Steam is an online platform that is free to download on your computer. Digital versions of PC games can be downloaded and installed conveniently on your computer, although some games are not free and should be bought. Although Steam is an stable platform, there are instances where issues can occur such as getting an error 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ when users tries to load Steam store on the application. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series, we will talk about the recommended solutions on how you can fix Steam error 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ issue on Windows 10.

Fix Steam Error code 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ on Steam

Error code 503 is an HTTP error, this basically means that issue is caused by the steam servers and not within your computer. There are several factors that can cause Error 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ ranging from issues with the internet connection, issues with steams servers to issues with proxy servers. If you are getting Error 503 ‘service unavailable’ message on Steam, try the following solutions below to fix it.

But before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

Solution 1: Disable Proxy Servers

Technically, Proxy servers are used to provide a more faster internet connection. However, in most cases for some networks it can cause access issues on Steam application to its servers. To fix this, you may need to disable Proxy servers.

To do this:

After proxy servers are disabled, launch Steam application and then check if 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ error message on Steam still occurs.

Solution 2: Check Internet Connection

Make sure you are connected to a strong and reliable internet connection. An unstable and bad internet connection can cause issue with Steam servers such as Error message 503 ‘Service Unavailable’.

There are two separate ways to do this:

1. Connect another working device to your connection to confirm if the device is having issues with your connection or not.
2. Power cycle router: There are instances where router can have issues and errors, therefore power cycling the router refreshes and restores its configurations allowing a more stable transmission of the network.

• Power OFF router and computer
• Disconnect power cable from router and computer.
• Press and hold power ON button on router for about 5 seconds.
• Press and hold power ON button on computer for about 5 seconds
• After about 3 minutes, reconnect power cable to router and computer.
• Power ON router and computer
• Launch Steam application and then check if 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ error message on Steam still occurs.

Solution 3: Run steam flushconfig

A function command that refreshes Steam’s files and resets its configurations bringing it back to its default settings but does not affects the steam account and its games.

To do this:

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the RUN dialog box.
2. At RUN dialog box, type “steam://flushconfig” and press Enter or click OK,
3. A pop up window appears, click OK to confirm action.
4. Restart Steam then log in to your steam account again.

Launch Steam application and then check if 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ error on Steam still occurs.

Solution 4: Reinstall Steam

If none of the above mentioned solutions did not fix Error 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ on Steam, try uninstalling and reinstalling steam and see if the issue will be fixed. A corrupt Steam application can cause errors and issues.

To do this:

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box.
2. At RUN dialog box, type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter or click OK. This will open Programs and Features section.
3. Inside Programs and features, scroll down and locate Steam app
4. Right click on Steam and click Uninstall from the drop down menu. A prompt message appears, click Uninstall to confirm. Wait for the uninstall process to complete.
5. Restart computer.
6. Go to steam website from here
7. Click Install steam to download the latest version.

After following the solutions mentioned, you will successfully fix Error 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ on Steam

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Also read:

• How To Fix Steam Workshop Not Downloading Mods On Windows 10
• How To Fix Steam Content Servers Unreachable Error