How To Share Game Library On Steam?

How To Share Your Game Library on Steam: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlock the power of Steam Family Sharing and let friends and family enjoy your game collection! This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to share game library on Steam legally and safely.

Introduction to Steam Family Sharing

Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature that allows you to share your library of games with up to five other Steam accounts on up to ten authorized devices. This means your friends and family can enjoy playing games from your library without having to purchase them individually. It’s a win-win situation, allowing you to share your gaming passion and saving everyone money.

Benefits of Sharing Your Steam Library

There are several compelling reasons to explore how to share game library on Steam. Here are some key benefits:

• Cost Savings: Family members and friends can play your games without purchasing them.
• Access to a Wider Game Selection: Borrowers get access to a larger selection of games, potentially discovering new favorites.
• Bonding Experience: Gaming together can strengthen relationships.
• Simple Setup: The process is relatively straightforward, as detailed below.
• Legitimate Sharing: This is Valve-approved, so it’s a safe and legal way to share games.

The Process: How To Share Game Library On Steam?

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to enable and use Steam Family Sharing:

1. Enable Steam Guard: Ensure Steam Guard is enabled on your account. This is a security feature found under Steam > Settings > Account. Without it, Family Sharing is impossible. Steam Guard needs to be enabled for at least 15 days.
2. Log In on the Borrower’s Computer: Log into your Steam account on the computer you wish to authorize. This is crucial because Family Sharing is tied to the computer, not just the account.
3. Enable Family Sharing: Go to Steam > Settings > Family.
4. Authorize the Computer: Under “Family Library Sharing,” check the box next to the Steam account(s) of the users you want to authorize on that computer.
5. Borrower Logs In: Have the borrower log into their Steam account on the same computer. They should now see your shared games in their library.

Understanding the Limitations

While Steam Family Sharing is great, it does have limitations you should be aware of:

• One Player at a Time: Only one person can play a game from the shared library at a time. If you, the library owner, want to play a game, the borrower will be given a few minutes to either purchase the game or quit playing.
• Certain Games Excluded: Not all games can be shared. Games requiring a third-party key, or free-to-play games, may not be shareable.
• Region Restrictions: Region-locked games cannot be shared across regions.
• VAC Bans: If a borrower cheats or engages in any violation on a shared game, the library owner may also face a VAC ban. Be mindful of who you share with.
• Simultaneous Play: You cannot share games that require simultaneous connection to the library owner’s account. This includes some MMOs and titles with unique online requirements.
• Sharing Control: The library owner always has ultimate control. They can revoke access to the shared library at any time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go smoothly. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Steam Guard Issues: Make sure Steam Guard is properly enabled and has been active for the required period. Restart Steam.
• Authorization Problems: Double-check that the correct accounts are authorized on the correct computers.
• Game Not Showing Up: Verify that the game is shareable and not restricted by region or licensing. Restart Steam.
• Conflicting Accounts: Ensure only one person is trying to play a game from the shared library at a time.
• Firewall/Antivirus: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to see if it’s interfering with Steam.

Comparison Table: Sharing Options

Feature	Steam Family Sharing	Gifting
Cost	Free	Requires Purchase
Ownership	Remains with Original Owner	Transfers to Recipient
Access Limitations	Only one user at a time	No limitations
Game Restrictions	Some games not shareable	All games giftable
Revocability	Library owner can revoke	Irreversible
Intended Use	Family/Close Friends	General gifting
Number of Users	Up to 5 accounts	One recipient

Best Practices for Steam Family Sharing

• Communicate with Borrowers: Let borrowers know the rules and limitations of Family Sharing.
• Choose Borrowers Wisely: Be careful who you share your library with, as their actions can impact your account.
• Check for Conflicts: Regularly check which computers and accounts are authorized.
• Update Steam: Ensure everyone is running the latest version of Steam.
• Respect Sharing Limits: Understand that only one person can play a game at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens when I want to play a game from my shared library while someone else is using it?

You, as the library owner, always have priority. The borrower will receive a notification informing them that you want to play and that they have a few minutes to either purchase the game themselves or save their progress and exit. It’s crucial to remember that the library owner has ultimate control, so communication is key to avoiding frustration.

Can I share my Steam library with someone in a different country?

While theoretically possible, it’s generally not recommended. Region restrictions can prevent borrowers from accessing games that are not available in their region. Moreover, network latency could make the gaming experience less than ideal. It’s better to share with friends and family in your own region.

Are there any games that cannot be shared through Steam Family Sharing?

Yes, there are. Generally, games that require a third-party serial key, games that offer subscriptions, and free-to-play games are not eligible for sharing. Furthermore, some games might be excluded by the developer. Always check the game’s Steam store page for sharing details, if available.

Can I share my entire Steam library, or can I choose specific games?

Unfortunately, you cannot select specific games to share. When you authorize a computer, the borrower gains access to your entire shareable library. This means they can see and attempt to play all the eligible games in your collection.

What happens if a borrower cheats while playing a game from my shared library?

This is a serious concern. If a borrower is caught cheating or violating the Steam Subscriber Agreement while playing a game from your shared library, you, as the library owner, could also face a VAC ban. Valve takes cheating very seriously, and a ban can affect your entire account. Choose your borrowers wisely!

How many Steam accounts can I share my library with?

You can share your Steam library with up to five other Steam accounts on up to ten authorized devices. This limit is designed to prevent abuse and ensure that Family Sharing is used for its intended purpose: sharing with close friends and family.

How do I revoke access to my shared library from a specific user or computer?

To revoke access, go to Steam > Settings > Family on your account. You can either deauthorize a specific computer or uncheck the box next to the Steam account you want to remove from Family Sharing. This action will immediately prevent them from accessing your shared library.

Does Steam Family Sharing affect my ability to play online multiplayer games?

No, Steam Family Sharing itself does not directly affect your ability to play online multiplayer games as the account owner. However, remember that only one person can play a particular game from the shared library at a time. If you want to play a multiplayer game that is also in the shared library, the borrower will have to exit that game.

What happens if I change my Steam password?

Changing your Steam password doesn’t automatically revoke Family Sharing authorizations. However, it’s a good security practice to review and re-authorize your trusted devices after changing your password. This ensures that only authorized individuals have access to your shared library.

Is Steam Family Sharing legal?

Yes, Steam Family Sharing is a legal feature officially supported by Valve. It’s designed to allow families and close friends to share their game libraries within certain limitations. As long as you adhere to the terms of service and avoid exploiting the feature, you’re within your rights to use it.

Does Family Sharing work with all my DLC (Downloadable Content)?

Whether or not DLC is shared depends on the specific game and how the DLC is implemented. Generally, if the library owner owns the base game and the DLC, the borrower should also have access to the DLC. However, there can be exceptions, especially if the DLC requires a separate serial key or is tied to a specific account.

How long does it take to set up Steam Family Sharing?

The setup process is usually quite quick, typically taking only a few minutes. The most time-consuming aspect might be waiting for Steam Guard to be active for the required 15 days if you haven’t already enabled it. Once that’s done, authorizing computers and accounts is a matter of clicks.