Sharing your Steam games with friends and family can be a great way to expand your gaming circle and save money. This guide will walk you through the process of Steam game sharing, explaining the methods, limitations, and best practices.
Understanding Steam Family Sharing
Steam Family Sharing isn't about directly giving away your games. Instead, it's a feature that allows authorized users on your account to play your games while you're not playing them. This means only one person can play a shared game at a time.
Key Features and Limitations:
- One person at a time: Only one user can play a shared game simultaneously. If you're playing a game, authorized users can't access it.
- Authorized users only: You must explicitly authorize other users to access your game library. They can't just log in to your account.
- Not all games are shareable: Some games may be excluded from Family Sharing due to publisher restrictions. You'll see which games are eligible within your Steam library.
- Requires a persistent internet connection: Both the game owner and the authorized user need an internet connection to use Family Sharing.
- Saved games are account-specific: Each user's saved game progress is separate and independent.
How to Set Up Steam Family Sharing
Step 1: Authorize a Computer:
First, you need to authorize the computer that your friend or family member will use to access your games. This is a one-time process for each computer. On your computer:
- Go to Steam > Settings > Family > Authorize Family Sharing on this computer.
- Enter your Steam account password.
Step 2: Authorize Users:
After authorizing a computer, you need to authorize specific users. Only users you explicitly authorize can access your shared games.
- Log in to your Steam account on the authorized computer.
- You will be prompted to select which users are authorized to access your games. Choose the accounts you wish to share with.
Step 3: Accessing Shared Games:
Once a user is authorized, they can access your shared games:
- They should log into their Steam account on the authorized computer.
- Your shared games will appear in their library under a special section, typically marked as "Family Shared Games".
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Game not showing up: Ensure the game is eligible for Family Sharing and that both you and the authorized user are logged into Steam. Check your Steam library to confirm it's a shareable game.
- Unable to authorize computer: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and are using the correct Steam account credentials.
- Only some games are shared: Some publishers restrict game sharing. Check the game's store page for any sharing limitations.
Best Practices for Steam Family Sharing
- Communicate with authorized users: Ensure everyone understands the rules and limitations of Family Sharing.
- Regularly review authorized users: Remove authorization for users who no longer need access to your games.
- Be mindful of game ownership: Remember that you retain ownership of all games in your library.
By following these steps and understanding the limitations, you can successfully share your Steam games and enhance your gaming experience with friends and family. Remember to always respect the terms and conditions of Steam's Family Sharing feature. Happy gaming!
