How to Fix the Missing File Privileges Error on Steam – Comprehensive Guide and Solutions

The “Missing File Privileges”error is a frequent issue encountered on Windows, particularly when attempting to launch games through the Steam client. This error may stem from problems with the integrated Intel graphics driver or related software.

Additionally, it’s possible that Steam lacks the appropriate permissions to start the game or that your antivirus firewall is obstructing access. Fortunately, these issues are usually straightforward to resolve with a few quick steps!

1. How to Fix the Missing File Privileges Error on Steam?

You can resolve the Missing File Privileges error on Steam using the following methods:

Verify the Integrity of game files on Steam.
Repair the Steam Library folder.
Run Steam with Administrator Privileges.
Terminate the igfxEm Module via Task Manager.
Clear the Temporary Download Cache.
Temporarily Disable Antivirus.
Reach out to Steam Support.

2. Verify the Integrity of the Game Files on Steam

Launch Steam.
Right-click on the icon of the “desired game” in your Steam Library.
Select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
In the Properties window, navigate to the Local Files tab, and
Click the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” button.

Wait for the verification to finish, then relaunch the game.

3. Repair the Steam Library Folder

Follow these steps to repair the Steam Library:

Open Steam.
Hover over Library and select Download from the drop-down.
Click the small Settings cog at the top right.
Choose the Storage option from the left-side menu.
Select the appropriate storage drive, then click the three-dot button next to the storage bar.
Finally, click on Repair Library.

This method should resolve any permission issues with Steam; however, if it doesn’t, there are more troubleshooting steps available.

4. Run Steam with Administrator Privileges

If you’re an experienced gamer, you might have already tried this fix at least once.

To execute Steam with Administrator privileges:

Press the Windows Logo Key and R together on your keyboard.
Paste %ProgramFiles(x86)% into the box and click OK.
In the resulting window, scroll down, right-click on the Steam folder, and select Properties.
In the Properties window, go to the Security tab and click on Advanced.
Adjust the permissions for the first two entries (Users and System) to Full Control (if not already set) by clicking on Edit, then OK.
Finally, run Steam with Administrator Privileges.

5. Close the igfxEm Module from Task Manager (Intel CPUs Only)

To close the igfxEm Module via Task Manager:

Open Task Manager (by pressing ‘Ctrl + Alt + Del’ together).
Locate and select all processes labeled “igfxEM.”
Click End Task for each one.
Restart Steam.

This action should enable you to install or update the game and successfully launch it.

6. Clear Out the Temporary Download Cache

To clear the temporary download cache:

Open Steam.
Hover over Library and select Download from the menu.
Click the Settings cog at the top right.
Select Downloads from the left sidebar.
Hit Clear Download Cache.
Press OK.

7. Disable Antivirus

Often, antivirus software interferes by blocking permissions or deleting game files it deems harmful to your system.

To resolve this, consider temporarily disabling your antivirus. Since different software has varied methods for disabling, consult your program’s guide. After disabling the antivirus, reboot your PC and relaunch the game.

8. Contact Steam Support

If none of the previously mentioned methods resolve the issue, you may need to contact Steam Support for additional assistance.

To reach out to Steam Support, visit this page – https://help.steampowered.com/en/

9. About Steam

Steam is a digital distribution service for video games developed by Valve Software. It launched as a standalone client in September 2003, aimed at providing automatic updates for Valve games. It has since expanded to include titles from third-party publishers and functions as an online web-based and mobile storefront.

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