How to Fix Steam Error Code E87: 6 Proven Methods

How to Fix Steam Login Error Code E87

There is nothing more frustrating than getting ready for a gaming session, only to be blocked by the cryptic Steam Error Code E87. This error typically appears when the Steam client fails to connect to the authentication servers, leaving you locked out of your library.

The root cause is usually one of three things: corrupted cache files, a "ghost" login session on another device, or network DNS conflicts.

Before diving into the complex fixes, try these Quick Checks:

1. Restart your Router: A simple IP refresh often solves handshake issues between your ISP and Steam.
2. Disable VPN/Proxy: Steam’s security systems often block login attempts from known VPN IP addresses. Turn them off and try again.
3. Check Date & Time: Ensure your Windows clock is set to "Set time automatically." A time mismatch can cause authentication tokens (2FA) to fail instantly.

If those didn't work, follow these 6 proven solutions to get back in the game.

Method 1: Run Steam as Administrator

Sometimes, Steam lacks the necessary Windows permissions to read/write its own configuration files during the login process.

1. Right-click the Steam icon on your desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
4. Check the box "Run this program as an administrator".
5. Click Apply and OK, then launch Steam.

Method 2: Deauthorize All Devices (The "Ghost Session" Fix)

Error E87 often happens when Steam thinks you are still logged in somewhere else, creating a conflict. Forcing a logout on all devices can clear this glitch.

1. Log in to your account via the Steam Website (using your web browser).
2. Click on your username in the top right and go to Account Details.
3. Scroll down to the Account Security section and select Manage Steam Guard.
4. Click "Deauthorize all other devices".
5. Restart the Steam client on your PC and try logging in again.

Method 3: The "Steam Repair" Command

This is a hidden feature that forces Steam to verify its own installation files without needing a full reinstall.

1. Close Steam completely (check Task Manager to be sure).
2. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
3. Type the following command exactly (include the quotes): "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\bin\SteamService.exe" /repair (Note: If your Steam is installed in a different folder, adjust the path accordingly).
4. Press Enter. A command prompt window may pop up and close quickly—this is normal.
5. Launch Steam again.

Method 4: Flush DNS and Change to Google DNS

If your ISP's DNS is struggling to resolve Steam's login servers, switching to a public DNS is the best fix.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Ethernet (or Wi-Fi) > Edit DNS Server Assignment.
3. Switch to Manual and enable IPv4.
4. Enter these Google DNS addresses:
5. • Preferred: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate: 8.8.4.4
5. Save and exit.

Pro Tip: After changing this, open Command Prompt (CMD) as Administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to clear your old network cache.

Method 5: Clear Steam Download Cache

Corrupted temporary data is a leading cause of Error E87.

1. Open Steam (if you can get to offline mode) or go to the login screen settings.
2. Navigate to Settings > Downloads.
3. Click the Clear Download Cache button.
4. Steam will restart and ask you to log in again.

Method 6: Delete Local Configuration Files

If the cache clear didn't work, you can manually force Steam to rebuild its config files.

1. Close Steam completely.
2. Navigate to your Steam installation folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam).
3. ⚠️ WARNING: Locate the userdata folder and the steamapps folder. Do NOT delete these (they contain your games and screenshots).
4. Delete everything else in the folder, or specifically delete the config and appcache folders.
5. Run Steam.exe. It will treat your PC as a new install and re-download the necessary fresh client files.

Ready to Play?

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Happy gaming, and may your frame rates be high!