How to Fix the 'New Steam Library Must be Writable' Error
Some Steam users may run into a strange error stating that 'New Steam Library Must be Writable' whenever they try to create a new library. Another variation of the message might be 'New Steam library folder must be writable.'
This error is a common issue that Steam users encounter when attempting to install or update a game. There are several possible reasons for this error, such as game files being located in a read-only Steam folder at C:/Program Files/steam/steamapps/common, due to personal user settings. A problematic game option, the download cache, or an executable file not set up correctly may also cause the issue. It's essential to check all these possible reasons and troubleshoot accordingly. To fix the issue, try the following solutions:
Table of Contents
Check the Steam Library Properties
- Navigate to the Steamapps folder.
- Right-click it and select Properties from the available options.
- In the General tab, clear the Read-only option box.
- Click OK to save any changes.
Clear the Download Cache
Sometimes corrupted files or data could cause the error to appear. If this is the case, deleting the download cache should be able to fix it.
- Start Steam.
- Click the Steam menu and select Settings.
- Select Downloads tab from the left pane.
- Click the CLEAR DOWNLOAD CACHE button.
Repair the Steam Library
- Start Steam.
- Go to the Steam menu and select Settings.
- Go to Downloads again and click the STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS button.
- Find the folder that is causing the error and right-click it.
- Select Repair Library Folder.
Check the Hard Drive For Problems
Issues with the hard drive could also cause the 'New Steam Library Must be Writable' error. In this case, running a hard drive scan could help.
- Type cmd in the search field on the taskbar and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt window.
- Type chkdsk C: /f and press Enter to execute the command. Remember to replace C with the letter corresponding to the drive you wish to check.
- Wait for the process to complete and hopefully fix any detected errors.