How to Download, Fix, and Update UserPrefs.json

Last Updated: 11/28/2023
[Average Read Time: 4.5 minutes]

JSON files such as UserPrefs.json are categorized as Internet Web (JavaScript Object Notation) files. As a JavaScript Object Notation file, it was created for use in Steam API v018 by Valve.

UserPrefs.json was first released in the Windows 10 Operating System on 09/28/2019 with GetFLV 18.9815.586. On 11/05/2014, version API v018 was released for Steam API v018.

Continue reading below to discover detailed file information, JSON file troubleshooting, and free downloads of several versions of UserPrefs.json.

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File Overview


General Information
File Name: UserPrefs.json
File Extension: JSON file extension
File Type: Internet Web
Description: JavaScript Object Notation
User Popularity Rating:
 
Developer and Software Information
Software Program: Steam API v018
Developer: Valve
Software: Steam
Software Version: API v018
File Details
File Size (Bytes): 989
Oldest File Date: 12/13/2019
Latest File Date: 12/29/2019


What are UserPrefs.json Error Messages?


General UserPrefs.json Runtime Errors

UserPrefs.json file errors often occur during the startup phase of Steam, but can also occur while the program is running. These types JSON errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while Steam is running. Here are some of the most common UserPrefs.json runtime errors:

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library

Runtime Error!

Program: C:\Users\Tester\AppData\Local\Steam\htmlcache\UserPrefs.json

This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application's support team for more information.


Most JSON errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your UserPrefs.json file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Steam), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, UserPrefs.json file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Steam, system crash while loading or saving UserPrefs.json, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.



How to Fix UserPrefs.json Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your UserPrefs.json issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.


Step 1: Restore your PC back to the latest restore point, "snapshot", or backup image before error occurred.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
  4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
  5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
  6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the UserPrefs.json error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

Step 2: If recently installed Steam (or related software), uninstall then try reinstalling Steam software.

You can uninstall Steam software by following these instructions (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "Uninstall" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the search results, find and click "Add or Remove Programs"
  4. Find the entry for Steam API v018 and click "Uninstall"
  5. Follow the prompts for uninstallation.

After the software has been fully uninstalled, restart your PC and reinstall Steam software.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

Steam API v018

Valve

Step 3: Perform a Windows Update.

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many UserPrefs.json error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
  4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
  5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the UserPrefs.json error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.



If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your UserPrefs.json File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate UserPrefs.json file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free UserPrefs.json files for every applicable version of Steam. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

  1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download UserPrefs.json Files".
  2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
  3. Copy this file to the appropriate Steam folder location:
    Windows 10: C:\Users\Tester\AppData\Local\Steam\htmlcache\
    Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\GetFLV\Youtube Zilla\libav\cache\
    Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\GetFLV\cache\
    Windows 10: C:\Program Files (x86)\GetFLV\libav\cache\
  4. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows 10.


GEEK TIP : We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve UserPrefs.json problems. To avoid data loss, you must be sure that you have backed-up all of your important documents, pictures, software installers, and other personal data before beginning the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.



Download UserPrefs.json Files (Malware-Tested 100% Clean)


CAUTION : We strongly advise against downloading and copying UserPrefs.json to your appropriate Windows system directory. Valve typically does not release Steam JSON files for download because they are bundled together inside of a software installer. The installer's task is to ensure that all correct verifications have been made before installing and placing UserPrefs.json and all other JSON files for Steam. An incorrectly installed JSON file may create system instability and could cause your program or operating system to stop functioning altogether. Proceed with caution.

Windows 10


Files Related to UserPrefs.json


JSON Files Related to UserPrefs.json

File Name Description Software Program (Version) File Size (bytes) File Location
shared_czech.json JavaScript Object Notation Steam API v018 53499 C:\Windows\Prefetch\
shared_greek.json JavaScript Object Notation Steam API v018 75033 C:\Windows\Prefetch\
MusicWhatsNewItems.json JavaScript Object Notation Steam API v018 451 C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\microsoft s...
PreSignInSettingsConfi... JavaScript Object Notation Steam API v018 22013 C:\Users\Tester\AppData\Local\
SteamOverlayVulkanLaye... JavaScript Object Notation Steam API v018 479 C:\Windows\Prefetch\

Other Files Related to UserPrefs.json

File Name Description Software Program (Version) File Size (bytes) File Location
WmiApRpl.h C/C++/Objective-C Header Steam API v018 3444 C:\Windows\System32\wbem\Performance\
api-ms-win-core-heap-l... ApiSet Stub DLL Microsoft® Windows® Operating System (10.0.17134.12) 11112 C:\Users\Tester\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDriv...
diagwrn.xml Extensible Markup Language Steam API v018 5718 C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Panther\
diagerr.xml Extensible Markup Language Steam API v018 5718 C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\Panther\
diagerr.xml Extensible Markup Language Steam API v018 44109 C:\Windows\Panther\UnattendGC\


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