Steam Client will only open in Safe Mode - Windows 10

[DerpDicler]

A few weeks back I noticed Steam wasn't logging on automatically as it should. When starting, it loads a "Verifying Upgrade" screen and then when it would normally load the log-in screen, the program closes with no trace of it in the Task Manager.

I didn't have time to look into it more today but nothing I could find online (running as admin, uninstalling/reinstalling, etc) helped. I saw something about disabling Direct Write in the Interface settings but of course could not access them since Steam won't open.

Imagine my surprise when I started the computer in Safe Mode and Steam opened fine. I disabled the Direct Write setting but after restarting the issue persisted. I started Safe Mode again and this time set Steam to the Beta channel which it promptly installed. Again, working fine in Safe Mode but nothing when I boot Windows 10 normally.

Any ideas? My computer is an Intel NUC7i5BNB with all the current updates.

[ReBoot]

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9828-SFLZ-9289&l=
Safe mode means that background crap isn't started.

[Silicon Vampire]

Something is borked on the OS installation or you have a program interfering with Steam.

[DerpDicler]

Thanks for your suggestions. It turns out it must have been an issue with the graphics drivers as I got an update notification and noticed Steam worked fine once I restarted. A very frustrating few weeks but at least it was sorted in the end.