Using Steam to share your game library with friends and family allows you to enjoy your collection without having to buy them all the same games. This is made possible via Steam’s Family Library Sharing function, which is still a well-liked way to play cooperative video games or go on free-to-play single-player adventures in 2024. This is an easy way to put things up.
KEYPOINT: Verify that Steam Guard security is activated in the Steam Client by going to Steam > Settings > Security. Click the Family tab in the Steam Settings panel. Here, you may choose which users to share your library with who have also logged into this computer. Select the option to “Authorise Library Sharing on this device”.
What You Should Understand Before Sharing
- Restricted Accounts: On up to ten separate devices, you can share your library with five distinct Steam accounts.
- Internet Requirement: In order to access your shared library, the person you share with must also be online.
- Simultaneous Play: Both users cannot play the same game at the same time, though you can play different games from the same library.
How to share a game on Steam in 2024
- Turn on Steam Guard
- Make sure that Steam Guard security is activated before turning on Family Library Sharing. Your account is further protected by doing this.
- Click on your profile name in the upper-right area of Steam after it has opened.
- Pick Account Details from the option that drops down.
- Please make sure that Steam Guard is enabled under Account Security. Using the mobile authenticator or email, you can enable it.
- Access the computer of a friend or family member
- Next, on the PC that you wish to share your library with, sign into your Steam account.
- You can now allow their computer to access your games by doing this step.
- Open Steam on the gadget of choice.
- Using your Steam login information, log in.
- Give the Computer Permission
- You must provide the computer access to your library after logging in.
- Click Steam > Settings in the upper-left corner.
- Select the Family tab from the menu on the left.
- Authorise Library Sharing on this Computer has a checkbox next to it.
- Provide Access to Particular Accounts
- Once the device has been authorised, choose which accounts have access to your library.
- You will see a list of accounts that have logged into that device while you are still in the Family tab.
- To share your games with an account, tick the box next to it.
- Let your friend log in after you log out
After granting access, exit Steam and log back in. Now that they’re back in their Steam account on the same computer, your friend or family member can use the shared library.
- Using the Common Library
Once everything is configured, a friend or member of your family can play your games by:
- Turning on Steam on their gadget.
- Go to their Library, where your shared games as well as their games will now be visible to them.
- They can choose which of the shared games to download and install.
Changing Your Gameshare Preferences
- You have the ability to change your Family Library Sharing preferences at any moment, which includes removing access to particular devices or accounts.
- Navigate to Settings > Family > Manage Family Library Sharing after starting Steam.
- From there, you can check which devices and user names are allowed and, if necessary, revoke access.
2024 Steam Family Library Sharing Restrictions
Single Instance Access: If you’re playing a game, your friend can’t play any of your games at the same time because only one user can access the shared library at once.
No Cross-Region Sharing: Some games on Steam are region-locked, so if you share them with someone in a different region, some of them might not be playable.
Installing shared games is required: The games your buddy want to play from your library must be downloaded to their device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I play a game while sharing my library?
A: Yes, but only if the person you are sharing with plays a different game from the one you’re playing.
Q: Can I share DLC or in-game items?
A: DLCs are only accessible if the base game is owned by the person accessing the shared library. In-game purchases like items or currency remain tied to the account that bought them.
Q: Can I share my library with multiple friends?
A: Yes, you can share with up to 5 different accounts on 10 devices.
Q: What happens if both of us try to play the same game?
A: The game will only be available to the person who first starts playing it. If the other person tries to launch it, they will be prompted to purchase the game or wait until the first user finishes.
