Steam error: Manifest Unavailable [Fix]
- As a lot of users reported, the Manifest Unavailable Steam network error is pretty annoying and seems to be similar to another common issue.
- If you also face this error, make sure you reset your Internet settings.
- In case Manifest is unavailable on Steam, try to change the Steam download region.
- Because these can come in conflict with the Steam app, you'll probably need to temporarily turn off your antivirus software and Windows Defender.
The manifest unavailable error arises when the Steam client can’t access the manifest, which is a file listing.
It is similar to a missing content manifest error that some users have posted about on the Steam forum.
Players can’t download or update Steam games when those manifest errors arise. There are, however, a few potential fixes for those manifest issues.
What does Manifest Unavailable exactly mean on Steam?
As mentioned before, the Manifest Unavailable Steam network error appears when trying to download or update related games and you can face it through two messages, as follows:
- Manifest unavailable
- Missing content manifest
In most cases, the problem is directly related to a connection issue somewhere between you and your chosen download server.
However, you should know that antivirus software can have a serious impact when it comes to the manifest unavailable error.
Some of them can be a bit too protective, so will block certain activities on Steam because they might see the app as a threat.
How can I fix the Manifest Unavailable Steam error?
- Reset Internet Settings
- Change the Download Region
- Turn Off Antivirus Software
- Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall
1. Reset Internet Settings
- Players have confirmed that resetting net settings with flushconfig and flushdns fixed today error. To do that, you should first open the Windows run dialog box, by using the following keyboard shortcut: Windows + R.
- Enter steam://flushconfig, then hit Enter.
- A Steam – Clear Download Cache dialog box will then open. Press the OK button on that dialog box window.
- Now open again the Windows run dialog box, by pressing simultaneously on Windows and R keys..
- Input cmd, then click on the OK button.
- Thereafter, in the Command Prompt window, enter the following command, then press on the Enter key:
ipconfig /flushdns. - Close Command Prompt.
- Restart Windows after closing the Prompt.
2. Change the Download Region
- Press on the Windows key, type Steam, then open the desktop client.
- In the opened window, click on Steam from the upper-left corner.
- Click on Settings.
- From the left window pane, select the Downloads tab, then select an alternative region on the Download Region drop-down menu.
- Restart the Steam software.
3. Turn off antivirus software
Manifest errors can be due to third-party antivirus software conflicting with Steam. So, turning antivirus software off might fix the Manifest unavailable error.
Users can usually select the Turn-off or Disable option on antivirus utilities’ system tray context menus. Right-click the antivirus utility’s system tray icon to select this kind of option.
Alternatively, users can add Steam to their antivirus utilities’ exceptions or exclusion lists. Then the software will exclude Steam from its scans.
So, look for an exception or exclusion list on the antivirus utility’s settings window and add Steam to it.
4. Turn off the Windows Defender firewall
- Hit the Windows key to open the Windows Search box, then type Firewall, and open the Windows Defender Firewall option.
- Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open the WDF settings shown directly below.
- Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons.
- Press the OK button.
What is a Steam manifest?
A manifest represents a file listing that includes the order of files and folders. The Steam app also got a manifest that is downloaded before downloading any files while updating or downloading games.
The manifest contains the order and the type of files needed for any game you wish to download.
In the first instances, the manifest is downloaded and through the manifest, other files are obtained through the app. In case the Steam client fails to access/find the manifest, it gets stuck; hence the error.
Plus, while being a new available update, Steam downloads a new manifest and compares the old one with it.
Similar to the previous case, the client fails to access the old or new manifest, it generates today’s annoying error or similar ones.
The Windows Defender Firewall can also conflict with Steam. So, turn off Windows Defender Firewall to ensure that’s not blocking Steam in any way. Users can turn off the WDF in Windows 10 as follows.
Those are a few of the confirmed fixes for “manifest unavailable” and “missing content manifest” errors. In addition to those resolutions, users can also try reinstalling Steam.
Note, however, that the manifest error can be due to Steam server outages.
In case you have any additional questions or curiosities, do not hesitate to use the comment section listed below.
