If you’re encountering "VAC unable to verify game session" errors in CS:GO, follow these steps to help resolve the issue.
1. Check Your Steam Account Status
Before diving into more complex solutions, make sure your Steam account is in good standing. Visit Steam Support and sign in to check for any pending issues that might be causing VAC verification problems.
2. Verify Game Integrity
Open the Steam client, go to your CS:GO library, right-click on the game, select "Properties," then click on "Local Files." Choose "Verify integrity of game files" and let Steam scan for any missing or corrupted files. Reinstalling the game may also help in some cases.
3. Disable Antivirus Software
Some antivirus software can interfere with VAC verification. Temporarily disable your security suite, then try to launch CS:GO again and see if you’re able to connect to a server. Re-enable the software afterwards. If this resolves the issue, you may need to configure it to exclude Steam folders or specific game files.
4. Check Your Firewall Settings
Make sure your firewall isn’t blocking CS:GO connections.
Go to "Control Panel >
Network and Internet >
Windows Defender Firewall," click on "Advanced settings," add an inbound rule for CS:GO, then set it to allow both public and private connections.
5. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can cause problems with VAC verification. Use the official driver download site of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) to install the latest version for your system.
6. Repair Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files may be causing CS:GO to fail at VAC verification. Run a System File Check using Windows Recovery Console or Command Prompt by typing "sfc /scannow" and restarting your computer.
7. Reinstall CS:GO
If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to reinstall CS:GO entirely. Delete the game folder in Steam’s ‘SteamAppscommonCSGO’ location, then redownload it from Steam and try verifying the integrity of the game files again.
Summary
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most issues with CS:GO and VAC verification errors. Remember that connecting to servers and playing the game requires a stable internet connection, updated software, and proper security configurations. If you still encounter problems after trying these solutions, consider reaching out to Steam Support for further assistance.