Mastering Steam Library Management: How to Conceal or Remove Games Effectively
Managing your Steam library can be a seamless experience once you understand the nuances of hiding and removing games. Whether you want to keep your library tidy, hide games you no longer play, or permanently delete titles, knowing the right procedures ensures your gaming collection remains organized and tailored to your preferences. This guide will walk you through the differences between hiding and deleting games, and how to perform each action with ease.
The Difference Between Hiding and Removing Games
Hiding a game on Steam is a reversible process. When you conceal a game, it no longer appears in your default library view, helping you declutter your interface. However, the game can still be accessed quickly by changing your view settings, and you can unhide it at any time. Notably, hidden games remain playable unless you choose to hide them again. This feature is particularly useful for temporarily concealing titles without losing access.
On the other hand, removing a game from your account is a permanent action. When you delete a game, it completely disappears from your library, and you will need to repurchase it if you decide to play again later. Previously, this process required contacting Steam support, but now it can be done directly through your account settings in just a few clicks. Keep in mind, though, that uninstalling a game from your device is a separate step; removal from your account does not automatically delete local files on your computer, which you may need to delete manually.
How to Hide a Steam Game
To keep certain titles out of sight temporarily, you can hide them from your library view. First, find the game you wish to hide within your Steam library. Right-click on the game, and from the context menu, select “Set Categories.” In the window that appears, check the box labeled “Hide this game in my library,” then click “OK” to confirm. The game will now be hidden from your default view but remains accessible if you change your category filters later.
This method allows you to maintain a clutter-free library without losing access to your games. It’s especially useful if you share your account, as others won’t see hidden titles unless they are viewing all categories.
How to Find or Unhide a Hidden Steam Game
If you want to access or unhide a game that you previously concealed, start by locating the category filter in your library. Click on the category dropdown box located on the right side of the search bar. From the list of categories, select “Hidden.” This will display all games you’ve hidden from view.
To unhide a game, simply right-click on it within this list and select “Remove From Hidden.” The game will then reappear in your main library view under its original category, ready for you to launch or categorize further.
How to Remove a Game From Your Steam Account
Permanently deleting a game from your library involves a few deliberate steps. Before proceeding, it’s advisable to uninstall the game from your local device to free up storage space. If you remove the game directly from your account first, you won’t be able to uninstall it normally later, and you’ll need to manually delete game files from your hard drive or SSD.
To start the removal process, open Steam’s support section by clicking Help > Steam Support. Find the game you want to delete in your list of recent or owned titles. If you’ve played the game recently, it may appear at the top; otherwise, you can search for its name using the search box.
Once located, click on the game, then select “I want to permanently remove this game from my account.” If the game was purchased recently and has been played for less than two hours, you also have the option to request a refund from this page. Steam will provide detailed instructions about the process, including any related titles that might also be linked to your purchase, such as bundled games.
Finally, click “OK, remove the listed games from my account permanently.” Remember, this action is irreversible, and you will need to repurchase the game to play it again in the future. Note that your playtime statistics and achievements associated with the game will still be visible on your profile, even after removal.
For more insights on managing game development projects or understanding hardware manufacturing processes involved in game creation, explore resources like 3d mobile app creation, which can give you a broader perspective on the technical aspects behind game design and deployment. Additionally, if you’re considering building a custom console or exploring career paths, this guide on making gaming hardware offers valuable information.
By mastering these techniques, you can keep your Steam library organized, privacy maintained, and gaming experience tailored to your preferences.
