Look for any files related to Infinite Warfare or "steam-api64r.dll."

Restart your computer after installation to ensure the changes take effect. Reinstall the Steam Client

One of the most frustrating hurdles when launching Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare on PC is the "steam-api64r.dll was not found" error. This specific dynamic link library file is a bridge between the game and the Steam client, ensuring your license, achievements, and cloud saves sync correctly. When it goes missing, the game simply refuses to boot.

Update your Visual C++ Redistributables (specifically the 2015, 2017, and 2019 x64 versions).

Avoid downloading steam-api64r.dll from "DLL fixer" websites. These files are often: Outdated versions that cause crashes. Bundled with malware or miners. Incompatible with the current Steam API version.

Modern antivirus software—including Windows Defender—is often overly aggressive. It may flag steam-api64r.dll as a "false positive" and move it to quarantine, effectively "deleting" it from the game folder. Open your Antivirus or Windows Security settings. Navigate to Protection History or Quarantine.