How to Install Steam Games Without Redownloading: The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re looking to move a Steam game from one computer to another, or perhaps reinstall without enduring a lengthy download. We’ve all been there! The good news is, there are several reliable methods to achieve this. Here’s the skinny on how to install Steam games without redownloading them, saving you time and bandwidth.

The core strategy revolves around backing up and restoring game files, or directly transferring the game folder. We’ll explore both approaches. The Steam backup and restore feature is designed for this purpose, offering a streamlined and (usually) reliable solution. Alternatively, manually copying the game files provides more control, but requires a bit more technical know-how. Let’s break down the steps for each.

Method 1: Using Steam’s Built-in Backup and Restore Feature

Steam’s integrated backup tool is your first port of call. It compresses game files, making the transfer process smoother.

1. Backup the Game: On the computer with the installed game, open Steam. Go to Steam > Backup and Restore Games. Select “Backup currently installed programs.” A list of installed games will appear. Choose the game(s) you want to backup and click Next. Select the location where you want to save the backup files (an external hard drive is often a good choice). Steam will prompt you for a backup file size; the default is fine for most users. Click Next to start the backup process.
2. Restore the Game: On the computer where you want to install the game, open Steam. Go to Steam > Backup and Restore Games. Select “Restore a previous backup.” Browse to the location where you saved the backup files. Steam will detect the backup and guide you through the restoration process. If Steam detects updates, it will download the updates.
3. Verify Game Files (Optional): After restoration, it’s always a good idea to verify the integrity of the game files. Right-click on the game in your Steam library, go to Properties > Local Files, and click “Verify integrity of game files.” This ensures that all files are present and uncorrupted.

Method 2: Manually Copying the Game Files

This method involves directly copying the game folder from one computer to another. It’s faster than the backup/restore method, especially for large games, but requires more attention to detail.

1. Locate the Game Folder: On the computer with the installed game, find the game’s installation directory. By default, Steam games are located in C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon[Game Name].
2. Copy the Game Folder: Copy the entire game folder to an external hard drive or network location.
3. Transfer the Game Folder: On the computer where you want to install the game, copy the game folder to the “common” folder within your Steam installation directory (*C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon*).
4. Install the Game in Steam: In Steam, start the installation process for the game. Steam will recognize the existing files and quickly “discover” them, avoiding a full download.
5. Verify Game Files (Optional): As with the backup/restore method, it’s a good practice to verify the integrity of the game files after copying.

A Word on Steam Library Folders

Steam allows you to create multiple Steam Library Folders on different drives. This is useful if your primary drive is running out of space. Ensure you’re copying the game files to the correct Steam Library Folder on the destination computer. You can manage your Steam Library Folders in Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Steam Doesn’t Recognize the Files: If Steam doesn’t recognize the copied files, restart Steam. If that doesn’t work, try deleting the “appmanifest_[AppID].acf” file from the “steamapps” folder. This file tells Steam that the game is installed. Deleting it forces Steam to re-scan the folder. (The AppID is the unique numerical identifier for the game, found on the Steam store page.)
• Download Still Occurs: If Steam still tries to download a significant portion of the game, it’s likely that the game has been updated since you last copied the files. In this case, you might need to allow Steam to download the updated files.
• Corrupted Files: If you encounter errors during gameplay, it’s possible that some files were corrupted during the copying process. Use the “Verify integrity of game files” option to fix this.

Choosing the Right Method

• Steam Backup/Restore: Ideal for users who want a simple, guided process. Good for smaller games.
• Manual Copy: Best for large games and users comfortable with file management. Faster than the backup/restore method, but requires more manual steps.

Whether you choose the Steam backup method or manual file transfer, installing games without redownloading is entirely achievable. With a little preparation and know-how, you can enjoy your favorite titles on multiple computers without the frustration of lengthy downloads. And remember, you can find even more resources and learning opportunities at the Games Learning Society website. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for details on how games can be used for education and personal development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Steam redownloading a game I already have?

There are several reasons why Steam might redownload a game:

• Corrupted Files: If Steam detects corrupted game files, it will attempt to redownload them.
• Game Updates: If the game has been updated since you last played it, Steam will download the updates.
• File Verification Issues: Problems during a previous installation or copying process can lead to Steam redownloading files. Try verifying the game files.
• Steam Client Issues: Occasionally, Steam itself might have issues recognizing installed files. Restarting Steam can sometimes resolve this.
• Drive Issues: A failing hard drive can cause data corruption, leading to redownloading.

