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How to Launch Iracing From Steam

How to launch iRacing from Steam: quick, step-by-step fixes for launch errors and basic settings for iRacing drivers. Fix this issue fast and get back on track.

If you’re dealing with how to launch iracing from steam, the short answer is: use Steam’s Play button for the Steam version, or add iRacing’s launcher to Steam as a non‑Steam game if you installed it outside Steam. You’re in the right place — follow the steps below to fix the common launch hiccups and get racing.

Quick Answer (how to launch iracing from steam)

If you bought iRacing on Steam, click Play in Steam — it runs the iRacing launcher which updates and starts the sim. If you installed iRacing from iRacing.com, add the iRacing launcher executable to Steam via Games > Add a Non‑Steam Game, then use Steam’s Play button.

What’s Really Going On

Steam can either host a native Steam release or act as a launcher for a non‑Steam program. iRacing itself uses its own launcher and service to update, authenticate, and start the sim. That means Steam often just starts the iRacing launcher. If Steam opens but iRacing doesn’t start, the launcher, permissions, or security software is usually blocking it.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Use the Steam store version first: open Steam, go to Library, find iRacing, and press Play. Sign in when the iRacing launcher appears.
  2. If you installed iRacing from iRacing.com, add it to Steam: Steam > Games > Add a Non‑Steam Game > Browse to the iRacingLauncher.exe (or iRacing.exe) in your iRacing install folder and add it. Launch via Steam afterwards.
  3. Run both Steam and the iRacing launcher as administrator: right‑click > Run as administrator. This fixes permission issues that prevent the launcher from starting the sim.
  4. Disable overlays if you have problems: turn off Steam Overlay, Discord overlay, and other third‑party overlays, then try launching again. Overlays can block the launcher from handing control to iRacing.
  5. Check firewall/antivirus and antivirus quarantine: allow the iRacing launcher and iRacing service through Windows Firewall and your antivirus. If files were quarantined, restore them.
  6. If Play opens the launcher but nothing happens: open the iRacing folder and run the launcher directly. Let it update. If it works, remove and re‑add it to Steam (or verify Steam’s target points to the same executable).

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Verify Steam and iRacing install paths are on the same drive when possible; mixed drives sometimes complicate access.
  • Use Steam’s “Verify Integrity” only for Steam versions; for non‑Steam installs use the iRacing launcher’s repair/update.
  • If you use VR, start Steam VR before launching iRacing to avoid headset detection problems.
  • Keep your GPU drivers current and close background apps that may use overlays or capture video.
  • If a Windows update or antivirus recently changed, try a quick reinstall of the iRacing launcher (it keeps settings and cars/skins data).

FAQs

Q: Can I buy iRacing on Steam or do I need the iRacing site?
A: iRacing is available on Steam. Buying on Steam installs a Steam wrapper that runs the iRacing launcher. You can also use the site installer and add the launcher to Steam manually.

Q: Steam opens the launcher but iRacing never starts — why?
A: Common causes are admin/permission issues, antivirus quarantining files, or overlays blocking the handoff. Run the launcher directly, allow it in your firewall, and run as admin.

Q: How do I add iRacing to Steam if it’s already installed from the iRacing website?
A: Steam > Games > Add a Non‑Steam Game > Browse to iRacingLauncher.exe (in your iRacing folder) > Add Selected Programs. Then launch from Steam.

Q: Does Steam Overlay cause problems with iRacing?
A: Yes, overlays (Steam, Discord, NVIDIA) can interfere. Disable them if you see launch or performance problems.

Short Wrap-Up

In most cases, launching iRacing from Steam is either a straight Play button or adding the iRacing launcher as a non‑Steam game. If it fails, check permissions, overlays, and security software first — fixing those gets most drivers back on track quickly.