8 Quick & Easy Ways to Fix the "No Licenses" Error in Steam

Learn how to fix this error so you can get back to gaming

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: May 26, 2025 Fact Checked

Are you getting the "No Licenses" error in Steam? A license is a file that lets Steam know you've legally acquired the game you're trying to play, so it's very frustrating when Steam can't seem to find that license. In this article we go over 8 ways to fix this issue to get you back in the game. Keep reading to learn more.

Getting Around the Steam "No Licenses" Error

The Steam "No Licenses" error occurs when Steam can't find the license for the game you're trying to play. The best way to fix this issue is to verify your game files, though you may also need to clear your Steam download cache or disable your antivirus, firewall, or VPN.

1

Verify Game Files

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Verify your game's files to make sure the license was downloaded correctly. If your game files are corrupt, there's a chance Steam won't be able to read the license, and may throw the "No Licenses" error.
- To do this, right-click on your game and click Properties….
- Then, click Installed Files on the left-hand side.
- Click Verify integrity of game files. This may take a while. Make sure to leave Steam open while it verifies your game files. Ensure you have a steady internet connection while Steam verifies the files, or you might end up with more corrupted files.

2

Clear the Steam Cache

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The Steam download cache can cause issues with starting games. This is because old, corrupt, or stale data in the cache is unreadable, and may cause steam to throw errors. Clearing the cache won't get rid of any of your downloads.
- To do this, click Steam in the upper-left corner of the Steam window. Then, click Settings.
  - On a Mac, click Steam in the menu bar at the top of the screen, then select Preferences.
- Click Downloads in the left-hand sidebar.
- Scroll down and click Clear Cache next to "Clear Download Cache."

3

Check Your Internet Connection

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If you're on Wi-Fi, your computer may not have a great connection to the internet. This can cause issues with starting certain games in Steam. Make sure your internet connection is strong, and switch to a wired connection if you're able to.

4

Enable Steam Beta Mode

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Switch to the beta version of Steam to bypass errors. If the "No Licenses" error is due to a Steam bug, you might be able to bypass it by enabling Steam's beta mode. Steam allows users to test the latest Steam client update before it's officially pushed out. As such, any bug fixes that resolve the "No Licenses" error might be fixed in the beta version of the update before it gets released.
- To do this, click Steam in the upper-left corner of the Steam window. Then, click Settings.
  - On a Mac, go to Steam > Preferences in the menu bar at the top of the screen instead.
- Click Interface in the left-hand sidebar.
- Click the dropdown next to "Client Beta Participation."
- Choose Steam Beta Update.

5

Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall

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Try disabling your antivirus or firewall to bypass game restrictions. While it's rare, it's possible that your antivirus or firewall may be the culprit if you're getting the "No Licenses" error when starting a game for the very first time. As such, you can try disabling your antivirus or firewall temporarily when you start up the game.^{[1]
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Research source} Note: don't leave your firewall and/or antivirus off for very long, as this leaves you vulnerable to hackers, viruses, and cyberattacks. Turn it off to start the game, then turn it back on right away.
- To disable Windows Defender, type "windows defender" into the taskbar search bar and choose "Windows Defender Firewall." Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off in the sidebar to disable your firewall.
  - You'll need to turn your firewall back on after the game starts.
- To disable Windows Security, type "windows security" into your taskbar search bar and click "Windows Security." Click Virus & threat protection, then Manage settings under "Virus & threat protection settings." Toggle off "Real-time protection."
  - This setting will turn itself back on after a little while, but you should toggle it back on as soon as your game starts.
- To disable your firewall on a Mac, go to
  Apple menu > System Settings > Network > Firewall. Toggle off your firewall completely, or click Options to adjust the settings for specific apps. For example, use the dropdown menu next to Steam in the list to select Allow incoming connections if it’s not already enabled.^{[2]
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- To disable a third-party antivirus or firewall, you'll need to open the program for it and disable it there. Each program will have slightly different settings.

6

Disable VPN

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This is because VPNs configure your network, and this can cause issues if it's not configured in a way that your Steam game understands. To fix this, open your VPN client and disable it. Each VPN will be slightly different, with different settings and toggles. However, there should be an easy-to-locate button or toggle to disable your VPN on the first page of the client.^{[3]
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Research source}

7

Contact Steam/Game Support

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Submit a support ticket for one-on-one support. If nothing works, you may want to contact Steam Support for more help. If Steam Support isn't an option for the game you've chosen, Steam will provide you with a link to the developer's support page.
- To do this, click Help at the top of the Steam window (or in the menu bar at the top of the screen on a Mac), then click Steam Support.
- Click Games, Software, etc., then choose the game you're having trouble with.
- Click Gameplay or technical issue > The game doesn't start when I try to launch it.
- Click Contact Steam Support. If Steam Support isn't an option for the game you've chosen, click Contact Game Support.

8

Wait for an Update

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Sometimes, the "No Licenses" error is due to a bug in the game you're trying to play. If nothing else works, you may need to wait for the game to update. You can always report the error as a bug by going to the game's website and filling out their bug submission form.