Steam error code E87 blocks account sign-in. Learn what it means and fix credentials, service outages, client data and network authentication.
Steam error code E87 is a Steam account sign-in failure: the client could not complete authentication, usually because of a temporary service problem, stale client data, incorrect account credentials, repeated login attempts or a blocked network request. Restart Steam, verify the account, check service status, then isolate the client and network.
What does Steam error code E87 mean?
E87 normally appears with the message “Something went wrong while attempting to sign you in. Please try again later.” It is a general Steam authentication error, not an FSX, Microsoft Flight Simulator or Train Simulator error.
The code does not identify one precise cause, and by itself it is not evidence of an account ban. It means Steam could not validate the login request. A mistake we see constantly is deleting simulator files even though authentication failed before the game started.
How do you fix Steam error E87?
- Check for a Steam outage. Do this before changing files or passwords. Follow our steps for checking whether Steam is down; if authentication services are unavailable, local repairs will not help.
- Stop repeated login attempts. Repeated failures can trigger temporary rate limiting. Close Steam completely, leave it alone for a while, then try once with carefully entered credentials. Steam does not publish one universal lockout period.
- End every Steam process. Exit the client, use Task Manager or the equivalent process utility to close any remaining Steam processes, and restart the computer. Launch Steam directly rather than through a simulator shortcut.
- Check the account name and password. Use the permanent Steam account name, not the changeable community profile name. Passwords are case-sensitive, and copied credentials can contain an unnoticed space. Use Steam’s account-recovery process if there is any doubt rather than guessing repeatedly.
- Try QR authentication. If the Steam mobile app is already authenticated, signing in with Steam’s QR code can bypass a mistyped account name or password. It will not bypass a locked, compromised or restricted account.
- Correct the computer clock. Enable automatic date, time and time-zone settings, synchronise the clock, then restart Steam. Authentication tokens can be rejected when the system time is substantially wrong.
- Remove network interference. Disconnect any VPN or proxy, restart the router and allow Steam through the firewall without disabling security software permanently. Test a different connection, such as a mobile hotspot. If that works, continue with our Steam connection troubleshooting for the original network.
- Reset local Steam configuration. If Steam Settings is accessible, use
Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache. On Windows, another option is to exit Steam and runsteam://flushconfigfrom the Run dialogue. Both can sign you out or reset local preferences, so have the correct credentials and Steam Guard method ready. - Repair the Steam client. Install the latest client over the existing installation first. Use a clean reinstall only after preserving game libraries, local saves and simulator add-ons.
Why does Steam error E87 keep returning?
Recurring E87 errors can usually be narrowed down by testing the same account through another sign-in method or network. Choose the next fix from the result rather than changing DNS settings, forwarding ports or reinstalling games at random.
| Test result | Likely problem | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Steam services are reporting login trouble | Service-side outage | Wait and avoid repeated attempts |
| Mobile or browser sign-in works, but the desktop client fails | Stale or damaged client configuration | Clear the cache, flush the configuration or repair Steam |
| Sign-in works through a hotspot only | VPN, router, DNS or network filtering | Remove the filter and troubleshoot the normal connection |
| Every sign-in method rejects the same account | Credentials, account protection or temporary rate limiting | Stop retrying and use account recovery |
If an unexpected Steam Guard prompt appears, the registered email address has changed or a password reset does not arrive, treat the account as potentially compromised. Secure the associated email account and use Steam’s official recovery process; never share a password, QR approval or recovery code.
Once Steam signs in normally, an error affecting only one game is a separate problem. For example, an FSX message claiming the client is closed needs the specific FSX: Steam Edition launch-validation fixes, not further E87 troubleshooting.
Will clearing Steam or reinstalling it delete games?
Clearing the download cache does not uninstall completed games, although it can discard unfinished downloads and will usually require another login. Running steam://flushconfig also leaves installed game data in place, but Steam may need its library folders selected again.
A clean uninstall is different: games stored inside the Steam installation directory can be removed with the client. Before reinstalling, back up steamapps, userdata, custom library folders and any simulator files that are not cloud-synchronised. Do not download replacement DLL files for E87; it is an authentication failure, not a missing game-library error.