Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this issue, and the steps are easy to follow. We’ll go through five methods below, all of which have helped many users facing the same invalid platform error.
1. Ensure You Have a 64-Bit System
Steam requires a 64-bit operating system to function properly. If your Windows installation is 32-bit, you’ll need to upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows and reinstall Steam. Additionally, make sure your system runs at least Windows 7, as Steam no longer supports Windows XP or earlier versions.
2. Verify Integrity of Game Files and Restart Your Computer
Game files can sometimes become corrupted or missing, preventing the game from running or updating correctly. To resolve this, you need to verify the integrity of the game files. This process scans for any damaged or missing files, replaces them, and ensures the game runs smoothly again.
3. Unplug and Reconnect Your Hard Drive
If your game is installed on an external hard drive and you’re encountering this error, try opening a game that isn’t installed on the same drive. If that game works without issues, the problem might be related to your external drive. To resolve this, simply unplug your external hard drive, wait for a minute or two, and then plug it back in. After reconnecting the drive, close and restart Steam before attempting to update or launch the game again.
4. Reinstall the Game
If other games are updating without any issues and the error is specific to one particular game, uninstalling and reinstalling the game may resolve the problem. Before proceeding, ensure you back up or save any important data, such as screenshots or saved game files, to avoid losing them during the process.
5. Reinstall Steam
If the error persists, the issue may lie with the Steam application itself. In this case, you’ll need to uninstall and then reinstall Steam. However, uninstalling Steam through the Control Panel may also delete your installed games. To avoid losing your games, follow the steps below carefully.
If the error persists, you’ll need to reach out to Steam Support for further assistance. Provide them with details about the issue you’re experiencing, and their team will guide you through the necessary steps to resolve the error.
