How to Fix An Error Occurred While Launching This Game: No Licenses Issues

Experiencing the frustrating “An error occurred while launching this game: No licenses” message on Steam can be a major setback for gamers. This issue often arises when trying to launch a game that was legally purchased through the platform, leaving many players puzzled and annoyed. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to try and resolve this error quickly and efficiently. Below, we will discuss various methods to troubleshoot and fix the “No licenses” issue when launching games on Steam.

Understanding the Issue

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what might trigger the “No licenses” error. This message generally indicates that Steam is unable to verify your ownership of the game. It can occur due to various reasons, including problems with the Steam client, corrupted game files, or account-related issues. Thankfully, many users have reported successful resolutions by following specific methods.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Restart Steam and Your PC

One of the simplest yet most effective solutions is to restart your Steam client and your PC. Sometimes, temporary glitches may cause the licensing error. Here’s how to do it:

Close the Steam client completely. Ensure that it is not running in the background.
Restart your computer to refresh system processes.
Launch Steam again and try to start the game.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

A poor or unstable internet connection might interfere with Steam’s ability to verify your game license. To ensure that your connection is stable:

Test your internet speed.
Restart your modem/router if needed.
Try switching to a wired connection if you’re using Wi-Fi.

3. Verify Game Files

Corrupted game files can lead to launching issues. Thankfully, Steam provides a built-in mechanism to verify and repair game files:

Open Steam and navigate to your Library.
Right-click on the game that is giving you the error and select “Properties.”
Go to the “Local Files” tab and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
Wait for the process to complete, then try launching the game again.

4. Clear Steam Cache

Clearing the download cache can also fix various issues related to the Steam client, including the license error:

In the Steam client, click on “Steam” in the top left corner and select “Settings.”
Navigate to the “Downloads” tab and choose “Clear Download Cache.”
You will need to log back in, but this will reset the cache and may solve the launching problem.

5. Enable Beta Participation

Sometimes, switching to a beta version of Steam can resolve lingering issues. Here’s how to enable beta participation:

In the Steam client, click on “Steam” and select “Settings.”
Go to the “Account” tab and then click “Change” under the Beta participation option.
Select “Steam Beta Update” from the drop-down menu and confirm your selection.
Restart Steam and see if the error persists.

6. Uninstall and Reinstall the Game

If all else fails, you may consider reinstalling the problematic game. This may clear up any underlying issues:

In the Steam Library, right-click on the game and select “Uninstall.”
After the uninstallation, restart your computer.
Reinstall the game from your library and check if the problem is resolved.

7. Contact Steam Support

If you have tried all the methods above and the issue still persists, it might be time to reach out to Steam Support. Provide them with detailed information about your issue, including any steps you have already taken. They may be able to offer further assistance or insights into account-specific problems.

Conclusion

Facing the “An error occurred while launching this game: No licenses” error can be exasperating. However, with these practical solutions at your disposal, you can significantly improve your chances of resolving the issue swiftly. Remember to start with the simplest steps and work your way through the list. If you consistently encounter problems even after troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to seek help from Steam Support. Enjoy your gaming without interruption!