Steam’s Family Sharing feature lets you share your game library with friends and family, allowing them to play your titles without buying their own copies.
Whether it’s letting a sibling try Counter-Strike 2 or a friend dive into Stardew Valley, this feature maximizes your library’s value.
However, setup can be tricky, and restrictions often catch users off-guard, as seen in Reddit threads and X posts.
This guide explains how to set up Steam Family Sharing, manage its limitations, and troubleshoot common issues so everyone can enjoy your games seamlessly.
Table of Contents
What Is Steam Family Sharing?
Steam Family Sharing allows up to five accounts to access your game library on up to 10 authorized devices. Shared games appear in the borrower’s library, but only one person can play at a time.
For example, if you’re playing Dota 2, no one else can access your library until you finish. It’s perfect for households or close friends but comes with rules:
Game Restrictions
Not all games support sharing due to developer restrictions.
Separate Profiles
Each player needs their own Steam profile.
Setting Up Steam Family Sharing
Follow these steps to enable Family Sharing on a PC or Steam Deck:
Enable Steam Guard
Go to Steam > Settings > Account > Manage Steam Guard Account Security. Turn on two-factor authentication (via email or Steam Mobile App).
Authorize the Device
Log into your account on the friend’s PC/Deck. Go to Settings > Family, check “Authorize Library Sharing on this computer,” then log out.
Authorize Accounts
On your own device, go to Settings > Family > Manage Family Library Sharing. Add up to five Steam accounts you want to share with.
Access Shared Games
On the authorized device, log into the borrower’s Steam account. Shared games appear in their Library under a “Shared by [Your Username]” section.
Managing Restrictions and Limitations
Steam Family Sharing has a few quirks:
One Player at a Time
If you launch any game, others lose access to your entire library until you exit.
Game-Specific Restrictions
Some titles (e.g., Ubisoft games) don’t support Family Sharing. Always check the store page.
Region Locks
Different licensing rules may restrict access for accounts in different regions.
No Simultaneous Multiplayer
You can’t both play the same multiplayer game (like CS2) at once unless the borrower owns it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If Family Sharing doesn’t work, try these fixes:
Check Steam Guard
Make sure Steam Guard is enabled on both accounts, otherwise sharing won’t work.
Reauthorize Devices
If a device doesn’t show shared games, reauthorize it under Settings > Family.
Verify Game Compatibility
Not all games are shareable. Confirm support on Steam’s Family Sharing page.
Update Steam Client
Ensure all devices run the latest Steam version to avoid bugs. On Deck, check Proton settings.
Tips for Smooth Sharing
Plan Play Schedules
Coordinate with friends or family to avoid conflicts since only one can access the library at once.
Use Offline Mode
Enable “Go Offline” so others can play while you use Steam for browsing or downloads.
Back Up Save Files
Progress is tied to individual accounts. Back up locally or use Steam Cloud for security.
Conclusion
Steam Family Sharing transforms your library into a shared resource for households or tight-knit friends. By setting up Steam Guard, authorizing devices, and managing restrictions, you’ll keep everything running smoothly.
Games like Dota 2 are free to play and don’t require you to share them, but for most Steam games, knowing how to do this is valuable knowledge.
FAQs
1. Can two people play the same game at the same time with Steam Family Sharing?
No. Only one person can access a shared library at a time. If the lender starts playing, the borrower is kicked out of the game unless they purchase it.
2. Do all Steam games support Family Sharing?
Not all. Games requiring third-party accounts (e.g., Ubisoft Connect, EA App) or certain licenses may block Family Sharing. Always check the game’s Steam page for a “Family Sharing” tag.
3. Is Steam Family Sharing available across different regions?
Yes, but some titles may be restricted due to regional licensing. Borrowers might not be able to launch certain region-locked games.
4. Can shared games use DLC from the lender’s account?
Yes, but only if the borrower does not already own the base game. If they do, DLC must be purchased separately on their own account.
5. How many people can I share my Steam library with?
You can authorize up to 5 accounts on 10 devices. Once the limit is reached, you’ll need to deauthorize a device or account to add new ones.
