MW2 requires a continuous connection to Steam servers for player profile authentication. A brief disconnection for any reason results in a ‘Disconnected from Steam’ error.
Troubleshooting Prerequisites
Server Status: Verify if the Steam servers are operational. Note that the client may display the current error during Steam’s weekly server maintenance if you are playing at that time.Relaunch: Exit Steam via the system tray, close any running processes in Task Manager, and then launch it to check if it’s working.Re-login: Log out and then back into the Steam client to see if the issue is resolved.Restart: Check if rebooting the system and router resolves the issue.Administrator access: Run Steam and MW2 as an administrator to see if it resolves the problem.Network: Try using a different network type, or a VPN, to see if it resolves the problem.Move the Game to the System Drive: If the game is currently installed on a non-system drive, switch it to the system drive and confirm whether this resolves the issue.Move the Install Folder to the System Drive
Depending on the cause, you can fix the issue swiftly by running the game as an administrator or clearing its cache. For severe cases, consider relinking your platform accounts or uninstalling any conflicting applications.
1. Clear the cache for Modern Warfare 2 and Steam
If an invalid or incorrect entry exists in the MW2 game cache or Steam client, it may cause game disconnection. To resolve the issue, delete the cache of Modern Warfare 2 and Steam.
Clear the Steam Cache
Clear the Cache of MW2
2. Disable On-Demand Texture Streaming
On-Demand Texture Streaming (ODTS) streams high-quality textures throughout gameplay, reducing overall game size as it eliminates the need for a large texture pack. If Steam client’s loading process fails due to bandwidth issues, it might display ‘Disconnected from Steam’. To fix this, disable On-Demand Texture Streaming in the game settings.
3. Disable MWII DLC
Downloadable Content (DLC) enables players to download extra features, such as multiplayer map packs. If the MW2 DLC is consuming significant network bandwidth, it can cause a Steam disconnection during gameplay, leading to potential issues. To fix this, disable MWII DLC in the Steam client settings.
4. Enable Steam’s Low Bandwidth Mode
If your PC cannot fully utilize the network bandwidth, or if the bandwidth cannot meet the client’s requirements, it will throttle the bandwidth and cause the ‘Disconnected from Steam’ error. To fix this, activate Low Bandwidth Mode in the Steam client settings. This mode will restrict the client to use bandwidth only for essential services. You can also use 3rd party applications (such as NetLimiter) to limit the bandwidth.
5. Check the Power Management of the Network Card
If the network card’s power management feature puts the card to sleep during use, it can cause a disconnection, leading to a Steam disconnection issue. Check the network card’s power management to solve this.
6. Update MW2, Steam, BIOS and Drivers
If the MW2 game, Steam, system OS, BIOS, and drivers are outdated, they may be incompatible. Updating each component should resolve this issue.
Update the MW2 Game
Update the Steam Client
Update the System’s Drivers
Outdated network drivers, graphics drivers, and RGB (magic or majestic) light drivers are a few reported to trigger the issue.
7. Check the Integrity of the Game Files of MW2
If the MW2 essential game files become invalid, the game will crash, displaying a Steam disconnect message. To resolve this, verify the integrity of the MW2 game files.
8. Roll Back the Network Driver
If the latest network driver update isn’t suitable for your setup, it could cause minor network disconnections, potentially leading to Steam disconnection issues. Here, rolling back the network driver will solve the problem.
9. Relink Your Platform Accounts with Activision
If an authorization error causes your Steam client to disconnect from the servers, relinking your accounts with Activision can resolve the issue.
10. Check for Conflicting Apps and Devices
MW2 may disconnect from Steam due to an app conflict or if Steam is logged into multiple devices, as both situations can cause interference. Uninstalling conflicting apps and turning off other devices should solve the problem.
Uninstall Conflicting Apps
MSI Afterburner and iCue Corsair are known to cause issues with MW2. If you have these or similar applications, uninstalling them should resolve the problem. Additionally, clean boot your Windows PC can help identify problematic applications.
Power Off Other Steam Logged-in devices
If the issue persists, reinstall the MW2 game and Steam client. If this does not work, reset the PC to the defaults and verify if the problem is solved. If this does not work as well, contacting Steam or Activision Support will be the last option. If you have the Battle.net launcher, you can use it to play MW2, till the Steam issue is resolved.
