Router issues will generally be encountered upon your initial installation of Steam, or in the event that the router's settings or firmware have been changed.

Dual-WAN routers are not compatible with Steam. There are also several routers and versions of router firmware which are not compatible with Steam - please see the Router and Router Firmware Issues topic for a list of unsupported router firmware.

If you are using a wireless connection to access Steam, you may encounter intermittent connection issues related to low signal strength - it is recommended that plug your machine into your wireless router to ensure the highest level of connectivity.

Run the Steam Connection Test

steam://support/?Issues=Connection*

Basic Router Troubleshooting

To determine whether your router may be causing issues with connectivity, please observe the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Close the Steam client application
2. Bypass your router by plugging your machine directly into the incoming line from your modem
3. Restart Steam
4. If you are able to connect to Steam after bypassing your router, it is highly recommended that you reconfigure your router to work with Steam (if the issue persists when you connect without a router, please see the Troubleshooting Network Connectivity topic)

Find Instructions to Configure your Router

There are many different router manufacturers - if you do not have the original instruction manual for working with your router, please check your router for the manufacturer name and the router's model number to find instructions on the manufacturer's website.

You will need to run a search for your router manufacturer's website to find instructions for configuring your router to work with Steam listed in the Troubleshooting Network Connectivity topic.