How to Stop Steam Opening When Launching a Game?
Are you tired of Steam launching every time you start a game? Do you want to launch your games directly from the game’s executable without Steam’s interference? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to stop Steam from opening when launching a game.
Why Does Steam Launch When You Start a Game?
Steam is a popular digital distribution platform that allows users to purchase, download, and play games on their computers. When you install a game through Steam, it creates a shortcut on your desktop and in your Start menu. When you launch the game, Steam checks if the game is installed and up-to-date, and if it’s not, it will update the game before launching it. This process is known as "steam overlay."
How to Stop Steam From Opening When Launching a Game?
There are several ways to stop Steam from launching when you start a game. Here are a few methods:
Method 1: Launching the Game Directly
One way to stop Steam from launching is to launch the game directly from the game’s executable file. Here’s how:
- Find the game’s executable file (usually located in the game’s installation directory).
- Right-click on the executable file and select "Create shortcut."
- Move the shortcut to your desktop or Start menu.
- Launch the game by double-clicking on the shortcut.
Method 2: Disabling Steam Overlay
Another way to stop Steam from launching is to disable the Steam overlay. Here’s how:
- Open Steam and go to "Settings" > "In-Game."
- Uncheck the box next to "Enable Steam Community In-Game."
- Restart Steam.
Method 3: Using the Steam Launch Options
You can also use the Steam launch options to stop Steam from launching when you start a game. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the game in your Steam library and select "Properties."
- In the "General" tab, click on the "Launch Options" button.
- In the "Launch Options" window, add the following command-line argument:
-noSteam
Method 4: Using the SteamCMD Tool
The SteamCMD tool is a command-line tool that allows you to manage your Steam games without launching Steam. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the SteamCMD tool from the official Steam website.
- Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory where you installed SteamCMD.
- Run the following command:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir <path_to_game_directory> +app_update <appid> -beta public +quit
Method 5: Using a Third-Party Tool
There are several third-party tools available that can help you launch games without Steam. Here are a few options:
- GOG Galaxy: A digital distribution platform that allows you to purchase and play games without Steam.
- Origin: A digital distribution platform that allows you to purchase and play games without Steam.
- Battle.net: A digital distribution platform that allows you to purchase and play games without Steam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to stop Steam from launching when you start a game. By launching the game directly, disabling the Steam overlay, using the Steam launch options, using the SteamCMD tool, or using a third-party tool, you can play your games without Steam’s interference. We hope this article has been helpful in showing you how to stop Steam from opening when launching a game.
Table: Comparison of Methods
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launching the Game Directly | Launch the game directly from the executable file | Fast and easy | May require manual updating of the game |
| Disabling Steam Overlay | Disable the Steam overlay in the Steam settings | Simple and easy to implement | May require restarting Steam |
| Using the Steam Launch Options | Use the Steam launch options to disable Steam | Easy to implement | Limited options |
| Using the SteamCMD Tool | Use the SteamCMD tool to manage games without launching Steam | Powerful and customizable | Requires command-line knowledge |
| Using a Third-Party Tool | Use a third-party tool to launch games without Steam | Convenient and easy to use | May require additional software |
FAQs
- Q: How do I stop Steam from launching when I start a game?
- A: There are several methods to stop Steam from launching when you start a game. See the article for more information.
- Q: What are the pros and cons of each method?
- A: See the table above for a comparison of the methods.
- Q: Can I still use Steam to purchase and update games if I stop Steam from launching?
- A: Yes, you can still use Steam to purchase and update games, even if you stop Steam from launching.