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How to Fix Steam Game That Won’t Stop Running on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Sometimes, Steam games continue running in the background on Windows 11 even after you close them. This can cause your computer to slow down and affect overall performance. Fixing this issue is usually straightforward and can be done with a few simple steps.

Understanding why a game won’t stop running helps you find the right solution faster. Often, the problem is related to Steam itself or Windows processes that haven’t closed properly.

Below, you’ll find easy-to-follow steps to fix this problem, starting with the simplest fixes and moving to more advanced ones if needed. Each step includes explanations so you know why it matters.

By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy smoother gaming on your Windows 11 PC.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start

  • Make sure your Windows 11 and Steam client are updated to the latest versions. Updates often fix bugs and improve stability.
  • Check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game you are playing.
  • Close any other unnecessary programs running in the background that may interfere with Steam or the game.
  • Have a stable internet connection; sometimes Steam processes hang due to network issues.

Step 1: Close the Game Properly Using Task Manager

Sometimes, the game may not close fully when you exit it normally. This can cause it to keep running in the background.

Here’s how to close it manually:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, look for the game’s name or any related processes.
  3. Select the process and click End Task.
  4. Also, look for Steam Client Bootstrapper or other Steam-related processes that may be stuck, and end those if necessary.

Ending the process ensures that Windows fully stops the game, freeing up system resources.

Step 2: Restart Steam Client

Sometimes Steam itself can get stuck managing the game process. Restarting Steam can reset its internal processes.

  1. Exit Steam completely by clicking Steam in the top-left corner and selecting Exit.
  2. Make sure Steam is not running in the background by checking Task Manager, and end any Steam processes if found.
  3. Launch Steam again from your desktop or Start menu.

Restarting Steam can clear temporary glitches that cause games to stay running.

Step 3: Disable Steam Overlay

The Steam Overlay feature can sometimes interfere with game shutdown.

To disable it:

  1. Open Steam and go to Library.
  2. Right-click your game and select Properties.
  3. In the General tab, uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
  4. Close the Properties window and try running and closing the game again.

Disabling the overlay reduces the chance of conflicts that keep the game process alive.

Step 4: Verify Game Files Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files can cause erratic behavior, including games not closing properly.

Follow these steps to check and fix game files:

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click the game and select Properties.
  3. Choose the Local Files tab.
  4. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
  5. Steam will scan and fix any issues. This may take a few minutes.

Fixing corrupted files can prevent the game from freezing or hanging in the background.

Step 5: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause games to malfunction.

To update your drivers:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.

Restart your PC after updating and check if the issue persists.

Step 6: Adjust Windows 11 Background Apps Settings

Windows 11 sometimes allows apps to run in the background, which might keep the game process active.

To change this setting:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
  3. Find your game or Steam in the list, click the three dots, and select Advanced options.
  4. Under Background apps permissions, choose Never.

This stops the game or Steam from running processes unnecessarily in the background.

Step 7: Run Steam and the Game as Administrator

Running programs as an administrator can solve permission-related issues that prevent proper closing.

To do this:

  1. Right-click the Steam shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check Run this program as an administrator.
  4. Click Apply, then OK.
  5. Repeat these steps for the game’s executable file if you have direct access to it.

Running as administrator can help Steam and games fully close their processes.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Kill Game Process

If Task Manager isn’t working or you prefer a command-line tool, you can use Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
tasklist | findstr /i "game_name"

Replace game_name with the exact or partial name of the game process.

  1. Once you identify the process name, type:
taskkill /IM game_name.exe /F

Replace game_name.exe with the actual process name you found earlier.

This forces Windows to terminate the game process immediately.

FAQs

Why does my Steam game keep running after I close it?

This usually happens due to background processes not shutting down properly, conflicts with Steam features like the overlay, or corrupted game files.

Is it safe to end the game process in Task Manager?

Yes, ending the process is safe and will close the game immediately. However, unsaved progress might be lost.

Will verifying game files delete my saved games?

No, verifying game files only checks and repairs the game installation. Your saved games are stored separately.

Can outdated drivers cause this problem?

Yes, outdated graphics or system drivers can lead to various game issues, including failure to close properly.

Does running Steam as administrator always fix the issue?

Not always, but it can resolve permission-related problems preventing the game or Steam from closing fully.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the issue, consider these final options:

  • Reinstall the Game: Uninstall and reinstall the game to fix deeper issues.
  • Reinstall Steam: Back up your game data and reinstall Steam to restore its core files.
  • Check Steam Support: Visit Steam Support for official guides and assistance.
  • Windows System Restore: Use System Restore to revert your PC to a previous state where the problem didn’t occur.

These steps should be used carefully, especially reinstalling software or system restores, as they can affect other settings or data.

Conclusion

Fixing a Steam game that won’t stop running on Windows 11 involves a series of simple troubleshooting steps. Starting with closing the game via Task Manager and restarting Steam often solves the problem quickly. Disabling Steam Overlay and verifying game files target common causes like software conflicts and corrupted data.

Updating drivers and adjusting background app permissions help address deeper system-related issues. Running Steam and games as an administrator can fix permission problems preventing proper shutdown.

When simpler solutions fail, command-line tools or reinstalling software may be necessary. Always remember to back up your data before performing advanced steps.

By following these detailed instructions, you can effectively resolve the issue and enjoy your Steam games without interruptions on Windows 11.

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