Steam - Fatal Error. "Steam needs to be online to update. Please check your network configuration.

[JayP777]

I run windows 8 Pro 64-Bit and I found the Fix, the problem is windows 8. I geuss the update doesn't work on wondows 8. I downloaded the update on my windows 7 Laptop and then copied the steam directory folder from the laptop to my pc and then my problem was solved. For those of you that have the same problem, try this it worked for me.

[Bearton Jay]

We've created an FAQ that contains instructions which have resolved the issue for most of the users who have written in to Steam Support: Fatal Error: Steam needs to be online to update.

If you continue to receive the error after following ALL of the instructions in that FAQ, please Contact Steam Support, making sure to provide an MSINFO32 report or Mac/Linux equivalent.

NOTE: We are investigating network issues with the new Steam client update in the Midwest US

[ed666ward999]

i have the same thing but i am on win7 i uninstall and it dos the same thing again

[JayP777]

Uh what windows 7 are you running and give me some system details

[ITradeBlackGold]

I'm running 64-bit Windows Ultimate (current release with current SP's). Steam ran fine until the update. Now have re-installed multiple times, tried running it from SteamTMP, tried copying a friend's files to see if the local files were the issue, tried downloading various versions/instances of Steam, and no luck. In the UK with no firewall active, none of the port or ISP issues reported, and a fast connection. Have tried the proposed Steam fix of removing all files except the steam app data and the executable. No luck. I reconfigured the router to put myself outside it completely (DMZ), so zero filtering in router, no luck. Disabled all firewalls, antivirus, etc. on the machine itself. No luck. Halp???

[JayP777]

Okay, actually I'm missing your problem a bit. Does steam not want to download the update or does steam not startup after you download the update? If steam does not start up you can try to uninstall steam using a 3rd party uninsstaller then re-install steam, you said you copied steam files from your friend? Did you say copy and replace or did you just say skip because you should say skip when windows promts you to do so. Just give it a try otherwis try and run your machine on a different internet system. Let me know :)

[bug3ater]

I had the same error. I am running Win 8 64 bit. It installed fine and ran for a while. But all of a sudden says that I need online connectivity.

Here's what I did. I went to the Steam directory then:

1) right click on steam.exe and select properties
2) go to the compatibility tam
2) checked compatibility mode for windows 7
3) checked run as administrator
4) run steam. it will update.
5) after the update, uncheck 'compatibility mode' and 'run program as administrator'
6) run steam as usual

[Barney Stinson]

Same problem with me and cant fix it anyhow :( Any Help ? :'(

[JayP777]

Tell me what's your exact problem. I might be able to help.

[ChivalrousWooly]

Info: I'm Running Windows 8 Pro 64-bit. Same Issue; "Fatal Error - Steam needs to be online to update".

Attempt 1:I Tried to use the Steam FAQ however steam, upon turning on of my computer, attempts to update itself hence not allowing me to ' launch Steam.exe from within the Steam installation folder, and not from a pre-existing shortcut.'

Attempt 2:I Attempted to copy the steam folder from another (working) computer to my current computer with no luck.

Any Ideas? Thanks.

[Gumtree]

I have the exact same issue. Windows 7 ultimate. Steam was working fine for the last two weeks, all of a sudden I get the 'fatal error - steam needs to be online to update' etc.
I get the error 10%-20% into the update each time (as others have reported on other forums). Internet connection is 100% fine, that's definitely not the problem. So I have no idea what's changed between when it was working and now.

I have also tried the 'official' solution - deleting everything in the steam folder except steamapps and the steam exe. I've also tried to completely uninstall and then reinstall steam - no difference at all. I've tried everything else suggested in this thread as well (compatibility settings etc).

This problem has been reported many times across many different forums and no working solution has been proposed yet.

Please can somebody help.

[JayP777]

If nothing works why not go for the simple solution and uninstall steam and reinstall

[Gumtree]

already tried that, as I mentioned.

[Gumtree]

Okay so I fixed it. Turns out my windows firewall was causing the problem, which is strange given that it was up before, yet wasn't causing any trouble then. For some reason it only began to interfere now (perhaps a recent windows update tampered with something?). Anyway, I turned it off and I could finish the update etc. Although this is by no means a universal fix, I feel I can safely say that this problem will always be related to some aspect of your internet connection (ie. the fixes that propose deleting files from the steam folder are missing the point. Also people blaming Steam are wrong). So these kind of issues will include things like wireless internet (notoriously unreliable), your ISP (are they blocking certain ports?), background applications (anti-virus, windows firewall), an actual virus (never rule this out), or, a windows update that has potentially tampered with your network/wireless card drivers - amongst other things.

Hope you other guys manage to sort things out.

[astenniall]

Hah! Good post. Turned my firewall off and my steam works now too. I assume either the steam update eliminated the bypass for it or the firewall updated and changed things. Either way it worked for me as well.

[76561198094537537]

wont work man