Steam Family Sharing is a feature that allows multiple users to access and play each other's Steam library of games. This is particularly useful for families or friends who want to share their purchased games without buying multiple copies. Below, we provide a detailed guide on how to set up and use Steam Family Sharing.
Steam Family Sharing allows users to share their game library with up to 5 accounts and on up to 10 devices. It's important to note that not all games are shareable due to various restrictions, such as region locks or third-party DRM. Additionally, only one user can access a shared library at a time.
Before you can set up Family Sharing, Steam Guard security must be enabled. Follow these steps:
Next, you'll need to authorize the devices that will have access to your library:
Once the device and accounts are authorized, accessing shared games is straightforward:
If the shared library is not appearing, ensure that Steam Guard is enabled on both accounts and that the device has been authorized correctly. Double-check that the correct accounts are selected under the Family tab in Settings.
Some games may not be shareable due to region locks or other restrictions. Verify the game's sharing status by checking the Steam store page or the game's community discussions.
Remember that only one user can access a shared library at a time. If the owner is playing a game, the shared user will not be able to access the library until the owner logs out.
To efficiently manage multiple users, consider setting up a schedule for when each user can access the shared library. This can help avoid conflicts and maximize playtime for everyone involved.
If you want to play a single-player game without interfering with the shared library, use Steam's Offline Mode. This allows you to play your games without needing an internet connection, freeing up the library for others.
While base games can be shared, DLCs and in-game content may only be accessible to the account that purchased them. Check the specific game's policy on DLC sharing to avoid any surprises.
Ensure that all accounts participating in Family Sharing have strong, unique passwords and that Steam Guard is enabled. This helps protect against unauthorized access and potential account compromises.
Regularly review the activity on your shared library. Steam provides logs of which games were played and by whom, allowing you to monitor usage and detect any unusual activity.
In addition to Family Sharing, Steam's Remote Play Together feature allows you to play local multiplayer games with friends over the internet. This can complement Family Sharing by enabling cooperative gameplay even when friends are not physically together.
Take advantage of Steam's vast ecosystem, including the Steam Workshop for mods, Steam Cloud for saving game progress, and Steam Community for connecting with other players.
With these steps and tips, you can make the most of Steam Family Sharing, creating a shared gaming experience that brings friends and family closer together, all while maximizing your game library's potential.
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