2. How do I stop Steam from redownloading games?

If you suspect Steam is unnecessarily redownloading a game, try the following:

• Pause and Restart: Pause the download and then resume it. Sometimes this forces Steam to recognize existing files.
• Verify Game Files: Right-click the game in your library, go to Properties > Local Files, and click “Verify integrity of game files.”
• Clear Download Cache: Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads and click “Clear Download Cache.” This can resolve issues with corrupted download data.
• Restart Steam: A simple restart can often fix temporary glitches.
• Check Your Internet Connection: An unstable internet connection can cause downloads to restart.
• Ensure Adequate Disk Space: Verify that you have enough free space on the drive where the game is being installed.

3. How do I cancel a download on Steam?

To cancel a download on Steam, simply click the “X” icon next to the game in the Downloads section at the bottom of the Steam window. Alternatively, you can right-click the game in your library and go to Manage > Uninstall. This will not only cancel the download but also uninstall any partially downloaded files.

4. How do I add an already installed game to Steam?

If you have a game that wasn’t originally installed through Steam, you can add it to your Steam library. Go to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library…. Browse to the game’s executable file (.exe) and select it. The game will then appear in your Steam library. Note that this doesn’t automatically download the game files; it simply creates a shortcut to launch the game through Steam. This allows you to use Steam features like the overlay and friend list.

5. Can I install the same Steam game twice?

Yes, you can install a Steam game on multiple computers as long as you are using the same Steam account. However, you cannot play the game simultaneously on multiple computers using the same account. Steam will only allow one instance of the game to run at a time.

6. Does uninstalling Steam uninstall games?

Yes, uninstalling Steam will uninstall the games that were installed through it. It will also remove downloadable content (DLC) and, in some cases, save files. Be careful and back up your important game data before uninstalling Steam.

7. What happens if you uninstall and reinstall a game on Steam?

When you uninstall a game, the game files are removed from your computer. Reinstalling the game will download the files again. Your progress might be lost if the game doesn’t utilize Steam Cloud saves. Most modern games use Steam Cloud to store save data, so your progress should be preserved.

8. Will my games uninstall if I reinstall Steam?

No, your game files and saved games will remain on your computer if you only reinstall Steam, provided you don’t delete the Steam folder during the uninstallation process. Reinstalling Steam will allow it to recognize those game files.

9. How do I uninstall a game on Steam without losing progress?

Most Steam games utilize Steam Cloud to store your save data. To ensure your progress is saved, make sure Steam Cloud synchronization is enabled for the game. Right-click the game in your library, go to Properties > General, and ensure that “Keep games saves in the Steam Cloud for [Game Name]” is checked. Even if it uses local saves (found usually in Documents folders) these usually aren’t removed on uninstall.

10. Why does Steam randomly uninstall games?

Steam doesn’t typically uninstall games randomly. A more common scenario is that Steam fails to recognize installed games. This can happen due to corrupted files, disk errors, or Steam client issues. Usually you can force Steam to recognize the files using the methods described above.

11. Can I play Steam games offline?

Yes, Steam has an Offline Mode that allows you to play games without an active internet connection. To use Offline Mode, you must first launch Steam while connected to the internet and ensure that the “Remember my password” box on the login window is checked. Then, go to Steam > Go Offline….

12. Do I have to redownload games if I make a new Steam account?

Yes, if you create a new Steam account, you will need to repurchase and redownload the games you had on your old account unless you use Steam’s Family Sharing feature, but this doesn’t move the files between accounts.

13. Where should I install Steam games?

By default, Steam installs games in C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon. However, you can create additional Steam Library Folders on other drives. This is useful if your primary drive is running out of space. You can manage your Steam Library Folders in Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.

14. Do you have to pay again if you uninstall a Steam game?

No, once you purchase a game on Steam, it is tied to your account. You can uninstall and reinstall it as many times as you like without having to pay again.

15. Can friends see uninstalled games on Steam?

No, your Steam friends cannot see games that are uninstalled from your system in your library. They can only see achievements you have earned, even if the game is no longer installed.