To verify game files on Steam, open Library, right-click your installed game, select Properties... > Installed Files, then click Verify integrity of game files. Wait for the check to finish, which Valve says can take several minutes.
The short version
- Desktop path: Open the game’s Properties..., select Installed Files, then click Verify integrity of game files.
- Steam Deck: Select the installed game’s settings cog to reach Properties... and the same verification control.
- While you wait: Verify one game at a time and avoid other intensive disk tasks.
- Failed checks: Some local configuration files can fail verification and should remain unchanged.
| Route or option | When to use it | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop context menu | Verify an installed game | Library > right-click game > Properties... |
| Desktop gear icon | Verify from the game’s page | Game page > gear icon > Properties... |
| Steam Deck settings cog | Verify in Gaming Mode | Installed game > settings cog > Properties... |
| Steam Deck Menu button | Open properties with a physical button | Highlight game > Menu > Properties |
| Repair library permissions | Resolve trouble writing files | Steam > Settings > Storage |
| Rediscover existing files | Recover a game shown as uninstalled | Launch game and begin prompted installation |
| Install the Steam client | Get Steam when the client is absent | Official Steam product page > Install Steam |
Verify through your Steam library
Start by restarting your computer, then launch Steam. Open Library, right-click the installed game you want to check, and select Properties.... Select Installed Files, then click Verify integrity of game files. Wait for the check to finish.
If you are following older instructions, look for Installed Files instead of Local Files. The current verification control is under Installed Files.
If you need to install Steam first, open the official Steam download page and select Install Steam for your platform. Install the client before following the library steps, since verification takes place inside Steam.
Use the gear icon on the game page
Open the game’s page in Library, click the gear icon on the right, and select Properties.... Choose Installed Files, then click Verify integrity of game files and wait for completion. This opens the same check as the library context menu, so you only need to use one route.
Verify game files on Steam Deck
In Steam Deck Gaming Mode, select the installed game in your Steam Library. Select the settings cog, then open Properties... > Installed Files. Choose Verify integrity of game files and let the check finish.
You can also highlight the game in Library and press the physical Menu button, marked with three horizontal lines. Select Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files, then wait for completion. The button opens the menu leading to the game’s properties; pressing it alone does not start verification.
Let the check finish and read the result
Allow several minutes for verification to complete. Valve advises checking one game at a time and avoiding other intensive disk tasks during the process. Let the current check finish before repeating the steps for another game.
A failed file check does not always mean you need to change something. Valve says some local configuration files may fail verification and should remain unchanged. You can leave those files alone rather than treating that result as a reason to delete them.
Repair the library folder when Steam cannot write files
If verification or installation cannot write files, repair the Steam library folder’s permissions. Open Steam > Settings > Storage, open the ... menu, then select Repair Folder. This repairs library permissions; you still need to run the game’s content check separately.
After the folder repair, return to the game in Library and open Properties... > Installed Files. Click Verify integrity of game files again and wait for it to finish.
Recover a game that Steam shows as uninstalled
If the game’s files are still on disk but Steam shows it as uninstalled, keep the game folder in its proper Steam library location. Attempt to launch the game, then begin the installation or download process Steam prompts you to start. Valve says Steam will recognize existing installation files during that process.
Once Steam recognizes the game, open its Properties... > Installed Files. Select Verify integrity of game files if you still need to check it, then wait for completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you verify Steam game files on macOS and Linux?
You can use the desktop verification route on supported Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It applies to games installed through Steam.
Can you verify game files from Steam Mobile or a browser?
Steam’s remote download feature lets you start installations through a browser or Steam Mobile. Valve’s Remote Downloads instructions cover starting installations, not verifying game files, so use the Steam client to run the check.
Is there a dedicated keyboard shortcut for verifying game files?
Valve’s verification instructions do not provide a dedicated keyboard shortcut. Start the check through the game’s properties.
Does clearing the download cache or reinstalling Steam do the same thing?
Clearing the download cache and reinstalling Steam are separate troubleshooting operations, not equivalent game-file checks. Valve warns that uninstalling Steam deletes installed game content.
Should you verify files when a game stops at Preparing to Launch?
You can use file verification as a troubleshooting step when a game does not run after Preparing to Launch. Valve recommends it for this problem on Windows, Linux, and Mac.