How to Transfer or Share Your Steam Games Effectively
Transferring ownership of digital games on Steam isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. If you’ve ever wanted to move a game to another account, lend a title to a friend, or simply understand your options for sharing your library, this guide provides comprehensive insights. While Steam does not officially support direct game transfers between accounts, there are legitimate methods to share your library with family members or close friends. By understanding how these systems work, you can maximize your gaming experience without violating Steam’s terms of service.
Can You Directly Transfer Steam Games to Another Account?
In short, direct transfer of game licenses from one Steam account to another is not possible. Once a game is purchased and added to a Steam library, that license is permanently tied to the original account. This means you cannot simply move the game file or license to a different account later on. If you’ve purchased a game on the wrong account or want to reassign ownership, the only viable option is to request a refund, provided the purchase meets Steam’s refund criteria—such as being within two weeks of purchase and with less than two hours of playtime. You can learn more about refund policies on the official Steam support page.
However, sharing your games with family members or trusted friends is achievable through Steam’s built-in features. This method allows multiple users to access your library without violating licensing rules, provided they follow the correct procedures.
How to Enable Family Library Sharing on Steam
Steam’s Family Library Sharing feature lets you authorize other accounts to access your game library, facilitating shared gameplay without needing to buy multiple copies. This system maintains the original ownership rights, but it comes with some restrictions. Authorized users can install and play games from your library on their own accounts, and their gameplay progress and achievements are saved separately. The primary owner retains control and has priority access, meaning only one person can play a shared game at a time.
To set up Family Sharing, you need to have logged into each account on the same computer and enabled Steam Guard security. These steps ensure the sharing process is secure and authorized.
- ### Authorizing Accounts for Sharing
This method involves the primary account owner granting access to other accounts. Begin by logging into the main Steam account that owns the library. Navigate to Steam Settings > Family tab. Here, you’ll see a list of accounts that have previously logged into Steam on that device. Check the box labeled “Authorize Library Sharing on this computer” and select the accounts you wish to grant access to. Once authorized, these accounts can install and play your shared games at their convenience.
- ### Requesting Access from the Library Owner
Alternatively, users can request access directly from the primary account owner. On the same device, the user should log into their account, go to the Library tab, and find a game owned by the primary account. When they select to play the game, they will be prompted to request access. An email will then be sent to the owner, who can approve the request by clicking a link. Once approved, the user can play the game, though only one person can access the shared library at a time.
Both methods require initial setup on the same computer and a logged-in account. However, it’s also possible to enable sharing on a second computer located far away. To do this, just log into the primary account on the new device and repeat the setup process. You can manage authorized devices and accounts through the Family tab in Steam settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharing Games
- ### Is It Possible to Share Individual Games?
No. Steam’s Family Library Sharing shares your entire library, not specific titles. This means all eligible games are accessible once sharing is enabled, without the option to exclude certain titles.
- ### Why Are Some Games Not Sharable?
Certain titles, such as Grand Theft Auto V, cannot be shared via Steam’s system. This is often due to third-party login requirements or DRM restrictions that tie the game to the primary account. Such restrictions prevent these games from being shared through Family Library Sharing.
- ### How Many Accounts and Devices Can Be Shared With?
Steam allows you to authorize up to 5 accounts on a maximum of 10 devices within a 90-day period. While this provides flexibility, it’s crucial to only share with trusted individuals to prevent account bans or misuse. Remember, sharing with untrustworthy users can lead to account suspensions, especially if cheating or violations occur.
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Sharing your Steam library responsibly allows you to enjoy games with friends and family while respecting licensing agreements. Always stay informed about Steam’s policies to ensure you’re sharing safely and legally.
