Table of Contents

How to Refresh Your Steam Library Sharing: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers How do I refresh my Steam library sharing? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Refreshing your Steam library sharing often involves troubleshooting and a bit of digital housekeeping. The most effective method is to deauthorize the problematic device and then reauthorize it. This process forces Steam to re-establish the connection and resync the library access, often resolving common issues. Let’s delve deeper into this and other solutions to keep your shared library running smoothly.

Deauthorizing and Reauthorizing Steam Family Sharing

The primary way to refresh your Steam library sharing is through deauthorization and reauthorization. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Close Steam: Ensure the Steam client is completely closed on both the owner’s and the borrower’s computers.
Access Family Sharing Settings: On the owner’s account, log into the Steam client. Navigate to Steam > Settings > Family.
Manage Family Library Sharing: In the “Family Library Sharing” section, click the “Manage” button.
Deauthorize the Problematic Device: Locate the computer or device that’s experiencing issues and click the “Revoke” button next to it. This removes the authorization for that device.
Request Reauthorization: On the borrower’s computer, log into Steam with their account. Attempt to access a game from the shared library. Steam should prompt them to request access.
Authorize the Request: The owner will receive a notification or can check their Family Sharing settings. Authorize the request from the borrower’s account.
Test the Connection: Once authorized, the borrower should be able to access and play games from the shared library.

This process essentially resets the connection between the two accounts and forces Steam to resync the shared library access.

Manual Steam File Refresh

If deauthorizing and reauthorizing doesn’t work, consider a manual refresh of your Steam files. This process can resolve corrupted files that might be interfering with Family Sharing.

Completely Exit Steam: Make sure Steam is fully closed by checking the system tray.
Navigate to the Steam Folder: Locate your base Steam folder. This is usually found in C:Program Files (x86)Steam.
Delete Files and Folders: Delete all files and folders within the Steam directory EXCEPT for Steam.exe and the SteamApps folder. Important: Do NOT delete the SteamApps folder, as this contains your installed games.
Relaunch Steam: Run Steam.exe. Steam will automatically download the necessary files and update the client.
Log In and Test: Log into your Steam account and check if Family Sharing is working correctly.

This method essentially reinstalls the Steam client while preserving your installed games, which can often resolve underlying issues.

Repairing the Steam Library Folder

Steam has a built-in feature to repair your library folder, which can help fix problems related to game installations and access.

Open Steam Settings: Click on “Steam” in the top-left corner of the Steam client, then select “Settings.”
Go to Downloads: In the Settings window, click on “Downloads.”
Steam Library Folders: Click on the “STEAM LIBRARY FOLDERS” button.
Repair Folder: In the “Content Libraries” window, click the three dots next to your default library folder and select “Repair Folder.”
Wait for Completion: Steam will begin the repair process, which may take some time depending on the size of your library. Once completed, restart Steam and check if the issue is resolved.

This process scans and repairs the library folder, fixing any errors that might be preventing games from being accessed or shared correctly.

Addressing Common Family Sharing Issues

Several factors can prevent Steam Family Sharing from working. Here’s a breakdown of common problems and their solutions:

Account Restrictions: Ensure both accounts are in good standing and haven’t been banned or restricted.
Game Availability: Not all games are eligible for Family Sharing. Check if the specific game you’re trying to share is supported. Also, some games aren’t available for sharing due to regional restrictions.
Concurrent Usage: The library owner always has priority. If the owner is playing any game, the borrower will be unable to access the shared library. This will often present as the borrowed game displaying a “purchase” option.
Number of Authorized Devices: Steam allows Family Library Sharing on up to 10 devices at a time, and with up to 5 accounts. Ensure you haven’t exceeded these limits.
Offline Mode: Only one user can be actively playing from the shared library at a time, unless one is in offline mode. To play a game from a shared library while the owner is playing, you need to be playing your own games or be in offline mode.
Game Filters: Ensure no filters are applied in the borrower’s library that would hide the shared games. Also, make sure the shared games aren’t hidden from view.

Understanding these limitations and troubleshooting accordingly can significantly improve your Family Sharing experience.

The Importance of Responsible Sharing

Steam Family Sharing is a great feature, but it comes with responsibilities. If a borrower cheats or commits fraud while using your shared library, your own account could face penalties, including a VAC ban. It’s crucial to only authorize familiar Steam accounts and computers that you know to be secure. As educators and researchers at the Games Learning Society, we understand the importance of responsible gaming and digital citizenship. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about our work.

FAQs: Steam Library Sharing

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further troubleshoot and understand Steam Family Sharing:

1. Why isn’t my Steam Family Sharing working?

There are several reasons why Steam Family Sharing might not be working, including account restrictions, concurrent usage by the owner, game availability, exceeding device or account limits, or technical glitches.

2. How do I reset my Family Sharing on Steam?

To reset Family Sharing, deauthorize all devices from your account (Steam > Settings > Family > Manage) and then reauthorize them as needed.

3. Is there a limit to Steam Library Sharing?

Yes, you can authorize Family Library Sharing on up to 10 devices at a given time and for up to 5 accounts.

4. Can you play Steam games on 2 different computers at the same time?

Yes, but only if one of the accounts is in Offline Mode or if each person is playing a separately owned game. The owner always has priority.

5. Why are some games not showing up in my Steam shared library?

This could be due to game restrictions, filter settings in the borrower’s library, or the games being hidden.

6. Can I get banned for Family Sharing on Steam?

Yes, your Family Sharing privileges may be revoked, and your account may be VAC banned if a borrower cheats or commits fraud.

7. How do I fix “shared library locked” on Steam?

On the owner’s account, ensure that Steam Family Sharing is authorized for that computer and the library is shared. Then, restart Steam.

8. Why does my Family Shared game say “purchase”?

This usually means the owner of the game is currently playing something from their library.

9. How do I enable Family Sharing?

Go to Steam > Settings > Family and check the box that says “Authorize Library Sharing on this computer.”

10. How do I sync my Steam library?

Individual games can be toggled through Steam Library, right click on any game and select Properties. Under the General tab, the Cloud Synchronization setting can be toggled.

11. How do I recheck my Steam library?

Right-click the game in your Library, click the gear icon from the game’s Library page on the far right. From the drop-down menu, select Properties, then select Installed Files and then click the Verify integrity of game files button.

12. How do I fix Steam Family Sharing when they can use my games, but I can’t use theirs?

Check that both accounts have enabled Family Sharing and that the shared library is visible to the other account (Steam > Settings > Family).

13. Can you get banned for buying a Steam account?

Yes, accounts that have been bought, sold, or traded will be restricted.

14. Why is my owned game not showing in the Steam library?

The game might be hidden. Click “View” in the Steam interface and select “Hidden Games” to unhide it.

15. Can I have 1 Steam account on two computers?

Yes, you can log in to your Steam account on multiple computers, but you can only play games simultaneously if one computer is in Offline Mode or each person is playing a separately owned game.

By following these steps and understanding the limitations, you can effectively refresh your Steam library sharing and ensure a smooth gaming experience for everyone involved. Remember to share responsibly and always prioritize account security.