How Does Steam Family Sharing Work?
Steam Family Sharing is a feature that allows users to share their Steam library with their friends and family members, giving them access to games, achievements, and game progress. This feature provides an opportunity for friends and family to play games together without having to purchase a separate copy of the game.
Getting Started
To set up Steam Family Sharing, follow these simple steps:
- Activate Family Library Sharing: In the Steam settings panel, click on the Family tab and enable library sharing. This will create a new family folder on your Steam account where games will be stored and managed.
- Invite Family Members: In the same family tab, you can invite family members by entering their Steam username, email, or a secret code.
- Set up Family Accounts: Each family member must set up their own Steam account and agree to the terms of service.
Limitations and Restrictions
It’s essential to note the following limitations and restrictions:
- Only One Active Game at a Time: Only one game can be played at a time through Family Sharing. If two users try to play the same game simultaneously, the user who initially started the game will have priority access.
- Game Requirements: Games must be available in the user’s region and meet the system requirements of the user’s PC to be played through Family Sharing.
- Storage and Data: Games downloaded through Family Sharing will use up storage space on the device and will be associated with the original owner’s Steam account.
- Friend Requests: Users can still make friend requests and add other users to their Steam friend list, but family sharing will not be extended to these users.
Buying Games for Family Members
When purchasing a game through Steam, you have two options:
- Gifting: You can gift a game to another family member, which allows them to download and play the game.
- Authorizing Access: You can authorize a family member to access the game on your behalf, allowing them to play the game but keeping the game ownership on your account.
Viewing and Managing Family Shares
To view and manage your family shares, follow these steps:
- Steam Settings: Click on the Steam settings icon () and select Settings.
- Family: Click on the Family tab and click on View Family.
- Members: Click on the family member’s username to view their account details, authorized games, and game access status.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- "Borrowed Game" Status: If a game is in a "borrowed" state, it means that the family member is currently playing the game and you can’t access it. You can try authorizing the family member to access the game on your behalf or remove them as a family member.
- Access Denial: If a family member is denied access to a game, check the game’s system requirements to ensure that their device meets the requirements.
- Game Disappearance: If a game disappears from a family member’s Steam account, try restarting their Steam client or checking their downloads folder.
FAQs
- How do I share games with family members?: To share games with family members, invite them to join your Steam family and authorize access to the game.
- Can I share multiple copies of a game with different family members?: No, only one copy of a game can be authorized per family member.
- Can I play with a family member who owns a different game?: No, Family Sharing allows for access to the same games, not different ones.
- Can I give a game as a gift to someone outside my family?: Yes, you can gift a game to someone outside your family through the Steam store.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy Steam Family Sharing with your friends and family, making it a seamless and enjoyable experience. Remember to stay within the terms of service and maintain the integrity of your Steam account.