Many Windows 11 users experience an issue when trying to follow a Steam Curator, receiving the error message “There Was a Problem Following This Steam Curator.” This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on curators to discover new games and recommendations.
This problem usually occurs due to connectivity issues, corrupted cache, or account-related glitches. Fortunately, fixing it is often straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills.
In this article, we will guide you through simple and effective steps to resolve this error. Each step is explained clearly so you can follow along easily, even if you are new to Steam or Windows 11.
Let’s get started and get you back to enjoying your Steam Curator recommendations without any interruptions.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your internet connection is stable. A poor connection can cause issues communicating with Steam servers.
- Check that Steam servers are online by visiting Steam Status. If servers are down, the problem may be temporary.
- Ensure your Steam client is fully updated, as older versions may have bugs causing the error.
- Verify you are logged into the correct Steam account that you want to use for following curators.
Step 1: Restart Steam and Your Computer
Sometimes, temporary issues can be resolved simply by restarting the Steam client and your computer. This clears any minor glitches or memory problems that may be affecting Steam’s functionality.
- Close Steam completely by clicking Steam in the top-left corner, then selecting Exit.
- Restart your computer to refresh all background processes and network settings.
- After rebooting, open Steam again and try following the curator.
This step often resolves many “there was a problem” errors by resetting the client environment.
Step 2: Clear Steam Web Browser Cache
Steam has a built-in web browser used for displaying curator pages. If its cache becomes corrupted, it can cause errors when following curators.
- Open your Steam client.
- Click on Steam in the top-left corner, then select Settings.
- In the Settings window, click on Web Browser from the left menu.
- Click the buttons Delete Web Browser Cache and Delete All Browser Cookies.
- Restart Steam and try following the curator again.
Clearing the cache removes outdated or corrupted data that can interfere with following curators.
Step 3: Verify Your Steam Account Permissions
Sometimes, restrictions on your account or privacy settings can prevent you from following curators. It’s important to check your profile and privacy options.
- Go to your Steam profile by clicking your username in the top-right corner and selecting Profile.
- Click Edit Profile and then navigate to Privacy Settings.
- Ensure that your profile and game details are set to Public or at least Friends Only.
- Save any changes and try following the curator again.
If your profile is set to private, Steam may restrict certain social interactions, including following curators.
Step 4: Disable Any VPN or Proxy
Using a VPN or proxy can sometimes trigger Steam’s security measures, causing errors when trying to follow curators.
- If you are connected to a VPN or proxy, disconnect it temporarily.
- Restart Steam and attempt to follow the curator again.
Steam prefers direct connections to its servers, so disabling VPNs or proxies can help resolve access issues.
Step 5: Reinstall Steam (Advanced Option)
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Steam can fix deeper client issues. This replaces corrupted files without affecting your installed games.
- Back up your SteamApps folder located by default in
C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamapps. This folder contains your game data. - Uninstall Steam via Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Download the latest Steam installer from the official website: https://store.steampowered.com/about/.
- Run the installer and follow prompts to reinstall Steam.
- Copy your backed-up SteamApps folder back into the new Steam installation folder.
- Launch Steam, log in, and try following the curator again.
This method ensures you have a fresh Steam client without losing your installed games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does the “There Was a Problem Following This Steam Curator” error appear?
The error usually happens due to connectivity problems, corrupted cache, privacy settings, or client glitches preventing Steam from processing your follow request properly.
Can I fix this error without reinstalling Steam?
Yes, most users resolve the issue by restarting Steam, clearing browser cache, or adjusting privacy settings. Reinstalling Steam is a last resort.
Does using a VPN cause this error?
Sometimes, yes. VPNs can interfere with Steam’s connection or trigger security blocks, so disabling them during this process is recommended.
Will uninstalling Steam delete my games?
Uninstalling Steam removes the client but not your game files if you back up the SteamApps folder beforehand. Restoring this folder keeps your games intact.
What if Steam servers are down?
If Steam servers are offline, you cannot follow curators until they are back up. Check Steam Status for updates.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still see the error, consider the following options:
- Contact Steam Support directly via https://help.steampowered.com for personalized assistance.
- Review community forums such as the Steam Community Discussions for similar issues and solutions.
- Wait for a few hours and try again, as the problem could be on Steam’s end and may resolve automatically.
Conclusion
The “There Was a Problem Following This Steam Curator” error on Windows 11 is usually caused by minor client or connectivity issues. By following the simple steps outlined above—from restarting Steam to clearing the browser cache and checking privacy settings—you can often fix the problem quickly.
If needed, advanced steps like disabling VPNs or reinstalling Steam offer a deeper fix. Always ensure your internet connection is stable and Steam servers are operational before troubleshooting.
By understanding why the error occurs and methodically applying these solutions, you can enjoy following Steam Curators again without hassle.