It can be confusing if Steam keeps showing you the error code E84 and the “Something went wrong while attempting to sign you in” error.
Surprisingly, such errors can occur when you use the correct login credentials.
This can happen for various reasons, ranging from temporary server-side issues to incorrect system date or time settings.
Switch to a different network connection: A slow or intermittent internet connection can also cause login errors in Steam . To fix this, try switching to a different network connection. Additionally, if you use a VPN service, consider disabling it momentarily and then try again.
Check if Steam is down: There’s a chance that Steam’s servers are facing an outage, resulting in the login error code E84. You can visit Downdetector to inspect if other Steam users are facing similar issues.
Fix 1: Add a Login Parameter in Steam’s EXE File
One effective workaround to fix the login error code E84 is to add the “-noreactlogin” parameter to Steam’s executable file. Several users on the Steam forums reported fixing this particular error with this trick. You can also give it a try.
Step 1: On your computer’s desktop, right-click on Steam’s shortcut and select Properties .
Step 2: Switch to the Shortcut tab. In the Target field, click at the end of the path, enter a space, and type -noreactlogin .
Step 3: Hit Apply , followed by OK .
Open the Steam app again and check if it still shows errors when you log in. If it does not, repeat the above steps, remove the “-noreactlogin” parameter, and continue with the fixes below.
Fix 2: Reset Your Steam Password
Another cause of the login error code E84 in Steam is authentication issues with your account. To fix this, try resetting your account password from Steam’s website.
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and head over to Steam’s website .
Step 2: Click the Login option at the top-right corner.
Step 3: Click Help, I can’t sign in at the bottom.
Step 4: Select the I forgot my Steam Account name or password option.
Step 5: Type the email address or phone number linked to your Steam account and click Search .
Step 6: Select the Email an account verification code to [Email ID] option. Then, click the verification link received in your email.
Step 7: Click on Reset my password .
Step 8: Set a new password for your Steam account and click the Change Password button.
After resetting your password, try to log into the Steam app again.
Fix 3: Correct System Date and Time
If your Windows computer is set to an incorrect date or time , apps like Steam may have trouble communicating with the server. To avoid discrepancies, enable the automatic date and time feature on your Windows computer.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and head to Time & language > Date & time.
Step 2: Enable the toggle next to Set time automatically .
Fix 4: Reinstall the Steam App
If you can’t log into the Steam app at this point, some of the app’s core files may be corrupt. In that case, your best option is to uninstall and reinstall Steam on your PC.
Note: Uninstalling Steam will also remove all game content from your computer. Check out Steam’s official guide to change the default location of your games .
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.
Step 2: Locate the Steam app on the list, click the menu icon (three horizontal dots) next to it, and select Uninstall .
Step 3: Select Uninstall to confirm.
After that, download and install the Steam app again. You should then be able to log in without any errors.
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- Set the connected printer as default from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Set as default, and retry printing your file.
- Rollback the recently installed Windows Update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
Basic Fixes
- Reconnect printer : If you’re using a wired printer, its loose USB connection to your PC may result in ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’. Replug the printer and replace its cable if it is worn out.
- Update the USB drivers : Obsolete USB drivers can create printer connectivity issues. Head to the Device Manager app, expand ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’, right-click the buggy USB port, and select Update driver.
- Use the HP Smart app to connect the printer : If your Windows 11 PC doesn’t detect your HP printer , install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store, and use it to configure printer settings.
- Update Windows : Press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.
Fix 1: Set the Connected Printer as Default
If your preferred printer isn’t set as default, you may run into the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ issue on Windows. Ensure your printer has adequate paper and ink and use the following steps to set it as a default printer:
Step 1: Open Windows Settings using the Windows + I shortcut, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar, and click Printers & scanners .
Step 2: Select your preferred office or home printer.
Step 3: Ensure the Printer status isn’t Offline and click Set as default to assign it as a default printer for all printing operations.
Tip: If the Printer status is labeled ‘Offline’, check its power source and try reconnecting it to your PC.
Fix 2: Reinstall Printer Drivers
Corrupt printer drivers can cause unusual printing errors. To fix this, first remove the printer from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, and re-plug the printer. Then, reinstall the printer drivers using the Device Manager app to restore normalcy.
Step 1: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu, and select Device Manager .
Step 2: Expand Software devices , right-click your printer, and select Uninstall device . Restart your PC and let Windows 11 automatically install compatible printer drivers.
Fix 3: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Do you still face the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while printing a PDF on Windows 11? Running the in-built printer troubleshooter should fix it in no time.
Step 1: Select Printers & scanners under Windows settings (check the above steps), and click your connected printer.
Step 2: Select Run the troubleshooter and wait a few seconds to let it resolve the issue.
Fix 4: Tweak Permission Settings on a Program
If you face the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ in a specific app, give it full control over your PC to print files and documents seamlessly.
Step 1: Right-click the app icon and select Show more options .
Step 2: Select Properties from the right-click context menu to open it.
Step 3: Open the Security tab and click Edit .
Step 4: Enable the Allow checkmark beside Full control and click Apply followed by OK to save changes.
Fix 5: Rollback the Recent Windows Update
Lastly, a buggy Windows Update can malfunction your connected printer showing the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while initiating a new print. To fix it, rollback the recent Windows Update using these easy steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Uninstall updates , and click it to open the system settings.
Step 2: Locate the recently installed Windows Update using the ‘Installed on’ timestamp, and click Uninstall to remove it. Select Uninstall when prompted to confirm the action.
