Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature that allows you to share your Steam game library with family and close friends, letting them enjoy your games without needing to purchase them individually. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using Steam Family Sharing effectively.
Family Sharing enables you to authorize up to five other Steam accounts on computers you’ve logged into. This means that players on those authorized accounts can access games in your library, and vice versa if they choose to share back. It’s a great way to save money and expand your gaming circle’s library.
However, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Only one person can play games from a shared library at a time. If the library owner decides to play a game, any shared users will be given a few minutes to either purchase the game or quit. Also, shared libraries are not accessible in offline mode.
Despite these limitations, Steam Family Sharing remains a valuable feature for many gamers. Let’s dive into how to set it up.
Steps to Enable Steam Family Sharing
Setting up Steam Family Sharing involves a few straightforward steps. Here’s what you need to do:
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Log into the Steam Client: On the computer you wish to enable sharing on, log in using your Steam account – the account that owns the games you want to share.
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Navigate to Family Settings: In the Steam client, click on “Steam” in the top left corner, and then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
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Go to the Family Tab: In the Settings window, click on the “Family” tab on the left-hand side.
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Authorize Library Sharing: Under the “Family Library Sharing” section, you will see “Authorize Library Sharing on this computer.” Click on this option.
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Select Accounts to Share With: Steam will display a list of accounts that have logged into this computer. Select the account(s) you want to grant access to your library. Make sure these are the accounts of your family members or trusted friends.
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Confirmation: Once you’ve selected the accounts, click “OK.” You have now enabled Family Library Sharing on this computer for the selected accounts.
Important Considerations for Steam Family Sharing
While setting up Family Sharing is simple, understanding its nuances will ensure a smooth experience.
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Account Security: To enable sharing, you’ll likely need to log into each other’s computers if you and the person you are sharing with use Steam Guard authenticator. Some users find it easier to temporarily change to a simple password, share account access briefly to authorize sharing, and then revert to a strong password afterwards. This must be done with caution and only with trusted individuals.
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One Player at a Time: Remember, only one person can access a shared library at any given time. The primary account holder always has priority. If they decide to play a game in their library, the shared user will be notified and given a short time to exit the game.
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Offline Mode Limitation: Games from a shared library cannot be played in offline mode directly. A workaround, if sharing with only one other person, involves the primary account holder starting a game and then switching Steam to offline mode. This can potentially allow the shared user to play as well, depending on the specific game and timing.
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Sharing is Per Computer: Family Sharing authorization is tied to specific computers. You need to authorize sharing on each computer that will be used to access the shared library.
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Not All Games are Shareable: While most games are eligible for Family Sharing, some titles, particularly those requiring third-party keys or subscriptions, may not be shareable.
Maximizing Your Steam Family Sharing Experience
To make the most of Steam Family Sharing, consider these tips:
- Communicate with Shared Users: Coordinate game time with those you are sharing with to avoid interruptions.
- Share Back and Forth: Encourage family or friends to share their libraries with you too. This expands everyone’s game choices.
- Explore Different Genres: Family Sharing is a great way to try out games you might not normally buy, exploring different genres and game types.
Steam Family Sharing is a valuable tool for gamers looking to share their libraries with close ones. By understanding how it works and its limitations, you can enjoy a cost-effective way to broaden your gaming experiences.
