How To Fix Steam Extracting Package Error or Update Is Stuck
Are you having trouble updating Steam from time to time? If you are getting the Extracting Package error on Steam or if update appears stuck forever, don’t worry. There are a number of fixes that you can do to address these situations. Follow our instructions in this guide and you should be back gaming in no time.
Solutions to Steam extracting package error or when update is stuck
There are 4 possible solutions that you can try to solve Steam extracting package error. Learn what you need to do below.
Fix #1: Refresh the “package” folder
During some downloads, Steam may get stuck or may show the extracting package error due to a corrupt package folder. Instances of these errors usually happen during an installation or when Steam is restarting. In order to fix the problem, you’ll need to delete the corrupt Steam “package” folder.
Fix #2: Disable internet connection
The second possible solution that you can try in this situation is to refresh your internet connection. We know that many gamers have found this solution helpful in solving this issue so be sure to try this simple fix.
Basically, what you want to do is to turn off your internet network temporarily. After a few moments, you can turn the connection back on and check Steam again.
You must disconnect your router and other networking equipment between the router and your PC from the power outlet. Wait for a few seconds before turning on your networking equipment.
Then, once your internet is up, you can open Steam client again and see if the problem returns.
Fix #3: Run Steam with Administrative privileges
If you get the extracting package error during an update, the most likely reason is that Steam needs elevated access or administrative privileges. Lack of elevated access may restrict Steam from installing something like an update or a new game. To fix this problem, you must run Steam with Administrative privileges. Follow the steps in this post on how to do this.
Fix #4: Modify Host File to change content server of Steam
The final solution that you can try is drastic and is seldom recommended unless all the three solutions above have failed. Sometimes, internal steam server contents may change so manually updating the host file may be necessary. The steps below will show you how to access your Windows host file and edit it to reflect Steam’s content server.
- Open Notepad.
Press the WIN + S buttons and type in “notepad.”
- Run Notepad as administrator.
Right click on Notepad and select Run as administrator.
- Click File tab.
When your notepad is opened, click the File tab located on the upper left.
- Open Host File.
Click ‘Open’ and browse to the file location C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. If you aren’t seeing the host file, please make sure that you have “All files” selected from the bottom right drop down box. Then, double click on hosts to open it.
- Edit Host File.
Copy the text written below and paste it at the end of the file:
68.142.122.70 cdn.steampowered.com
208.111.128.6 cdn.store.steampowered.com
208.111.128.7 media.steampowered.com
- Save Host File changes.
Go to File tab and select Save or press CTRL + S.
- Open Run utility tool.
Press the WIN + R buttons.
- Refresh your PC’s DNS.
Type ipconfig /flushdns in the search box and press enter. This should refresh the DNS in your PC and hopefully fix the error.
Suggested readings:
- How To Make Steam Run With Administrative Privileges
- How To Delete Corrupt Steam “Package” Folder
- How To Fix Steam “Game Is Running” Error
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