How to Resolve ‘An Error Occurred When Launching This Game: No Licenses’ Issue
Encountering game launch errors can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re eager to dive into your favorite titles. One of the most common issues reported by players is the error message “An error occurred when launching this game: No licenses.” This can happen for various reasons, and while it may seem daunting, there are several steps you can take to resolve the problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through troubleshooting methods to help you get back to gaming without delay.
Understanding the ‘No Licenses’ Error
Before we dive into solutions, it’s essential to understand what this error means. This issue primarily arises when Steam cannot verify your ownership of the game. This could be due to several factors, such as technical glitches, corrupted files, or issues with your Steam account. The following steps will guide you through resolving this error effectively.
Step 1: Restart Steam and Your Computer
Sometimes, the simplest solution can be the most effective. Restarting Steam can refresh its connection to the server and may resolve temporary issues. If that doesn’t work, try rebooting your computer. This helps clear cache and terminate background processes that could interfere with the Steam client.
Step 2: Check Your Internet Connection
A stable and reliable internet connection is vital for Steam to verify your game licenses. Ensure that your internet is functioning well:
- Run a speed test to confirm your connection speed.
- If you’re using Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection for better stability.
- Test your internet on other devices to confirm that the issue is isolated to your gaming rig.
Step 3: Verify Game Files
Steam provides an in-built tool to verify the integrity of game files. This feature can help identify any corrupted or missing files that might be causing the error.
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click on the game giving you the error.
- Select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Local Files” tab.
- Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
Allow Steam to complete the verification process. If any files are found to be corrupted or missing, Steam will automatically replace them.
Step 4: Clear Steam Cache
Accumulated cache can sometimes lead to issues with the Steam client, including the ‘no licenses’ error. Here’s how to clear it:
- Open Steam and click on “Steam” in the top-left corner.
- Navigate to “Settings.”
- Click on “Downloads.”
- Click on “Clear Download Cache.”
After completing this step, relaunch Steam and attempt to start your game again.
Step 5: Update Steam and Your Game
Outdated software can also trigger errors. Ensure that both your Steam client and the game you’re trying to launch are updated:
- To update Steam, it generally updates automatically, but you can check for updates under the “Steam” menu.
- For game updates, right-click on the game in your library and select “Properties.” Check the “Updates” tab to see if automatic updates are enabled.
Step 6: Reinstall the Game
If you are still encountering the error after trying the above methods, consider reinstalling the game. This process may take some time, but it can fix many underlying issues related to corrupted files and settings.
- Right-click on the game in your library.
- Select “Uninstall.”
- Once uninstalled, go to the Store page and reinstall the game.
Step 7: Check for Account Issues
If none of the aforementioned solutions resolves the error, the issue could be related to your Steam account. Check the following:
- Ensure you are logged in with the correct account that purchased the game.
- Check for any restrictions on your account or the game itself.
- If you suspect any issues, consider contacting Steam Support directly for assistance.
Conclusion
Encountering the “An error occurred when launching this game: No licenses” error can be frustrating, but with patience and careful troubleshooting, you can usually resolve the issue. Start with the simpler steps and gradually move to more involved methods. Always ensure that your software is updated and that your account is configured correctly. Happy gaming, and may you enjoy uninterrupted playtime!