How to Share Your Steam Library: A Comprehensive Guide

Sharing your Steam library with friends and family is a fantastic way to let them experience your favorite games without them having to purchase them individually. Steam’s Family Sharing feature allows you to authorize other accounts to access your games on computers you’ve designated. The process involves enabling Steam Guard, authorizing specific computers and users, and ensuring everyone follows the necessary steps. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:

1. Enable Steam Guard: This security feature is essential. Go to Steam > Settings > Account within the Steam Client and ensure Steam Guard is enabled. This adds an extra layer of security to your account.

2. Authorize Library Sharing: Navigate to Settings > Family. Here you’ll see the option to “Authorize Library Sharing on this device.” Click this switch to enable sharing.

3. Select Authorized Users: A list of Steam accounts that have logged into the computer will appear. Check the boxes next to the accounts you wish to share your library with.

4. Repeat on Other Computers: To share with friends on their computers, they need to log into Steam on their device using your account. Then, follow steps 2 and 3 on their computer. After authorizing their device and account, they can log back into their own account.

5. Understanding Limitations: Only one person can access your library at a time. If you start playing a game, anyone using your shared library will be given a few minutes to either purchase the game or quit playing.

With these steps, you can easily share your digital game collection with your trusted circle. Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering doubts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Family Sharing

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand Steam Family Sharing better.

Can a Steam account be used on 2 computers at the same time?

Yes, you can sign into the same Steam account on multiple computers, but only one session can be active at a time. If you sign in on a second computer, you’ll be logged out of the first. Steam Family Sharing allows different accounts on different computers to access your library, not simultaneous access on the same account.

Can I play the same game on the same computer but on a different account (on Steam)?

Yes, you can play the same game on the same computer using different Steam accounts. Each account needs to own the game or have access to it through Family Sharing. This is common when families share a computer and each member has their own Steam profile. The Games Learning Society has great insights into this topic.

Why can’t I see shared library on Steam?

Several reasons could cause this. Double-check that both accounts have enabled Family Sharing and that the shared library is visible to the other account. Go to Steam > Settings > Family and ensure that both accounts are authorized for sharing and that the library is shared. Also, make sure the borrower’s game list is set to “All Games”.

How do I join family view on Steam?

Family View is a feature for parental controls, not library sharing. To enable Family View:

1. Log into the Steam account your child will use.
2. Click the Steam menu in the top left corner.
3. Open the Settings option.
4. Go to the “Family” tab.
5. In the “Family View” section click “Manage” to start the Family View wizard.

This allows you to restrict access to certain games and features.

How do I switch family sharing on Steam?

To toggle library sharing on or off:

1. Press the Steam button.
2. Select the Settings option.
3. Scroll down to the Family settings.
4. Switch the slider to on or off for Authorize Library Sharing on this Device.

How do I share a Steam game with a friend Reddit?

The process is the same as described above. Go to their computer, log into your Steam account, navigate to Steam/Settings/Family, authorize their PC (using the button), and authorize their account (using the checkbox). Then, log out of your account. This allows them to access your shared library from their own account on their authorized device.

Why is family sharing not working?

Here are a few troubleshooting steps:

• Check Family Sharing settings: Ensure both accounts have Family Sharing enabled.
• Account Conflicts: The library can only be used by one person at a time.
• Game Restrictions: Some games cannot be shared due to technical limitations or publisher restrictions.
• Recent Account Changes: There’s a cooldown period after changing passwords or other account details.
• Steam Guard: Make sure Steam Guard is enabled for both accounts.

How do I get Steam to recognize my Steam library?

If Steam isn’t recognizing your installed games:

1. Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
2. Add the folder where your games are installed.
3. Restart Steam.

This should force Steam to recognize the existing installation files without downloading them again. This information is useful for educators that use games in class, as further reviewed on GamesLearningSociety.org.

How do I download Steam games to two computers?

Just download the Steam app on your second computer and log in with your same Steam ID as used on your first computer. You can then download and install games you own on both computers. Your game progress is typically saved to the Steam Cloud, so you can continue playing where you left off.

Can friends see my Steam library?

Yes, if your profile is set to public. They can see the games you own and your activity. To hide your library:

1. Launch the Steam client.
2. Open the Friends menu.
3. Select Offline or Invisible.

However, even in these modes, achievements and profile activity may still be visible if your profile privacy settings aren’t adjusted.

How do I unlock a shared library on Steam?

To stop sharing your library with a specific device:

1. Launch the Steam client on that device.
2. Click on Steam > Settings.
3. Select Family.
4. Untick the checkbox next to Authorize Library Sharing on this computer.

What is family view on Steam?

Family View is a feature for parents to control what their children can access on Steam. It allows you to restrict access to certain games and features, creating a safe and controlled environment. This is different from Family Sharing, which allows sharing games among different Steam accounts.

How does family share work?

Family Sharing allows you to authorize other accounts to access your games on computers you’ve designated. One account acts as the library owner and can grant access to up to five other accounts on up to 10 devices. Only one person can access the shared library at a time.

What does enable Family Sharing mean?

Enabling Family Sharing means you are allowing other authorized Steam accounts to play games from your library on designated computers. You retain ownership of the games, and they can still play them when you’re not using the shared library.

Can you share Steam games with family?

Yes. A Steam account may authorize Family Library Sharing on up to 5 accounts and on up to 10 devices in a 90-day period. This includes accounts/devices that you have cancelled sharing with in that same time period. The borrower must also own the base game if the shared game is DLC (Downloadable Content).

With a clear understanding of these frequently asked questions, you can navigate Steam Family Sharing with confidence, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for you and your loved ones.