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Steam Disk Write Error on DOTA 2 on Windows 10 (SOLVED)

DOTA 2 updates regularly like any other app or game. It needs updates to function and as part of the update, it will add more files to the system and update the ones that are already on the disk. Basically, the game needs to be able to write files to the disk in order to update.

DotA 2 disk write error

FIX: Steam Disk Write Error on DOTA 2

If you’re trying to play or update DOTA 2, and you see the disk write error, it means something is blocking the game from saving and/or updating its files. This may be a problem with Windows 10, with the game itself, or with Steam.

Try these fixes.

1. Check or disable antivirus

An antivirus may prevent DOTA 2 from updating. It might block the game from saving or updating existing files. The only solution is to disable the antivirus or add Steam to the whitelist. 

If you choose to disable the antivirus, enable Windows Defender. It doesn’t block Steam and it will keep you safe in the absence of another antivirus app.

2. Check disk errors

Steam apps can be installed on any drive on your system and if you have a hard drive, it is prone to errors. These errors may be why the game cannot update.

  1. Open File Explorer and go to This PC.
  2. Right-click the drive the game is installed on.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Go to the Tools tab.
  5. Click Check.

If errors are found, you should run the SFC scan.

  1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
  2. Run this command: sfc /scannow.
  3. Allow the scan to complete and fix files.

3. Verify game files

The DotA 2 disk write error may be because the game files are corrupted. You can fix them with Steam.

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to Library.
  3. Right-click DOTA 2 and select Properties.
  4. Go to Local Files tab.
  5. Click Verify integrity of game files.
  6. Allow the check to complete. 

4. Delete downloaded files

The files that were downloaded may be the problem. You can delete them and update the game again.

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the drive DOTA 2 is installed on.
  3. Go to Steam\steamapps\downloading.
  4. Delete all the files there.
  5. Update DOTA 2 again.

5. Reset network settings

Your network may be preventing updates or installation. You can try restarting the router but it’s also a good idea to reset the network on Windows 10.

  1. Open Command prompt with admin rights.
  2. Run this command: netsh.
  3. Once the command is run, run this second command: winsock reset.
  4. Restart the system and try to update DOTA 2.

Dota 2 disk write error: Conclusion

The “disk write error” isn’t exclusive to DOTA 2. You might get it with other games and the same fixes listed above are likely to work. If you have apps that may prevent Steam from saving or updating files, disable them. The games should install and update without problem.