How to permanently fix Content file locked Steam error

by Madalina Dinita

Last update:March 29, 2020

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Many users reported the Content file locked Steam error while trying to update certain games. This error simply means that Steam can’t write the files to the hard drive. Since this is a big problem for some users, today we’ll show you how to fix it.

How to fix Content file locked error in Steam? Firstly, make sure that your antivirus isn’t blocking Steam. To do that, add the Steam directory to the list of exclusions or disable your antivirus temporarily. If the issue is still present, try resetting Winsock or change Steam‘s install location.

How can I fix Content file locked Steam error?

1. Reset Winsock
2. Change Steam and game files location
3. Check your antivirus

1. Reset Winsock

Sometimes to fix Content file locked Steam error you just need to reset Winsock. To do this, follow the command below.

1. Press the Windows Key + R keys.
2. Enter netsh winsock reset and press Enter or click OK.

After this, restart your computer.

2. Change Steam and game files location

1. Go to Stream Client and click Settings.
2. Click Downloads and select Steam Library Folders.
3. Select Add Library folder and select the new location for Steam.
4. Close the Steam Client.
5. Go to your Steam directory, the default location is

   C:Program FilesSteam

6. Delete the exe and all the files except UserData and SteamApp folders.
7. Move these files to the location you specified in Step 3.
8. Open Steam and log in again.

If the error persists, move on to these steps:

1. Close Steam.
2. Go to the new Steam location.
3. Move the SteamApps folder from the directory to your desktop.
4. Uninstall Steam.
5. Install Steam again to the new location.
6. Move the SteamApps folder in the Steam directory.
7. Open steam and enter your log-in details.

Additionally, you can have Steam move the files automatically:

1. Right-click on the game
2. Click on Properties
3. Go to Local Files
4. Select Move Install Folder
5. Browse to the new location and select it

You should change the location of the Steam installation and the game files. By doing so you should be able to fix Content file locked Steam error.

3. Check your antivirus

In some cases, the Content file locked Steam error may appear because of the antivirus on your computer. You can disable the antivirus while you update the game. This method differs depending on the antivirus you use, so be sure to look for instructions online on how to disable your antivirus.

If disabling the antivirus doesn’t help, you might have to uninstall your antivirus or switch to different antivirus software. If you’re in need of reliable antivirus software that won’t interfere with your gaming sessions, be sure to try out Bitdefender.

These are some simple solutions that you can use to fix the Content file locked Steam error. Be sure to try them all and let us know in the comments section which solution worked for you.