Issue:
When connected to the internet, Steam starts launching, displays "Logging in", moves to "Waiting for network", and then crashes/closes completely before reaching the main library.
Key Detail:
If I disconnect my PC from the internet entirely, Steam opens in Offline Mode without any issues. But as soon as I connect to a network and try logging in, it attempts the login sequence and then crashes.
Things I've already tried:
- Flushed DNS and reset Winsock (
ipconfig /flushdns,netsh winsock reset). - Rebuilt Steam web cache (
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Steam\htmlcache->htmlcache.old). - Tried launching on a completely different network / mobile hotspot (same crash occurs).
System Specs:
- OS: Windows 11
- Connection: Wi-Fi
Has anyone run into this specific login loop crash before? Is an in-place reinstall (steam.exe refresh) the only option left, or is there another non-destructive cache/network fix I missed? Thanks in advance!
Source: r/steamsupport · by /u/LEGEND_1717