Close Steam completely (check the Task Manager to ensure it's not running in the background). Right-click your Steam shortcut on the desktop or in the Start menu. Run as administrator Try launching the game again from your Library. 2. Verify Game File Integrity Steam_API.dll
, try the following steps. This error typically occurs when t 1. Run Steam as Administrator Close Steam completely (check the Task Manager to
Go to your main (default: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam ). Find and delete the file named ClientRegistry.blob . Restart Steam and try launching the game again. 3. Verify Integrity of Game Files Run Steam as Administrator Go to your main
How to Fix “Steam Must Be Running to Play This Game” (2026 Quick Fix) ProgrammingKnowledge2 YouTube• Jan 28, 2026 2. Verify Game File Integrity Steam_API.dll
To fix the "Steam must be running to play this game" error for DmC: Devil May Cry , try these verified steps in order: Primary Fixes
If you are using an antivirus , try disabling it temporarily before launching the game, as some security software incorrectly flags the game's connection to Steam.