How to Fix “Please Restart Steam Error: E84” on Windows 11

Some Steam errors don't cause trouble. This is not one of those. Error E84 usually shows up when you try to log in. Steam tells you to restart, but even after you restart, the problem stays.

Instead of launching your library, Steam loops the message:

“Please restart Steam. Error: E84.”

If you’re stuck there, here’s what’s really happening and how to break out of the loop.

What Causes Error E84?

Steam doesn't just show error E84 for no reason. You'll see this message when Steam can't confirm your login. Here are some common reasons why:

• A corrupted login token after an update

• Cached web data conflicting with current credentials

• Steam Beta client bugs

• VPN or proxy interference

• Windows 11 security updates interfering with login behavior

It’s not a ban. It’s not your account being compromised. It’s just Steam failing to verify who you are.

Fix 1: Completely Shut Down Steam (Not Just Close It)

Steam often stays running even after you press "Exit."

1. Open Task Manager

2. End Steam.exe and SteamWebHelper.exe

3. Relaunch Steam normally

Sometimes, this alone clears the authentication loop.

Fix 2: Flush Steam’s Login and Network Cache

Valve never advertises it, but there's an internal reset command.

Press Windows + R and paste:

steam://flushconfig

Hit Enter, confirm reset, and open Steam again.
This won't remove your games; it just updates Steam's settings files.

Fix 3: Turn Off Steam Beta Client

Many E84 reports are from people using the Steam Beta.

To disable it:

• Open Steam (if it lets you)

• Go to Account

• Under Beta Participation, select None

• Restart

Can't get to the Steam user interface? Then jump ahead to solution number seven.

Fix 4: Clear Web and Cookie Data Inside Steam

Steam uses Chromium. E84 happens when old data clashes with new login info.

Inside Steam:

• Settings

• Web Browser

• Delete Web Browser Data

• Delete All Cookies

Make sure to restart Steam when you're done.

Fix 5: Disable VPN, Proxy, or Network Filters

Steam can't check your login info when you're using a masked route or filter.

Try temporarily disabling:

• VPN apps

• Cloudflare WARP

• System proxy

• Pi-hole / DNS filtering

• Antivirus firewall blocking Steam ports

If Steam logs in later, add Steam to the whitelist.

Fix 6: Reset Login by Changing Password Once

If Steam won't take your saved login, try making a fresh one.

Change password here:
https://store.steampowered.com/account/recover

The 'log in again' error typically resolves itself quickly.

Fix 7: Delete the “Loginusers.vdf” File

This file saves your login info. If it gets messed up, Steam can get stuck in a loop.

Navigate to:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam

Delete:

loginusers.vdf

Restart Steam and log in again.

Fix 8: Restart the PC

Some fixes won’t work until you restart your computer, especially if you've just cleared your Steam settings or cache.

Does Reinstalling Steam Help?

It can but only if the above steps fail.

Reinstall Steam in the same folder it was in before if you want to keep your games.

Quick Summary of Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Error E84 permanent?
No. It’s a login authentication failure, not an account punishment.

Can this happen after a Steam update?
Yes E84 commonly appears after client updates, especially on Beta builds.

Does this affect games?
Only login. Once Steam signs in, everything works normally.