How To Add A Game You Already Own to Steam
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You can add a game you already own to Steam in two primary ways: by adding a non-Steam game to your library or by registering a Steam product key if you purchased the game from a third-party retailer. The first method allows you to launch the game through Steam, track your playtime (to some extent), and potentially use Steam features like the overlay. The second method, using a product key, directly integrates the game into your Steam library, giving you full Steam functionality.
Adding A Non-Steam Game to Your Library
This method is best for games you’ve downloaded or installed outside of Steam, like those from GOG, Humble Bundle (DRM-free), or physical copies you’ve installed from a disc.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Launch Steam: Open the Steam application on your computer.
- Navigate to Games: Click on the “Games” menu located at the top of the Steam window.
- Select “Add a Non-Steam Game…”: From the drop-down menu, choose the option “Add a Non-Steam Game…”.
- Browse for Your Game: A window will appear listing programs installed on your computer. If your game appears in the list, simply check the box next to it. If it doesn’t, click the “Browse…” button.
- Locate the Game’s Executable File (.exe): Navigate to the folder where your game is installed. Look for the executable file (.exe) that launches the game. This file is usually in the main game folder.
- Select the Executable and Click “Open”: Once you’ve found the .exe file, select it and click “Open”.
- Add Selected Programs: Back in the “Add a Game” window, your selected game should now appear in the list. Click the “Add Selected Programs” button.
- Find the Game in Your Library: The game will now be added to your Steam library, usually at the bottom of the list or under the “Uncategorized” section.
Customizing the Game Entry
After adding the game, you can customize its appearance in your library:
- Right-Click on the Game: In your Steam library, right-click on the newly added game.
- Select “Properties…”: Choose “Properties…” from the context menu.
- Change the Name: You can change the game’s name as it appears in your library.
- Set Custom Icon and Banner: You can add a custom icon and banner to make the game look more integrated with your Steam library. Search online for appropriate images and save them to your computer. In the Properties window, you can click on the game’s icon and banner to browse and select your custom images.
Registering a Steam Product Key
This method is used when you purchase a game from a third-party retailer and receive a Steam product key (also sometimes called a CD key or activation key). This key allows you to add the game directly to your Steam account.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Launch Steam: Open the Steam application on your computer.
- Navigate to Games: Click on the “Games” menu located at the top of the Steam window.
- Select “Activate a Product on Steam…”: From the drop-down menu, choose the option “Activate a Product on Steam…”.
- Steam Product Activation Window: A new window will appear, guiding you through the activation process.
- Click “Next”: Read the information and click “Next” to proceed.
- Agree to the Steam Subscriber Agreement: Read the Steam Subscriber Agreement and click “I Agree”.
- Enter Your Product Key: Carefully enter the product key exactly as it is provided. Product keys are typically a series of letters and numbers separated by hyphens.
- Click “Next”: After entering the key, click “Next”. Steam will attempt to validate the key.
- Installation (if applicable): If the key is valid, Steam will prompt you to install the game. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the game.
- Game Added to Library: Once the installation is complete, the game will be added to your Steam library and ready to play.
Benefits of Adding Games to Steam
Adding games to Steam, even non-Steam games, provides several benefits:
- Centralized Game Library: Manage all your games from one place.
- Steam Overlay: Access Steam features like friends list, chat, and in-game browser while playing.
- Playtime Tracking: Steam tracks how long you play each game, giving you valuable insights into your gaming habits.
- Steam Input: Utilize Steam’s powerful controller configuration tools.
- Easy Launching: Launch games directly from your Steam library.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I add any game to Steam?
You can add almost any PC game to Steam as a non-Steam game. However, registering a game with a Steam product key requires that the game is available on Steam and you possess a valid, unused key. Older games not available on Steam cannot be added with a product key.
2. Will adding a non-Steam game give me achievements?
No. Non-Steam games do not support Steam achievements. Achievements are only available for games purchased and downloaded directly through Steam, or activated with a valid Steam product key.
3. Will adding a non-Steam game give me trading cards?
No. Trading cards are only available for games purchased and downloaded directly through Steam, or activated with a valid Steam product key, and only for games that are specifically designed to support trading cards.
4. Can I use Steam Workshop with non-Steam games?
No. Steam Workshop is only available for games purchased and downloaded directly through Steam, or activated with a valid Steam product key, and only for games that have Steam Workshop integration.
5. What if my game doesn’t appear in the “Add a Non-Steam Game” list?
If your game doesn’t appear in the list, you need to use the “Browse…” button and manually locate the game’s executable file (.exe).
6. My non-Steam game isn’t launching properly through Steam. What should I do?
Ensure the correct executable file (.exe) is selected. Check the game’s installation folder for other executable files, such as launchers or configuration tools, and try adding those instead. You may also need to run the game as an administrator.
7. Can I add a pirated game to Steam?
While technically possible to add a pirated game as a non-Steam game, it is illegal and unethical. We strongly advise against it.
8. I entered my product key, but it says it’s invalid. What should I do?
Double-check that you entered the key correctly, paying attention to capitalization and any similar-looking characters (e.g., 0 and O, 1 and I). If the key is still invalid, contact the retailer where you purchased the game or the game’s publisher for support. The key may have already been used, or there may be an issue with the key itself.
9. Can I add a game to Steam on multiple accounts using the same product key?
No. A Steam product key can only be activated on one Steam account. Once a key is used, it cannot be used again on another account.
10. How do I remove a non-Steam game from my library?
Right-click on the game in your library and select “Manage”, then choose “Remove non-Steam game from library”.
11. Can I stream a non-Steam game using Steam Broadcasting?
Yes, you can stream a non-Steam game using Steam Broadcasting, but functionality might be limited.
12. Will Steam Cloud save my progress in non-Steam games?
No, Steam Cloud is not available for non-Steam games unless the game has its own cloud saving system that operates independently of Steam.
13. What are the limitations of adding a non-Steam game compared to a Steam game?
Non-Steam games lack features like achievements, trading cards, Steam Cloud saves, Steam Workshop integration, and official Steam support. Functionality with Steam Input (controller support) may also be limited depending on the game.
14. I accidentally added the wrong executable file for my non-Steam game. How can I fix it?
Remove the game from your library as described in FAQ #10 and then re-add it, making sure to select the correct executable file (.exe) this time.
15. Can I share a non-Steam game with family sharing?
No. Family Sharing is only applicable to games purchased and downloaded directly through Steam, or activated with a valid Steam product key on your account. Non-Steam games cannot be shared through Family Sharing.