How To Share Your Steam Library: A Complete Guide
Want to share your games with friends and family? Steam Family Sharing allows you to let others play your games, while you still maintain control. This guide shows you how to share a Steam library safely and effectively.
Sharing your Steam library with family and friends is a fantastic way to spread the gaming love without breaking the bank. But before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of Steam Family Sharing. This article will act as your comprehensive guide, covering everything from the benefits and limitations to the step-by-step process and potential pitfalls. We’ll also address some frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sharing experience.
Understanding Steam Family Sharing
Steam Family Sharing is a feature that allows you to authorize up to five accounts and ten devices to play games from your Steam library. It’s designed for families and close friends who want to share their gaming experiences without purchasing multiple copies of the same game.
Benefits of Sharing Your Steam Library
Sharing your Steam Library offers numerous advantages:
- Cost Savings: Avoid buying multiple copies of the same game.
- Discover New Games: Friends and family can introduce you to titles you might otherwise miss.
- Convenience: Access to a wider selection of games without needing to manage multiple purchases.
- Family Fun: Strengthen bonds by sharing gaming experiences.
The Step-by-Step Process: How To Share a Steam Library?
Here’s a detailed guide on how to share a Steam library:
- Enable Steam Guard: Ensure Steam Guard is enabled on your account. This is a security feature found under the Steam > Settings > Account menu. It’s crucial for account security and required for Family Sharing.
- Login on the Shared Device: Log in to your Steam account on the computer you wish to authorize for sharing. This device will need to be in physical possession to complete this step.
- Authorize the Device: Navigate to Steam > Settings > Family on the shared computer.
- Authorize Accounts: Check the box next to the accounts you wish to grant access. These accounts must already be logged into Steam on that device.
- Confirmation: After authorizing the devices and accounts, those accounts can now access your library of games.
- Repeat as Needed: Repeat this process for each device and account you wish to share with (up to the limits).
Important Limitations and Considerations
Steam Family Sharing isn’t without its restrictions. Keep these in mind:
- Simultaneous Play: Only one person can play games from a shared library at a time. If you, the library owner, decide to play a game, the borrower will have a few minutes to save their progress before being kicked out.
- Region Restrictions: Certain games may have region-specific restrictions that affect sharing.
- VAC Bans: If a user who borrows your games cheats and receives a VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) ban, your account may also be affected. Choose your sharing partners wisely.
- Game Availability: Not all games are shareable. Some developers opt out of Family Sharing.
- Account Limits: You can only authorize up to 5 accounts and 10 devices.
- Offline Mode: Borrowed games cannot be played offline if the library owner is playing another game.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When setting up Steam Family Sharing, avoid these common mistakes:
- Forgetting Steam Guard: Steam Guard must be enabled!
- Sharing with Strangers: Be wary of sharing with unknown individuals.
- Ignoring Region Restrictions: Verify if games are compatible in different regions.
- Not Monitoring Usage: Keep an eye on who’s accessing your library to avoid potential security risks.
Troubleshooting Sharing Issues
Having trouble getting Family Sharing to work? Try these solutions:
- Restart Steam: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.
- Verify Game Files: Corrupted game files can prevent sharing. Right-click on the game in Steam, select Properties, then Local Files, and click Verify integrity of game files.
- Re-authorize Devices: Remove and re-authorize the devices and accounts.
- Check for Updates: Ensure both Steam and the games are up to date.
Steam Family Sharing vs. Steam Play Together
While both are great, they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Steam Family Sharing | Steam Play Together |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Shared access to an entire library of games. | Play local co-op games online with friends who don’t own them. |
| Game Ownership | Only the library owner needs to own the games. | Only the host needs to own the game. |
| Simultaneous Play | Only one person can play a game from the library at a time. | Multiple players can play the same game simultaneously. |
FAQs: Your Steam Sharing Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about Steam Family Sharing:
Can I share my entire Steam library, or are there exceptions?
Some games are excluded from Steam Family Sharing at the developer’s discretion. Check the game’s store page for a Family Sharing indicator. Also, free-to-play games generally don’t need to be shared, as they are already free for everyone.
What happens if I want to play a game when someone else is using my shared library?
As the library owner, if you decide to play a game, the person borrowing your library will receive a notification that they have a few minutes to save their progress before being kicked out. You, as the owner, always have priority. This is a key limitation to understand.
How do I remove someone from my Steam Family Sharing?
To remove someone, go to Steam > Settings > Family and deauthorize their account and the device they use to access the library. They will no longer have access to your shared games. Ensure you trust your sharing partners.
Can I share my Steam library with someone who lives in a different country?
Yes, you can share your Steam library with someone in a different country. However, game region restrictions may apply. A game might be available in your region but not in theirs, or vice versa.
Is it possible to share specific games from my library instead of the entire collection?
No, Steam Family Sharing shares the entire eligible library. You cannot select specific games to share. It’s an all-or-nothing approach.
What is the process for a user to request access to a shared library?
The user doesn’t request access. You, the library owner, must log into Steam on their computer and authorize their account. This requires physical access to their device.
How many times can I change the authorized accounts and devices?
Steam limits the number of times you can change the authorized accounts and devices within a given period. Frequent changes might trigger a cooldown period, so plan your sharing carefully.
What happens if someone gets a VAC ban while using my shared library?
If a user who borrows your games cheats and receives a VAC ban, the entire shared library might be affected, and the owner could also receive a ban. Choose your sharing partners wisely and stress the importance of fair play.
Can I earn trading cards and achievements while playing games from a shared library?
Yes, you can earn trading cards and achievements while playing games from a shared library, just as you would if you owned the game yourself. Your progress is tied to your account.
What should I do if I suspect someone is abusing my shared library?
If you suspect abuse (cheating, unauthorized access, etc.), immediately deauthorize their account and device. Then, consider reporting the user to Steam if necessary. Protect your account security.
Can I still play my games while someone else is using my shared library?
No, only one person can play games from a shared library at a time. If you wish to play, the borrower will be notified and given a short time to save their progress.
Does Steam notify me when someone is using my shared library?
No, Steam doesn’t actively notify you when someone is using your shared library. You’ll only notice if you try to launch a game and are told it’s currently in use. You’ll need to rely on communication with your sharing partners.