People may encounter “Failed to add new Steam library folder” error message while downloading and installing a game via Steam on the default Steam Library or a new Steam Library on another drive, and that leads to the installation fails.
This problem occurs very frequently due to the problem within the application. There could be a case of interference in the process of the downloading and creating a new library. The simple solution in this case is to temporarily stop or allow the download to complete before creating a new Steam library.
Other possible reasons why the error has been encountered is because of unclosed steam processes running in the background, downloading of a brand new game, many ad-blockers or because of third-party programs installed.
On the other hand, common problems with PC can result in Failed to add new Steam library folder error. To deal with any PC related issues such as BSODs, exe errors, DLLs errors, system files corruption, registry issues and even virus infection, we recommend you use automatic PC Repair Tool.
Now, as we are familiar with the common culprit what could cause the issue, we are in the position to move to the solution part. Below are the different that you should try to get the error resolved.
Fixes for Failed to add new Steam library folder
Fix 1: Pause the downloading process on the background for now
You should make ensure if some downloading already in the progress in the background. If yes, stop it or complete it before creating a new steam library and the two processes might be interfering resulting in this issue. Here is how to stop download game or update running process and how to perform the installation of the game or its addition in the latest steam library successfully:
- Open steam and go to the download section,
- Click on the Pause download option on each active download.
After stopping the running downloading process, here is how you should add a library folder to avoid any problem:
- Then, open Steam drop-down menu and go to the settings,
- Under the download section, select Stem Library folders,
- Click the plus icon, choose the driver and location of the new library folder and click New folder,
- Give a name to your library folder and click OK to save it.
- Mark new library folder and select OK.
If you find problems in performing the step, you should use the below mentioned fixes to get rid of other possible errors that cause the Failed to add new Steam library folder.
Fix 2: Update Your Driver
Sometimes, outdated drivers can result in yours being unable to run certain games and apps on your systems. So, update your driver navigating to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver according to your system requirement. If you hesitate in doing this on your own or think that it is time-consuming, you can employ automatic driver updating tool to let compete this task automatically.
Fix 3: Restart your Network Devices
You might receive Failed to add new Steam library folder because of common network related issues. So, restart your network settings to fix the problem:
- Shut down your device, modem and router,
- Unplug all the cables from the router and the modem,
- Wait for a couple of minutes and plug-in the cables,
- Start the modem and router and wait for the signal,
Try then and see if the problem is resolved. You can simply restart your device and see if this helps you out to resolve the problem. Many an error caused due to minor glitches resolved with this method.
Fix 4: Temporarily disable your Antivirus tool
You might receive the issue due to third-party antivirus is causing the conflict. Disable it temporarily to get the issue resolved:
- Click on the antivirus icon in the taskbar,
- Choose the disable antivirus option.
If the problem is solved after this you should contact to your antivirus support center and ask them about the help or switch to some other antivirus program.
Fix 5: Update your Windows OS
You might be running outdated windows that run with various bugs/ flaws that could be responsible for Failed to add new Steam library folder issue. So, update your Windows OS to its latest version:
- Click on Start button and select Update option,
- Click on the check for Windows Updates,
- If the update is available, download and install it and check if this resolves the issue.
Fix 6: Clear Steam cache
The corrupted steam cache might be causing the problem. You can clear it from the instructions below:
- Open Steam and go to the Settings,
- Under the Download section, click Steam Library folders,
- Now, right-click on the folder and select Repair LibraryFolder.
If the problem continues, you should try verifying the game’s file integrity in the steam, Sometimes, the files p resented on the hard drives and the local disks may get corrupted. Steam will verify it and provide the needed corrections.
Conclusion
Here, the complete solutions for how to fix Failed to add new Steam library folder error are provided. Hope so, these methods help you in getting the problem resolved. If you have any queries regarding any step of any method, please let us know through the comment section below.
