How to fix Steam error 'MISSING DOWNLOADED FILES' in Windows?

In Steam, sometimes the download or update process goes wrong and results in certain errors, one good example being “MISSING DOWNLOADED FILES”; it prevents games from launching or updating and has thus been very irritating for users in trying to access their games.

The “MISSING DOWNLOADED FILES” problem may occur for several reasons: because of interrupted downloads, corrupted game files, or problems with a hard drive where the game has been installed.

Antivirus systems and other security programs sometimes mistakenly flag games' files and quarantine them, making those files unavailable for Steam. Also, network problems or other setting issues with Steam may be causing it to download the game incompletely or partially.

Among the general means to fix the “MISSING DOWNLOADED FILES” error in Steam are verifying the integrity of game files and restarting Steam. Advanced troubleshooting includes disk error checking, reconfiguring antivirus settings so they do not quarantine game files, and clearing the Steam download cache. Occasionally, the resolution for this may be to move the game to another library folder or reinstall it entirely.

A practical method of detecting and addressing common Windows problems could be achieved by using FortectMac Washing Machine X9, a PC repair application that provides automatic aid in resolving deep-seated systemic issues that may contribute to such errors.

Fix 1. Clear download cache files

Clearing the Steam download cache helps remove temporary files that may have become corrupted and interfere with game downloads or updates, which can trigger the “MISSING DOWNLOADED FILES” error.

• Open the Steam app.
• Go to the Downloads section.
• Under Clear Download Cache, click Clear Cache.
• Restart Steam.

Fix 2. Clear workshop downloads folder

Clearing the Workshop “downloads” folder can help remove any residual files that might be conflicting with game updates or downloads.

• Press Win R and type in the following:
  %ProgramFiles(x86)%Steamsteamappsworkshopdownloads
• Press Enter of click OK.
• Delete the contents of the downloads folder.
• Restart Steam and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 3. Verify the integrity of game files

Verification of game files checks whether the files are missing or corrupted and replaces them instantly, which might solve issues that hinder the execution of the game.

• Open Steam and go to your Library.
• Right-click on a game you are having problems launching and pick Properties.
• Go to the Installed Files section and click Verify integrity of game files.
• Wait till the scan is finished and attempt to launch the game again.

Fix 4. Perform check disk

Running a check disk scan can identify and fix errors on the hard drive where the game is stored, which may contribute to missing files.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control window will show up – click Yes when prompted.
• Type in the following command and press Enter after:
  chkdsk c: /f
  (Note: use chkdsk c: /f /r /x command if you use SSD as your primary partition).
• If you receive an error, type in Y, close down Command Prompt and restart your computer.
• After a restart, Windows will begin to scan your disk. After your system boots back up, you can find the results in the Event Viewer.

Fix 5. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus

Sometimes, antivirus software can mark game files as suspicious and put them into quarantine – a reason for incomplete downloads. You can try temporarily disabling antivirus as a troubleshooting measure for this problem.

• Open your antivirus software and go to the Settings.
• Locate the real-time protection or active scanning feature and turn it off temporarily.
• Restart Steam and attempt to download or update the game.

Fix 6. Move the game to a different library folder

Moving the game to a different Steam library folder can help if there are issues with the original installation directory.

• Open Steam and go to your Library.
• Right-click the affected game and select Properties.
• Navigate to the Install Files tab and select Move install folder.
• Choose a different library folder and start the move.
• Restart Steam and launch the game to check for improvements.

Fix 7. Reinstall the game

You can also try to reinstall the game that does not install properly.

• Open Steam and go to your Library.
• Right-click the affected game and select Uninstall.
• Confirm the uninstallation and restart Steam.
• Reinstall the game from your Library and check if the issue is resolved.

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