It is very frustrating to sit down for a gaming session only to see a popup saying “an error occurred while launching this game (no licenses)” on Steam. This error usually means Steam cannot verify that you own the game, even if you just bought it or it is a free-to-play title.
The good news is that your game files are usually fine. This is almost always a software glitch or a sync issue. Here is a simple guide to getting your game running again.
Why Does This Error Happen?
Before we jump into the fix, here are the common reasons why Steam loses track of your license:
- Server Lag: Steam servers might be slow to update after a purchase.
- Login Issues: Your local login data is old or “stale.”
- Beta Software: You are using a test version of Steam that has bugs.
- Cache Problems: The temporary files Steam stores on your computer are corrupted.
How to Fix An Error Occurred While Launching This Game No Licenses Steam Fix
Try these steps in order. Most players find that the first two methods solve the problem immediately.
1. Restart Steam Completely
Don’t just click the ‘X’ at the top of the window. You need to shut it down fully.
- Click on Steam in the top left corner.
- Select Exit.
- Wait 30 seconds, then open Steam again and log in.
2. Log Out and Log Back In
This forces Steam to refresh your entire game library and check your licenses again.
- Click your Profile Name in the top right.
- Choose Log out of account.
- Type in your password and log back in. This is the most successful an error occurred while launching this game no licenses Steam Fix.
3. Clear the Download Cache
Sometimes Steam gets “clogged” with old data. Clearing the cache forces it to look at your account with fresh eyes.
- Go to Settings in Steam.
- Click the Downloads tab.
- Find the button that says Clear Download Cache.
- Steam will restart, and you will need to log in again.
4. Opt-Out of Steam Beta
If you are part of the Steam Beta program, you might be experiencing a bug that isn’t in the main version.
- Go to Settings > Interface.
- Look for Client Beta Participation.
- Change it to No beta chosen.
- Restart Steam.
Still Having Trouble?
If none of the above worked, the issue might be with the game files themselves. You can try to Verify Integrity of Game Files by right-clicking the game in your library, selecting Properties, then Installed Files.
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Fix An Error Occurred While Launching This Game No Licenses Steam
The an error occurred while launching this game without licenses Steam Fix is usually a quick fix that takes less than five minutes. By refreshing your login or clearing your cache, you tell Steam to double-check its records, which usually fixes the “missing license” bug.

