How to Share Steam Games with Friends and Family
Learn how to share Steam games with friends and family, so you can enjoy gaming with those you care about the most.. Sharing games on Steam is a fantastic way to allow friends and family to enjoy your game library without them needing to purchase their own copies. This feature, known as Steam Family Sharing, enables users to share their games securely and conveniently. This guide explains the step-by-step process for sharing Steam games, setting up Family Sharing, and understanding its limitations, tips for effective use, and answers to common questions to ensure a smooth experience.
Table of contents
What Is Steam Family Sharing?
Steam Family Sharing is a built-in feature of the Steam gaming platform that allows users to share their game libraries with up to five other accounts on ten different authorized devices. This feature ensures that others can access and play games you own, as long as certain conditions are met.
Family Sharing is especially useful for households with multiple gamers, as it eliminates the need for purchasing multiple copies of the same game. However, it’s also ideal for sharing your library with friends who don’t live with you.
Benefits of Steam Family Sharing
Steam Family Sharing offers a host of benefits, making it an invaluable feature for gamers.
1. Cost Savings
Instead of buying multiple copies of a game for different accounts, Family Sharing allows one purchased copy to be shared among multiple users.
2. Access to a Larger Game Library
By sharing with family or friends, everyone involved gains access to a broader range of games.
3. Parental Control
Parents can share their game library with children while monitoring what games they play. Steam allows restrictions on specific content to ensure age-appropriate access.
4. Easy Setup and Maintenance
Setting up Family Sharing is straightforward, and once it’s done, you only need to authorize additional devices or accounts as needed.
How Steam Family Sharing Works
Steam Family Sharing revolves around the concept of authorizing devices and accounts to access your library. Here’s an overview of how it works:
- You log in to your Steam account on a specific device.
- You enable Family Sharing and authorize that device.
- Other accounts on the same device can then access your library.
- Once authorized, the shared accounts can log in from their own devices to access your games.
It’s important to note that while multiple accounts can access the library, only one account can play games from the shared library at a time. If the original owner wants to play, the borrower will be prompted to exit the game.
How to Set Up Steam Family Sharing
Follow these step-by-step instructions to enable and use Family Sharing on Steam.
Step 1: Enable Steam Guard Security
Steam Guard is a security feature that protects your account. It must be activated to use Family Sharing.
- Open the Steam client.
- Go to Steam > Settings > Account.
- Select Manage Steam Guard Account Security.
- Choose either Email Verification or the Mobile Authenticator to enable Steam Guard.
Steam Guard ensures that unauthorized users cannot access your account, making it a vital first step.
Step 2: Log In to the Target Device
To share your games with someone, you must first log in to your Steam account on their device.
- Download and install Steam on the target device.
- Log in using your Steam credentials.
Step 3: Authorize the Device for Family Sharing
Now that you’re logged in, you can authorize the device for Family Sharing.
- Navigate to Steam > Settings > Family in the Steam client.
- Check the box labeled Authorize Library Sharing on This Computer.
- Log out of your account once the authorization is complete.
Step 4: The Shared User Logs In
After you’ve authorized the device, the shared user must log into their own Steam account on the same device. They will now have access to your game library.
Rules and Limitations of Steam Family Sharing
While Steam Family Sharing is an incredible feature, it comes with specific rules and limitations to ensure fair use and security.
Key Rules
- One User at a Time: Only one person can access a shared library at any given time. If the owner begins playing a game, the borrower will be prompted to exit their session.
- Game Eligibility: Not all games are sharable. Titles with third-party DRM restrictions or additional login requirements may not support Family Sharing.
- No Permanent Ownership: Borrowed games remain tied to the owner’s account. If the owner revokes access, the borrower will lose access to the games.
Important Limitations
| Limitation | Details |
|---|---|
| DLC Restrictions | Borrowers can access DLC (downloadable content) only if they own the base game. DLC purchased by borrowers is not shared with the owner. |
| Regional Restrictions | Certain games may be locked by region and cannot be accessed by users in different regions. |
| VAC Bans | Valve Anti-Cheat bans apply across all accounts using the shared library, potentially penalizing the owner for the borrower’s actions. |
Best Practices for Sharing Steam Games
To make the most of Steam Family Sharing, keep the following best practices in mind:
1. Coordinate Game Usage
Discuss with the people you’re sharing your library with to avoid conflicts. Since only one user can play at a time, communication is key.
2. Verify Game Compatibility
Some games may not support Family Sharing. Before you share your library, check to ensure that the games you want to share are compatible with the feature.
3. Use Strong Account Security
Always keep your account secure by enabling Steam Guard and using a strong password. Sharing your library doesn’t mean sharing your account credentials.
4. Be Mindful of VAC Bans
If you’re sharing with friends, remind them to follow Steam’s rules to avoid penalties that could affect your account.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with proper setup, you might encounter some issues while using Steam Family Sharing. Here are the most common problems and how to resolve them.
1. Authorization Errors
If the shared library isn’t accessible:
- Ensure that Steam Guard is enabled.
- Reauthorize the device in Settings > Family.
2. Library Not Visible
If the borrower cannot see your library:
- Confirm that the device is properly authorized.
- Check if the game is compatible with Family Sharing.
3. Conflicting Usage
If the borrower is kicked out of a game session:
- Remember that only one user can access the library at a time.
- Plan game sessions to avoid overlap.
Why Steam Family Sharing Is Worth It
Steam Family Sharing is a powerful tool for gamers, allowing households and friends to share games while cutting costs and increasing access to more titles. While there are some restrictions, understanding and working within these limitations can create a seamless gaming experience.
