar and select the top result.
- Select Virus and threat protection.
- Scroll down and click on Manage Ransomware protection.
- Next, click on Allow an app through controller folder access and select Yes to confirm.
- Click on Add an allowed app option.
- Browse to the Hogwarts Legacy installation folder and select the exe file.
- If you don’t know where the installation folder is, then open Steam and click on Library.
- Right-click on Hogwarts Legacy and select Manage and then click on Browse local files.
Check the address of the installation folder and browse it.
- After the game is added, run the game and see if the issue is fixed.
- If you are using some 3rd party antivirus program, open its settings and add the game exe file to the whitelist.
- Once done, check if the issue is fixed. If the error persists, then try disabling the Controlled Folder access toggle from the Ransomware protection settings.
2) Disable Firewall or Antivirus Program
If allowing Hogwarts Legacy through Windows Security does not work, then you can disable Windows Firewall and your antivirus program for the time being.
To do so, follow the steps given below:
- Type Windows Defender Firewall in the Search Menu and select the top option.
- Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left side.
- Next, click the radio buttons for both Private and Public settings to Turn off the Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
If you are using any other antivirus program, make sure to disable that for the time being.
To disable the antivirus program, follow the steps given below:
- Right-click the Windows Start Menu and select Task Manager from the options.
- Click on the Process tab and locate your antivirus.
- Right-click on the antivirus program and select the Disable option.
You can also uninstall your antivirus program. You can install it later.
To uninstall the antivirus program, follow the steps given:
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run utility.
- Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialogue box and hit Enter.
- From the installed applications list, locate your antivirus program and right-click on it.
- Click on the Uninstall option from the list.
As your system is vulnerable to threats without Windows Firewall or antivirus, make sure to enable and install them soon after.
3) Check The Integrity Of The Game Files
Steam may sometimes show issues with the installed games.
So, when you are getting “Unable to initialize Steam API error on Hogwarts Legacy,” verify the integrity of the game files.
This will fix the problem if there is any missing or corrupted game file.
To do so, follow the steps given below:
- Open Steam and head to Library.
- Right-click on Hogwarts Legacy and select Properties.
- Click on the Local Files tab and select the Verify Integrity of game files option.
- Wait for Steam to finish verifying, and once done, play the game. Check if the error is fixed. If not, update your OS.
4) Update Your Windows
Outdated Windows versions can also be the reason why you cannot initialize Steam API.
So, update Windows to the latest version and check if this can fix the issue.
To update your Windows, follow the steps given below:
- Type Check for updates in the Windows search bar and click on the first option.
- Click on Check for updates from the right pane and wait for Windows to check for the latest available updates.
- Download & install the latest Windows updates. Once done, restart your PC. Now you should not get the error on Hogwarts Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
- Will Hogwarts Legacy be playable on Steam Deck?
WB Games announced that the Harry Potter game will be Verified at launch.
So, you can run the game on the go, but there is a chance that the visuals & performance will come with PS1 Hagrid vibes.
- Will Hogwarts Legacy be on Steam or Epic games?
Hogwarts Legacy is also available on Epic Games Store. The title was launched at the same time on Steam and Epic Games Store.
- How do I fix Steam API DLL error?
You can reinstall the program using the original installation media to fix the Steam API DLL error.
You can also contact the software vendor or your system administrator for further support.
Also read: FIX: Hogwarts Legacy Not Launching, Crashing, Freezing Or Showing A Black Screen
Final Words
Let us know which of the above methods helped you to fix the problem when you cannot initialize Steam API on Hogwarts Legacy.
Always feel free to write to us in case of any doubts or queries.