Why Can’t I See Shared Games on Steam? Unlocking Your Family Library

So, you’ve jumped through all the hoops, enabled Steam Family Sharing, and are ready to dive into your friend’s or family member’s vast game library. But… nothing. The games are nowhere to be found. Don’t panic! This is a common issue, and the good news is it’s usually fixable. The primary reasons you can’t see shared games on Steam are:

1. Family Sharing Isn’t Enabled Correctly: This is the most frequent culprit. Double-check everything. Make sure both accounts have enabled Family Sharing in Steam settings (Steam > Settings > Family). Ensure the shared library is authorized on both computers. It’s easy to miss a step.

2. Incorrect Account Login: Are you absolutely certain you are logged into the correct Steam account? It sounds basic, but accidentally being on the wrong account is a very common mistake.

3. Offline Mode Issues: Steam Family Sharing requires an internet connection to initially authorize the game. Once authorized, some games may be playable offline, but you need that initial connection.

4. Game Restrictions: Not all games are eligible for Family Sharing. Some games require a third-party key, account, or subscription and are therefore excluded. Developers can also opt out of Family Sharing.

5. Simultaneous Usage: If the account owner is currently playing a game, even a different game, from their library, you will not be able to access the shared library. Only one person can use a library at a time.

6. Authorization Limits Reached: Steam limits you to sharing your library with a maximum of 5 accounts on up to 10 devices. If you’ve exceeded these limits, you’ll need to deauthorize some accounts or devices.

7. Library Already In Use: If someone else is using a title from the shared library, even on a different game, you won’t be able to launch your selected title.

8. Steam Client Glitches: The Steam client itself can sometimes be buggy. Restarting Steam or even your computer can often resolve temporary glitches that prevent shared games from appearing.

9. Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Steam’s ability to communicate properly. Check your firewall settings and make sure Steam is allowed through. Consider temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if that resolves the issue (remember to re-enable it afterward!).

10. Outdated Steam Client: An outdated Steam client can lead to various issues, including problems with Family Sharing. Make sure you have the latest version of Steam installed.

By systematically checking these potential causes, you should be able to pinpoint the reason why your shared Steam games are not appearing and get back to gaming!

Common Steam Family Sharing Questions Answered

To further troubleshoot your Steam Family Sharing woes, here are some frequently asked questions:

How Do I View Shared Games on Steam?

From your Library, you should be able to see games owned by other Steam accounts that use the same computer, provided Family Sharing is properly configured. Select a game and click “Borrow” to request access to that respective Library. Requesting access will send the game owner an email with a link to allow you to play games in their Library. If you don’t see the “Borrow” option, double-check the sharing settings.

How Do I Know if My Steam Game is Family Shared?

There isn’t a specific indicator on your game list showing a game is being shared. However, you can go to Steam > Settings > Family and see a list of authorized accounts and devices. You will also receive notifications when someone requests to borrow your library. You may consult a gaming community like the Games Learning Society if you have any questions.

How Do I Fix Steam Family Sharing Games Not Showing?

Try these steps in order:

1. Restart Steam.
2. Check Family Sharing settings on both accounts.
3. Deauthorize and reauthorize the device. (Manage Family Library Sharing in Steam settings.)
4. Ensure both accounts are online.
5. Verify the game is shareable.

Why is Family Sharing Not Working?

Several reasons, including incorrect settings, simultaneous usage, game restrictions, exceeding device limits, or Steam glitches. Refer to the initial list of causes above.

Can You Play Steam Games on 2 Different Computers at the Same Time?

No, not from the same account. Each Steam account can only run one game at a time. Family Sharing allows you to share your library, but only one person can use it at a time. Consider this if you are using gaming in education. You may consult GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about games in education.

Can I Have 1 Steam Account on Two Computers?

Yes, you can have one Steam account on multiple computers. You can download and install any games registered to your account on any machine. However, only one computer can be actively running a game at a time.

How Do I Set Up Family View on Steam?

Family View is different from Family Sharing. It restricts access to certain games and features. To set it up:

1. Open Steam Settings.
2. Go to the “Family” tab.
3. Click “Manage Family View.”
4. Follow the wizard to select the content and features to restrict.

How Do I Enable Family Sharing?

1. Log into Steam on the computer you want to share from.
2. Go to Steam > Settings > Family.
3. Check the box that says “Authorize Library Sharing on this Computer.”
4. Select the users you want to share with.
5. Click “OK.”

How Do I Switch Family Sharing On Steam?

To enable or disable Family Sharing, go to Steam > Settings > Family and toggle the “Authorize Library Sharing on this Computer” setting.

Can You Share Steam Library?

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

Can You Transfer Steam Games to Another Account?

No, there is no way to “move” paid games between accounts. Family Sharing allows sharing, but the games remain registered to the original account.

How Long Does it Take for Family Sharing to Start Working?

Family Sharing should start working almost immediately after authorization. If there’s a delay, try restarting Steam.

How Do I Access Family Sharing Apps?

Once Family Sharing is set up, the shared games should appear in your Steam Library. You may have to restart Steam to see them initially.

How Do I Accept a Family Sharing Invitation?

There is no formal “invitation.” The account owner simply authorizes your account on their computer through the Steam settings. Once authorized, the shared library should appear in your Steam Library (after a restart, if necessary).

Why is My Shared Library Locked?

The shared library is likely locked because the account owner or another authorized user is currently playing a game from that library. Only one person can access a shared library at a time.