Steam client won't launch unless I run as administrator

[Chronos]

Since last week I have not been able to launch the Steam client from Start shortcut, from the taskbar shortcut and from the desktop shortcut by default. The only way it works is if I specifically select "Run as administrator".
Even after launching clicking these shortcuts still will not open the client. I have to either select "Run as administrator" every time or select the Steam icon on the system tray at bottom right.
I have been running Windows 11 for a while now with no real issues, and as far as I am aware there were no OS or hardware changes or updates.
Searching for a while on the forums I only found 2 to 4+ year old discussions, but most issues were because the process was already running in the background. But I have already checked with Task Manager several times and even after a fresh restart the issue still exists.

[Jaunitta 🌸]

Check if Steam is added to exceptions in AV and add it through the windows firewall.

[no154370]

if OP never log in to the admin account for his Windows Computer

then it means this

1) someone is restricting OP from playing games on the computer

----------------------------------------------------

to check whether it is true or not

here is how to check

a) open windows settings

b) go to accounts

c) under account settings, click "family tab", it will prompt you and you have to click "yes"

this link here provides more information on "microsoft family settings".

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=microsoft+family+settings

p.s the link i provide is just an example as not everyone is using mozilla firefox. just go to your web browser and search "microsoft family settings".

[Chronos]

Thanks for the answers, I tried these solutions but it didn't work.
I do agree that it is probably something to do with the Windows settings, but all my fiddling did no good.

@Edit: I found the culprit, it was CCleaner Professional, the feature called “Performance Optimizer.”. For some reason without my input it put Steam to sleep. I just opened up CCleander and disabled the "Performance Optimizer".

[no154370]

kindly uninstall CCleaner

it is known to conflict with Steam and Steam Games like dota 2 and CS 2.

this link i provide below contains information on what type of programs conflict with steam and steam games.

https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1F39-DCB4-FF28-5748

[Fromlostdays]

Originally posted by Chronos:

@Edit: I found the culprit, it was CCleaner Professional, the feature called “Performance Optimizer.”. For some reason without my input it put Steam to sleep. I just opened up CCleander and disabled the "Performance Optimizer".

You're the real hero for this. Thanks for bothering to come back and report even after you fixed it. Turns out I was having the same issue and honestly it was starting to make me paranoid

[Wandariel]

Originally posted by Chronos:

Thanks for the answers, I tried these solutions but it didn't work.

@Edit: I found the culprit, it was CCleaner Professional, the feature called “Performance Optimizer.”. For some reason without my input it put Steam to sleep. I just opened up CCleander and disabled the "Performance Optimizer".

Thank you so much this worked for me as well <3

[EveOnBee]

Originally posted by Chronos:

@Edit: I found the culprit, it was CCleaner Professional, the feature called “Performance Optimizer.”. For some reason without my input it put Steam to sleep. I just opened up CCleander and disabled the "Performance Optimizer".

Thank you so hecking much. I had been fighting this for months and tried everything in the book. This post was the only time I heard it could be CCleaner.

[TheGame]

Originally posted by Chronos:

Thanks for the answers, I tried these solutions but it didn't work.
I do agree that it is probably something to do with the Windows settings, but all my fiddling did no good.

@Edit: I found the culprit, it was CCleaner Professional, the feature called “Performance Optimizer.”. For some reason without my input it put Steam to sleep. I just opened up CCleander and disabled the "Performance Optimizer".

This worked 100% I had no idea, no need for it be asleep anyways.

[Steve NotHere]

Even today this fixed it for me. Thanks boys.