Are you a Mac user who’s been having trouble with Steam lately? Maybe you’ve seen a message that says "Steam_osx is damaged and can’t be opened"? Don’t worry, it’s a common issue, and fixing it is pretty simple. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be back to gaming in no time.
Fixing Steam_osx is Damaged on Mac
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. This fix will help you to get rid of the error message and make Steam work properly on your Mac again.
Step 1: Exit Steam
Exit Steam completely by clicking on ‘Steam’ in the menu bar and selecting ‘Quit Steam’.
Exiting Steam ensures that no Steam processes are running in the background, which is necessary for the fix we’re about to apply.
Step 2: Open Terminal
Open the Terminal app on your Mac. You can find it in the Utilities folder, which is inside the Applications folder.
The Terminal is a command-line interface that allows you to execute commands that can modify the system files.
Step 3: Enter the Command
In the Terminal window, type the following command: xattr -cr /Applications/Steam.app
This command removes any extended attributes that might be causing the "Steam_osx is damaged" error.
Step 4: Press Enter
After typing the command, press Enter to execute it.
You won’t see any confirmation message, but if there are no errors, the command has worked.
Step 5: Open Steam
Open Steam again and see if the error persists.
If everything went well, Steam should open without any error messages.
After completing these steps, you should be able to open Steam without seeing the "Steam_osx is damaged" error. If the problem persists, there might be other issues with your Steam installation.
Tips for Avoiding Future Issues with Steam on Mac
Here are some tips to help you avoid running into the "Steam_osx is damaged" error again in the future:
- Make sure your Mac’s operating system is up to date.
- Avoid downloading Steam from third-party websites.
- Regularly check for updates within Steam and install them.
- Back up your Steam files periodically.
- If you’re comfortable with it, consider using the Beta version of Steam for Mac, which might have fixes for issues before they’re released to the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the "Steam_osx is damaged" error occur?
The "Steam_osx is damaged" error often occurs because of issues with the app’s permissions or because the file has been quarantined by macOS.
Will these steps delete any of my games or save files?
No, these steps will not delete your games or save files. They simply fix the issue with the Steam app itself.
What should I do if these steps don’t fix the problem?
If you’re still seeing the error after following these steps, you might need to reinstall Steam. Make sure to back up your games and save files first.
Can I prevent this error from happening in the future?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent this error, keeping your macOS and Steam updated, and avoiding third-party downloads, can reduce the chances of it happening again.
Is it safe to enter commands in the Terminal?
Yes, it’s safe to enter commands in the Terminal as long as you know what they do. The command used in this fix is harmless and specifically targets the Steam app.
Summary
- Exit Steam.
- Open Terminal.
- Enter the command: xattr -cr /Applications/Steam.app
- Press Enter.
- Open Steam.
Conclusion
The "Steam_osx is damaged" error can be a frustrating roadblock for Mac gamers, but thankfully, it’s a minor hitch that’s easily fixed with a few quick steps. Remember, keeping your system and apps updated is key to avoiding these types of issues. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Steam support team—they’re there to help! Don’t let a little error message keep you from enjoying your favorite games. Give these steps a try, and get back in the game with steam osx.