Can My Steam Account Run on 2 Computers? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is yes, you can use your Steam account on multiple computers, but with a significant caveat: you can only be logged into one computer at a time. Think of it like your Netflix account – you can install the app on your TV, phone, and tablet, but only one device can stream at any given moment. Steam operates similarly. You can download and install games registered to your account on any machine that can connect to the Steam network as soon as you log in.
This guide will delve into the details of how this works, explore the possibilities of sharing your games with family and friends, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you have a crystal-clear understanding of Steam’s account usage policies.
Understanding Steam’s Account Usage Policy
Steam’s primary concern is preventing widespread account sharing that could undermine game sales. That’s why, while you’re free to install your games on multiple devices, you’re restricted to playing on one device at a time with the same account. If you attempt to launch a game on a second computer while already logged in elsewhere, Steam will prompt you to close the existing session.
This single-session limitation applies regardless of whether you’re trying to play the same game or different games on each computer. Even if you’re just browsing the Steam store on one machine, and try to launch a game on another, you will be prompted to end the first session.
However, this doesn’t mean sharing is completely off the table. Steam offers a feature called Family Sharing, which allows you to grant access to your game library to other Steam accounts on authorized devices. But even Family Sharing has limitations which we will discuss later.
Leveraging Steam Family Sharing
Steam Family Sharing is a legitimate way to share your game library with family members and close friends. It allows them to install and play your games on their own accounts, even though you purchased the games. It is essential to understand that you, the owner of the game, must also own the base game.
Here’s how it works:
- Authorization: You need to authorize the other person’s computer through the Steam settings. You can authorize up to 5 accounts and on up to 10 devices in a 90-day period.
- Library Access: Once authorized, the other person will see your games in their Steam library (marked as available to borrow).
- Playtime: They can install and play these games as if they owned them.
- Limitations: The primary account holder (you) always has priority. If you decide to play a game from your library, the person borrowing the game will be given a few minutes to save their progress and exit the game.
Important Considerations for Family Sharing:
- Not all games are shareable. Some games may be excluded from Family Sharing due to technical limitations or publisher restrictions.
- VAC bans. If someone using your shared library cheats or engages in other prohibited behavior, your account may also be subject to VAC bans. This is why you should only share with people you trust.
- Shared saves: Save games are generally stored locally on each computer, meaning each user will have their own separate save files. However, if Steam Cloud is enabled, it is possible that progress could be affected.
Offline Mode: A Potential Workaround (with Limitations)
Offline Mode allows you to play games through Steam without an active internet connection. This can be useful if you have limited or no internet access. However, Offline Mode is not a perfect solution for playing on two computers simultaneously with the same account.
To use Offline Mode, you must first log in to Steam with an internet connection, ensure the games you want to play are fully downloaded and updated, and then enable Offline Mode from the Steam menu.
Here’s why it’s not ideal for simultaneous play:
- One-Time Setup: Each computer must be individually set up for Offline Mode.
- Potential Conflicts: If both computers are running in Offline Mode with the same account, there’s a risk of conflicting save data when you eventually reconnect to the internet.
- DRM: Some games may still require an online connection, even in Offline Mode, due to Digital Rights Management (DRM) requirements.
Account Security Considerations
Sharing your Steam account password with others is strongly discouraged. It violates Steam’s Subscriber Agreement and puts your account at risk of theft or misuse. Always use Steam’s Family Sharing feature instead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I merge Steam accounts?
No, Steam accounts cannot be merged. Per the Steam Subscriber Agreement, Steam game subscriptions/CD keys are nontransferable and cannot be reset/moved between Steam accounts.
2. Can I transfer Steam games to another account?
There is no way to “move” paid games between accounts. The Family Sharing feature is the closest thing, but it doesn’t transfer ownership.
3. What is Family View on Steam?
Family View is a feature for parents and families to establish their own rules for what components of Steam are accessible. You can use Family View to limit an account’s access to a subset of its content and features.
4. How do I transfer my Steam account to another email?
In the Steam client, select Settings from the Steam menu at the top left. Within the Account tab, select Change contact email…. Enter your Steam Account password along with your new email and click Next.
5. Why can’t I see my family shared games on Steam?
Close Steam and reopen it. Navigate to the device management page, click manage family library sharing and remove the device that isn’t working. Let the problematic computer or device send a request to re-join the library or game and test if this has fixed the issue.
6. Can I sell my game on Steam?
You cannot sell your games from your library. Digital distribution is more like a “renting for life,” meaning a game added to your library is activated for your account and its owner cannot be changed.
7. How much is a Steam account?
Signing up for a Steam account is free. There are no ongoing costs to use the service.
8. Can I play Steam games offline?
Yes, Offline Mode allows you to play games through Steam without an active connection to the Steam Network.
9. How do I make a second Steam account?
Use multiple user accounts on your computer: Create a new user account on your computer. Log in to your primary Steam account on your original user account. Install Steam on your new user account and log in to your second Steam account.
10. Why can’t I play my friend’s Steam games?
Go to Steam > Settings > Family and ensure that both accounts are authorized for sharing and that the library is shared. Verify the game files to ensure they are not corrupted.
11. Can you play family shared games offline Steam?
If a game requires you to be online, only one of the people sharing the account can play at a time. In an offline mode, although you can play simultaneously, one of the people sharing the account must be connected to the internet so that the most recent data gets saved onto the game.
12. Does uninstalling Steam delete games?
Yes, it will wipe all your installed games if you uninstall Steam. Remember to back up your games if you plan on reinstalling Steam later.
13. Can you delete your Steam account and make a new one with the same email?
Account names are unique and can only be used once, regardless of whether an account has been deleted. Email addresses, profile names, and purchase methods can freely be used on other accounts.
14. Can you have 2 Steam accounts with the same phone number?
Yes. You may use the same phone number on multiple accounts. Accounts with the same phone number may be treated as the same identity with respect to the Steam Subscriber Agreement, policies, or restrictions.
15. How long can you play Steam games without internet?
Although you can stay in Offline Mode indefinitely, you should return online periodically so that you can receive game updates, sync your achievements, and download new games.
Conclusion
While you can install your Steam games on multiple computers, you can only actively use your account on one at a time. Steam Family Sharing is a viable option for sharing your game library with trusted individuals, but it comes with its own set of limitations. Always prioritize account security and adhere to Steam’s terms of service to avoid any potential issues. Explore the opportunities to enhance learning through gaming with the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to educational game design and research, on their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Ultimately, understanding these rules and features ensures you can enjoy your Steam library responsibly and share your passion for gaming with others without compromising your account’s integrity.