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How to See All Your Games on Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re wondering how to see all your games on Windows? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it used to be, thanks to the rise of multiple game launchers, storefronts, and subscription services. However, don’t worry, we’ll break down the different methods to get a complete overview of your gaming library.

The most direct way is to check the libraries within each game launcher you use. For example, Steam, Epic Games Launcher, GOG Galaxy, Xbox App, and EA App all have dedicated sections where you can view the games you’ve purchased or have access to through a subscription. In addition, you can access “My Library” within the Microsoft Store App.

For a unified view, consider using a game library management tool. Programs like Playnite or Launchbox can scan your system and consolidate your games from various sources into a single interface. This is particularly useful if you have games spread across multiple platforms and launchers.

Finding Your Games: A Step-by-Step Approach

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how to find your games across different platforms:

1. Steam

Open the Steam client.
Click on the “Library” tab at the top.
You’ll see a list of all the games associated with your Steam account, whether they’re installed or not.
Use the search bar or filters to find specific games.
You can view hidden games by clicking the “View” menu in the top taskbar and choosing “Hidden Games”.

2. Epic Games Launcher

Open the Epic Games Launcher.
Click on “Library” on the left-hand side.
This will display all the games you’ve acquired through the Epic Games Store, including free games and purchases.
Games are sorted alphabetically by default.

3. GOG Galaxy

Open GOG Galaxy.
Click on “Owned Games” on the left-hand side.
GOG Galaxy can also integrate with other launchers like Steam and Epic Games Launcher, allowing you to see all your games in one place. You will need to manually connect these accounts.

4. Xbox App (and Microsoft Store)

Open the Xbox App on Windows.
Sign in with your Microsoft account.
Click on “My Library” on the left-hand side.
This shows games associated with your Xbox account, including Game Pass titles.
To view games purchased directly from the Microsoft Store, open the Microsoft Store app and click on See more (…) in the top-right corner of the screen, and then select My Library.

5. EA App

Open the EA App.
Click on “Library” on the left-hand side.
This will display all the games you’ve purchased or have access to through an EA Play subscription.

6. Locating Installed Game Files Directly

Sometimes, you might want to find the actual files of an installed game. Here’s how:

Through the Game Launcher: Most launchers offer an option to browse the local files directly. In Steam, right-click on a game in your library, go to “Manage”, and click “Browse local files”. Similar options exist in other launchers.
Manually Through File Explorer: The default installation location often resides within “C:Program Files” or “C:Program Files (x86)”, but this can vary. A more reliable method is to right-click on the game’s shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu, select “Properties”, and look at the “Target” field. This will show you the full path to the game’s executable file, and from there you can navigate to the game’s directory.
For Microsoft Store Apps: Apps installed from the Microsoft Store, including games, are typically located in C:Program FilesWindowsApps. However, this folder is hidden by default, and you may need to change your folder settings to view it. Access to this folder is also restricted, so you may not be able to directly modify its contents.

Advanced Tips

Check Your Account Details: Make sure you’re logged in to the correct account on each platform. It’s easy to accidentally use the wrong email address or username, leading to confusion about missing games.
Filter and Sort: Take advantage of the filtering and sorting options within each launcher. You can sort by date installed, alphabetically, or by other criteria to quickly find what you’re looking for.
Hidden Games: As mentioned, some launchers allow you to hide games from your library. Make sure to check for hidden games if you can’t find a title you know you own.
Check for Updates: Ensure your game launchers are up-to-date. Outdated launchers can sometimes have issues displaying your library correctly.
Reinstall: A game not appearing in a library can sometimes be fixed with a fresh reinstall of the launcher.

By following these steps, you should be able to get a comprehensive view of all the games on your Windows PC, no matter where they’re stored or how you acquired them. Learning doesn’t have to be a chore; in fact, learning can be fun and engaging by gamifying the learning experience. Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information about how to include game design in academic curriculum. Or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is my games library on Windows 10/11?

Your games library isn’t in a single, universal location on Windows. Instead, it’s spread across the various game launchers and storefronts you use, such as Steam, Epic Games Launcher, GOG Galaxy, Xbox App, EA App, and the Microsoft Store. Each launcher has its own library section.

2. How do I access Windows game files?

To access Windows game files, the easiest way is generally through the game launcher. For example, in Steam, right-click on a game in your library, go to “Manage”, and click “Browse local files”. Alternatively, you can try to locate the game’s installation folder manually by looking in “C:Program Files” or “C:Program Files (x86)”, but this isn’t always reliable.

3. Is there a games folder in Windows 11?

There’s no dedicated “Games” folder in Windows 11 that automatically collects all your games. However, there is a “Saved Games” folder located within your user profile (%UserProfile%) that’s used as a default storage location for save game files. You can also create your own folders to organize game shortcuts or other related files.

4. How do I see all apps on my computer?

To see all apps on your computer, click the Start button, and then scroll through the alphabetical list of apps on the left. If your Start screen is set to show as full screen, select “All apps”, and then scroll through the list.

5. How do I view hidden files and folders?

Open File Explorer, click on the “View” tab, then click “Options”. In the “Folder Options” window, select the “View” tab. Under “Hidden files and folders”, select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”. Click “Apply” and then “OK”.

6. How do I find missing apps on Windows?

First, check the Microsoft Store to see if the app is available for download. If it’s a desktop application, search online for the installer. You can also try running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters).

7. What is a game directory on PC?

The game directory is the folder where all the game’s files are stored, including executable files, data files, configuration files, save games, and other assets. This is the folder that the game launcher and the game itself will access to run the game.

8. How do I open old games on Windows 11?

Right-click on the game’s executable file or shortcut, select “Properties”, and go to the “Compatibility” tab. Check the box labeled “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select an older version of Windows from the dropdown menu. You can also try checking the boxes for “Run this program as an administrator” and “Disable fullscreen optimizations”.

9. Where are downloaded apps stored in Windows 11?

Apps installed from the Microsoft Store are typically saved to C:Program FilesWindowsApps. However, this folder is hidden and protected by the system. Desktop applications are usually installed in C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86), but the specific location depends on the application’s installer.

10. How do I find all files in Windows 11?

Open File Explorer and use the search bar in the top-right corner. Type in the name of the file, or a keyword from the file. You can also use the “View” tab to show hidden files and folders, ensuring you see everything on your system.

11. How do I check files on Windows 11 for errors?

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”). Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will run the System File Checker, which will scan for and repair corrupted system files. After the process is complete, reboot your computer.

12. Why can’t I see all of my files?

Some files might be hidden. In File Explorer, go to the “View” tab and click “Options”. In the “Folder Options” window, select the “View” tab and under “Hidden files and folders”, select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”.

13. How do I find all my files on Android?

On your Android device, open the Files by Google app. Tap “Browse” at the bottom. You’ll see files categorized by type (images, videos, audio, etc.) or by storage location (internal storage, SD card).

14. How do I see all system files?

Open Settings (Win+I). Click on Privacy & security on the left side, and click on For developers on the right side. Click/tap on File Explorer to expand it open. Turn On or Off (default) Show hidden and system files for what you want.

15. How do I get a unified game library on Windows?

Use a game library management tool like Playnite or Launchbox. These tools scan your system and connect to various game launchers to import your games into a single, unified interface. This makes it much easier to browse and launch your games from one place, regardless of where they were purchased or installed.

How do I see all my games on Windows?