In this article, we will show you how to game share on Steam with friends and family securely and play your favorite games together without buying multiple copies.

Are you looking to share your favorite games with friends or family members on Steam? Steam, one of the world’s largest digital game distribution platforms, makes it easy to share your games while keeping everything safe and secure.

Here, we will walk you through the process of game sharing on Steam, commonly known as “Family Sharing,” so you can enjoy your games with others without compromising your account’s security.

See Also: 15 Best Websites to Buy Video Game Keys

What is Steam Game Sharing (Family Sharing)?

Steam’s Family Sharing feature allows you to share your entire library of games with others on different computers, making it easy to let your friends or family members play games without buying multiple copies. Family Sharing works by letting you grant access to your games, while still keeping your account and progress separate.

With Family Sharing, you can share your library with up to five accounts and on up to ten devices. The best part? Your games remain secure, and you can always control who accesses them.

How Does Steam Game Sharing Work?

When you enable Steam’s Family Sharing feature, your games are available to the people you’ve granted access to, but with some important limitations:

• Simultaneous Play: Only one person can play a game from your library at a time. If someone else is playing a game, you won’t be able to access it until they’re done.

• No Restrictions on Single-Player Games: As long as no one else is playing the game, you can play single-player games on your library without interruptions.

• Restrictions on Multiplayer Games: For multiplayer games that require an internet connection, Steam might not allow both players to play simultaneously if they are sharing the same game. One player will be logged out if the game is in use.

See Also: 8 Ways to Connect PS5 Controller to PS5 Console

Steps to Game Share on Steam

Now that you know how Steam Family Sharing works, let’s break down the steps on how to game share:

Step 1: Enable Steam Guard

Before you start sharing your games, ensure that Steam Guard is enabled on your account for added security.

1. Open Steam and log in.

2. Click on your profile name at the top-right corner.

3. Select Steam Guard and follow the prompts to enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of protection to your account.

Step 2: Authorize the Device

In order to share your games, you need to authorize the computer you want to share your library with. This process ensures that the device is safe and recognized by Steam.

1. On the computer you want to share your library with, log in to your Steam account.

2. Once logged in, go to Steam Settings by clicking on the Steam menu and selecting Settings.

3. In the Family tab, check the box that says “Authorize Library Sharing on this computer”.

4. You will then see a list of accounts that are logged into this computer. Select the account(s) you want to share your library with and click OK.

See Also: 4 Tips to Increase Download Speed in Steam

Step 3: Log Into the Other Account

Once you’ve authorized the device, the other person will need to log in to their Steam account on the same computer.

1. They will be able to access your games by logging into their own Steam account.

2. To play your shared games, they simply need to visit their Library and find the games that you’ve shared. Games that are available for sharing will be marked as “Shared with you.”

Step 4: Play Shared Games

Now that everything is set up, the other user can play your games! Remember, only one person can play a game at a time, so if you’re playing a game from your library, they won’t be able to access it until you’re done.

Troubleshooting Steam Family Sharing

Sometimes, you might run into issues while setting up Steam Family Sharing. Here are a few common problems and solutions:

1. Error: “This game cannot be shared.”

   • Some games, such as those with additional third-party DRM or subscriptions (like MMORPGs), are not eligible for sharing. Steam will let you know if a particular game cannot be shared.

2. The Game Isn’t Appearing in the Library of Shared Account.

   • Double-check the sharing settings and make sure the other user is properly logged in. You might need to restart Steam on their account to see the games.

3. Multiple Users Trying to Play at the Same Time.

   • Remember, only one user can play a shared game at a time. If another user is already playing, you’ll need to wait until they finish.

See Also: How To Hide Games From Friends On Steam

Key Benefits of Steam Game Sharing

• Save Money: Family Sharing is an excellent way to save on games, especially when you and your friends or family enjoy similar titles. You only need to buy the game once!

• Game Library Expansion: You can explore new titles from your family or friends’ libraries and enjoy even more content without purchasing it.

• Security: With Steam Guard enabled, your games are shared securely, keeping your account safe from unauthorized access.

Final Thoughts on Steam Game Sharing

Game sharing on Steam is a fantastic way to enjoy more games and make the most out of your digital game library. By enabling Family Sharing, you can easily share your games with up to five other accounts while keeping your account secure. It’s an affordable and convenient solution for gamers who want to explore new titles without purchasing multiple copies.

So, whether you’re sharing your latest RPG with your sibling or letting a friend experience your favorite shooter, Steam’s Family Sharing feature makes it all possible. Enjoy gaming together, and don’t forget to respect the rules for a smooth experience!

Share This Post: