Many Steam users are experiencing the Missing/Unavailable Content Manifest Error while trying to download or update the Steam games installed on their PCs. A manifest is a file listing that includes the order of files & folders in the system. Steam manifest gets downloaded before downloading any files while updating or downloading games. To recall, the game files come in multiple parts.

The manifest contains the order and the type of files required for any game to download or update properly. Once the manifest gets downloaded, Steam fetches other game files and completes them all into one. Therefore, if Steam gets failed to access or locate the manifest, it basically gets stuck, and the particular error appears to the Steam users.

Steam downloads a new manifest and compares it with the older one before updating it. There can be several reasons behind such an error, like issues with the server region on Steam, issues with the Steam download cache or IP configuration on your PC, issues with your antivirus program, issues with VPN and proxy servers, issues with Steam files, and more.

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If you’re also one of the victims to receive the same, you can follow this troubleshooting guide to fix it.

Fix: Missing/Unavailable Content Manifest Error | Steam 2023

We’ve shared a couple of possible solutions that should work for you. Follow them one by one until the problem gets solved. Now, without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Change Download Region

This is one of the common reasons behind the content manifest error and multiple reports are coming out that changing the download region can easily fix the issue. The chances are high enough that some of the servers including your region server have some issues or overload. In that scenario, you should try changing the server region on Steam. To do so:

  • Open the Steam client > Click on Steam from the top-right corner of the interface.
  • Next, go to Settings > Select Downloads.
  • Head over to Download Region > Here you’ll need to select another region except your current one.
  • Once selected, make sure to close the Steam client and reopen it to apply changes.
  • You can now try downloading or updating Steam games.

2. Flush DNS

Sometimes the internet settings and the IP configuration may have issues with the cache or temporary glitches on the Windows system. Therefore, clearing the DNS cache may help you a lot. To do that:

  • Press the Windows key to open up the Start menu.
  • Now, type cmd and right-click on Command Prompt.
  • If prompted by UAC, click on Yes to allow the admin privilege.
  • Then type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:

ipconfig /flushdns

  • Restart your PC to refresh the system, and try rerunning Steam to check for the issue.

3. Flush Steam Download Cache

Similarly, flushing the Steam download cache can easily resolve the temporary glitch or cache data issue from the Steam client. Sometimes the cache data becomes older enough to trigger multiple issues whatsoever. To do this:

  • Open Steam > Click on the Steam tab from the top-left corner of the screen.
  • Now, click on Settings > Go to the Downloads section.
  • Click on Clear Download Cache > If prompted, click OK to confirm the action.
  • Finally, click on OK to save changes > Make sure to restart Steam and check whether the Missing or Unavailable Content Manifest Error has been fixed.

4. Check Your Antivirus Program

Even your antivirus program or firewall software may conflict with Steam because it prevents tasks and other background processes up to some extent. So, it’ll be better to check your antivirus program thoroughly. To do that:

  • Click on the Start menu > Type Control Panel and click on it.
  • Now, type firewall in the search box > Click on Windows Firewall.
  • From the left pane, click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
  • Select Turn off Windows Firewall for the Private and Public Network Settings.
  • Finally, reboot the PC to apply changes and try checking the issue.

5. Disable VPN or Proxy Servers

Sometimes a VPN service or a proxy server configuration may cause several issues with the online connectivity of fetching to servers. It’s always recommended to disable VPN or Proxy servers before rerunning the Steam launcher. Additionally, try clearing VPN or proxy server-related tasks from the Task Manager.

Once done, check for the Missing Content Manifest Error in Steam.

6. Refresh Steam Files

If the error still persists at this stage, we have no choice but to refresh the Steam files. Refreshing Steam files will reinstall Steam on your computer again. We will delete some configuration folders to ensure that they get renewed upon installation and all the bad files get removed.

Please note that any interruption during the copy process will corrupt the files and you will have to re-download the entire content over again. Only proceed with this solution if you are sure that your computer won’t be interrupted.

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  • Head over to the Steam directory on your PC. The default location should be C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam. However, go there if you’ve installed Steam in a different location.
  • Now, locate these three items: Userdata folder, Steam.exe application, and Steamapps folder.
  • So, you’ll need to search for the specific error or problem on Steam, and delete only one item which is necessary.
  • However, if the game is still troubling you, make sure to delete all three items and restart your computer.
  • Try launching the Steam client again and check for the issue.

That’s it, guys. We hope this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, let us know in the comment below.