If found, select Restore and add the game’s installation folder to your "Exclusions" list. Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

Download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime from the official Microsoft website.

Here is a comprehensive guide to restoring the file and getting back into the fight. Verify Integrity of Game Files

Wait for the process to finish; it may take several minutes depending on your drive speed. Check Your Antivirus Quarantine

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).

If you're still having trouble, I can help you dig deeper. Just let me know: Are you using a or a specific firewall ? Did this happen after a Windows update ?

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.

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