steam_api.dll or steam_api64.dll error: the solutions
steam_api.dll (and steam_api64.dll for 64-bit games) connects a game to Steam: account sign-in, achievements, cloud saves, multiplayer. This file is shipped with each game, in the game’s folder, not with Steam itself.
In short
- In Steam, verify the integrity of the game files: it is the most reliable solution.
- If your antivirus deleted the file, restore it from quarantine.
- The file can also be downloaded on its own and copied to the game’s folder, but each game expects its own version.
Verify the game files in Steam
- Open Steam, then the Library.
- Right-click the game › Properties › Installed Files › Verify integrity of game files.
- Steam compares the files with the original ones and downloads those that are missing, including steam_api.dll, in the right version.
Recover a file deleted by the antivirus
Antivirus programs sometimes delete steam_api.dll or steam_api64.dll by mistake. With the Windows antivirus: Windows Security › Virus & threat protection › Protection history › select the item concerned › Restore.
If the file really comes from Steam and is deleted again, you can add the game’s folder to the exclusions (Virus & threat protection settings › Exclusions). With another antivirus, check its quarantine.
“SteamAPI_Init failed” or “Unable to initialize Steam API”
Here, the file is present but the game cannot reach Steam:
- check that Steam is running and signed in to your account, then start the game from Steam;
- if the game runs “as administrator”, run Steam the same way (or neither of them);
- restart Steam (Steam menu › Exit, then start it again).
If the error persists
- Uninstall and then reinstall the game concerned.
- Reinstall Steam as a last resort: be careful, uninstalling Steam also deletes the installed games; move the
steamappsfolder first if you want to keep them.
DLL files concerned
Each file page offers the download of the file alone and the complete method suited to it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the steam_api.dll of another game?
Sometimes, but it is not guaranteed: each game is compiled with a specific version of the Steamworks kit. Verifying the files is the better option, as it restores the right version.