How do you "repair" a Steam install?

[Miles Bluefalls]

So, seriously, this has happened twice recently, where I need to fix Steam, and the only options I can think of are
1) Going to the Windows Control Panel, going to the Programs list, and looking Steam up
or
2) Re-downloading the Steam installer

and BOTH of those just seem to do an uninstall, wiping your games, and nuking your settings, without giving an option for repair.

Is there something I'm missing here? Cos I could swear, going to the Programs list in Windows used to have a Repair option for Steam.

[↑↑↓↓←→←→BASelect]

Move your steamapps and userdata folders from the steam installation and then uninstall steam and then move your steamapps and userdata back.

[wuddih]

reading the support article on this matter f.e.
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9609-OBMP-2526

as this article ignores the userdata folder, i also just say: at max to back it up for safe-keeping, i certainly do not recommend to take it over to a new Steam installation, especially when you wanna "repair" something. some issues Steam can have can originate from this folder.

this being said, i only know this because i fixed other peoples crap, in 16+ years i never had to "repair" a personal Steam installation and if I did for someone else, there were always red flags of them being horrible PC users.

[Dr.Shadowds 🐉]

If you want to avoid userdata folder then you only want to keep this part as this is where the screenshots are stored specifically inside the remote folder.

Steam\userdata\ Your ID here \760\

https://imgur.com/aXquaND

[Jaunitta 🌸]

Exit Steam. Dont just close it.
Click Start > Run (Windows Key + R).
Type the following command: or copy and paste
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe /repair
Launch Steam and test the issue again.
If you need it with pictures
https://thedroidguy.com/repair-steam-client-command-prompt-1120496

[Wukanda]

Goodluck man !

[The HopelessGamer™]

You can make steam redownload itself without uninstalling your games.

Delete everything in the steam installation folder except for the following:

• userdata
  
• steamapps
  
• steam.exe

Next, run steam. It will redownload itself.

When steam launches after redownloading itself, you may need to tell it where your games are installed by setting a library folder and your games should then appear as installed.

You can also click download on a game, point the game to its already installed files and the game will verify itself. Once its verified one, Steam should then automatically verify the other installed games along with it.

[keyairreem]

THANK YOU! I have been trying for weeks to get steam to work on my Surface and now it does. Thank you again!

[Brucenstein]

Everyone here has been a big help - THANK YOU!