Rust is a popular multiplayer survival game some players can’t play because of the Steam Auth Timeout error. This error occurs for some players when they try connecting to Rust servers. A Rust player reported that issue in a Reddit post as follows, “Ever since the update I can no longer get into Rust. It says Disconnected:Steam Auth Timeout.” Players see a “Disconnected: Steam Auth Timeout” message with a Retry Connection option when this error happens. This is how you can fix the Rust Steam Auth Timeout issue on Windows 11/10 PCs.
Check the Steam Server Status
Sometimes, this issue can occur because of routine Steam server maintenance or an unexpected outage. So, check the server status for Steam and Rust before anything else. Open these Downdector pages for Rust and Steam and select your region to see if they show a general server issue. If there is a more general server status issue, wait for Steam to get it sorted.
The Downdetector page
Verify the Rust Game Files
Although the Rust Steam Auth Timeout seems like a connectivity issue, it often arises because of corrupted game files. Verifying the integrity of the Rust game files will usually remedy that. You can verify the Rust files by going through the steps on the Steam help page to verify the Rust files.
The Verify integrity of game files
Clear Steam’s Download Cache
Players confirm clearing Steam’s download cache can resolve the Rust Steam Auth Timeout error. Steam includes a troubleshooting option you can select for clearing its download cache. This Steam page tells you how users can clear the cache for that gaming client.
The Clear Cache button
Opt-Out of the Steam Beta Participation
Have you opted into the Steam Beta? If so, playing a less stable beta version of the game could be causing the Rust Steam Auth Timeout issue on your PC. Try opting out of Steam Beta like this.
- Start Steam to access the window for that software.
- Click Steam and select Settings.
The Settings option
- Select the Interface tab.
- Click No beta chosen on the Client beta participation drop-down menu.
The Beta Participation drop-down menu
- Restart Steam after opting out of Beta participation.
Reinstall Steam (and Rust)
If nothing else works, try reinstalling Steam. This also means you’ll need to reinstall Rust and other games installed with Valve’s gaming client. Doing this will completely refresh the game’s files and restore it and Steam to their original states. You can apply this possible solution for the Rust Steam Auth Timeout error as follows.
- Right-click Start on the left or center of the taskbar and select the Run shortcut.
- Input appwiz.cpl for accessing the uninstaller utility and click OK.
- Select Steam and click Uninstall to remove it.
The Program and Features uninstaller tool
- Go to this Steam webpage and click Install.
- Open whatever folder includes the downloaded Steam setup file.
- Double-click the Steam setup file and select to install the gaming client from there.
- Run Steam and select to reinstall Rust from the gaming Library tab.
Other Potential Fixes for the Rust Steam Auth Timeout Error
There are also some additional potential fixes for the Rust Steam Auth Timeout error that could be worth trying. Try applying these extra potential solutions:
- Power cycle your internet router by unplugging the device and reconnecting it.
- Set a Google DNS server on your PC.
- Add Steam to antivirus and firewall exclusion lists.
- Repair the Easy Anti-Cheat software.
The potential resolutions covered above are the best ways to fix the Rust Steam Auth Timeout error on Windows PCs. However, they are not necessarily guaranteed to fix that gaming issue in all scenarios. Consider submitting a support ticket about this gaming issue from this Facepunch site if further potential fixes are still required.
