Steam users encountering error code E87 while attempting to sign into their accounts can resolve the issue by following a series of troubleshooting steps designed to address potential system, client, account, and connectivity problems.
The error code E87 indicates a problem signing into a Steam account, and to fix this, users are advised to follow a set of troubleshooting steps in order, testing their login after each step until the issue is resolved. The first step involves checking if Steam servers are experiencing downtime by visiting sites such as Steamstat.us, IsSteamDown.com, or Downdetector. If an outage is reported, users are recommended to wait for it to be resolved before attempting to log in again.
To continue troubleshooting, users can start by power-cycling their router. This involves unplugging the router, disconnecting all cables, waiting 2-3 minutes, plugging it back in, and allowing it to fully boot before reconnecting devices and attempting to log in to Steam again. The next step is to force-close Steam and relaunch it. On Windows, this is achieved by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open Task Manager, ending the Steam.exe process, and then relaunching Steam. On Mac, users can press Option + Command + Esc, force-quit Steam, and then relaunch it.
Running Steam as an administrator on Windows is another recommended step. To do this, users should close Steam, search for it in the Start menu, right-click the icon, and select “Run as administrator.” Repairing the Steam installation is also suggested. On Windows, this involves right-clicking Steam in the Start menu, selecting “Open file location,” copying the Target path from Properties, opening Run (Win + R), pasting the path, adding “/repair” at the end, and pressing OK. On Mac, users are advised to uninstall and reinstall Steam from the official site.
If the repair process fails, users are recommended to uninstall Steam completely and then download and reinstall the latest version from store.steampowered.com/about, following the on-screen prompts. Resetting the Steam password is another potential solution. On the login page, users should click “Help, I can’t sign in” > “I forgot my Steam Account name or password,” complete the captcha, and follow the email reset link.
Once logged in, if possible, users can try toggling Steam Guard. This involves going to Account Details > Manage Steam Guard, turning it off if enabled or on if disabled, and then attempting to log in again. While in Steam Guard settings, deauthorizing all devices by selecting “Deauthorize all other devices” (or a similar option) is also recommended. Verifying that the computer’s date and time are correct is another step. On Windows, this is done by going to Settings > Date & Time and enabling “Set time automatically.” On Mac, users should go to System Settings > General > Date & Time and enable automatic settings.
Creating a NoReact login shortcut on Windows is another potential fix. This involves right-clicking the Steam desktop shortcut, selecting Properties, adding “-login -noreactlogin” to the end of the Target field, clicking Apply, and then launching Steam from this shortcut. Flushing Steam core files is also suggested. On Windows, users can press Win + R, type “steam://flushconfig,” and press OK. On Mac, opening Safari, entering “steam://flushconfig” in the address bar, and pressing Enter achieves the same result.
Clearing temporary files is another recommended step. On Windows, users can press Win + R, type “%temp%” and delete all files; they should repeat this process with “temp.” On Mac, in Finder > Go > Go to Folder, entering “~/Library/Caches/” and deleting Steam-related files is the recommended approach. Adding Steam to firewall exceptions is also advised, particularly on Windows, by allowing Steam.exe for both Private and Public networks in Windows Defender Firewall.
Users are also encouraged to test their connection without a VPN if they are using one, or to try enabling a VPN if they are not, to bypass any regional blocks. If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contacting Steam support at help.steampowered.com or calling 425-889-9642 and providing details of the steps taken is the final recommended step.
As a pro tip, starting with server status checks and basic restarts is recommended, as these steps resolve E87 for most users without the need for more advanced fixes. Once the error is fixed, users are advised to log in fully and launch a game to confirm that everything works smoothly. Enabling automatic Steam updates in Settings > Interface can help avoid future client issues.
For ongoing stability, regularly clearing temporary files and checking firewall rules monthly is suggested. Enabling two-factor authentication permanently is also recommended for better account security. Additionally, backing up game saves via Steam Cloud where available can protect user progress.
