In this article we will explore the steps necessary to share steam library, a popular platform for the distribution of video games. Sharing the Steam library allows users to access a wide range of games without having to purchase them individually. It's a useful feature for those who want to play their friends or family's games without having to purchase them separately. Next, we'll discuss the steps to share your Steam library. with other users and how to access libraries shared by other players. If you're interested in enjoying a vast library of games without spending a fortune, read on to find out how to share your Steam library.
1. Requirements for sharing the Steam library
For share Steam library with your friends or family members, you must first make sure you meet certain requirements. First, both you and the person you want to share the library with have Steam accounts. Additionally, both accounts must have been authorized on the same computer, since the library sharing feature can only be used on the same device.
Once you have verified the prerequisites, the next step is to configure shared library access. To do this, you must go to Steam settings and select the “Family” option. In this section, you will see a list of Steam accounts that are authorized on your computer. Select the account you want to share with and check the box that says “Share this library.”
Finally, to access the shared library on another device, you must login on Steam with the account that has access to the shared library. Once you have logged in, you will be able to see the shared library in the “Library” section of Steam. You can download and play any game available in the shared library, as long as the account that owns it is not using its own library at the time.
2. Steps to enable library sharing feature
Step 1: Access Steam Settings
To enable library sharing on Steam, you must first go to your account settings. Open the Steam client on your computer and, at the top left of the screen, click “Steam.” Then, select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. A new window will open with all the available configuration options.
Step 2: Enable sharing
In the Steam settings window, click the “Family” tab on the left side. This is where you will find all the options related to library sharing. Check the box “Authorize shared libraries” to enable this feature. After checking the box, a list will appear with all the Steam users you have added as friends. Select the friends you want to share your library with and click »OK» to save the changes.
Step 3: Access the shared library
After following the two steps above, you'll be ready to access shared libraries on Steam. Open the Steam client on your friend's computer and make sure they are logged in to their account. At the top of the window, click “Library.” Next, a drop-down list with all available libraries will be displayed. Select your friend's library to access your games and enjoy the library sharing feature.
3. How to manage and customize access permissions
To manage and customize access permissions in Steam, it is important to understand the different options available. One of the most convenient ways to share your Steam library is through the Family Library Sharing feature. This feature allows you to share your games with up to five friend or family accounts, as long as they are authorized on your computer. To activate this feature, you must go to Steam settings and select the “Family” option in the “Account” tab. Here you can manage authorized accounts and customize access permissions.
Within the “Family Library Sharing” option, you will be able to choose which games you want to share with other users. By default, all games in your library are shared, but you can manually select those you want to exclude. Additionally, you have the ability to control who can access your games at certain times. For example, if you are playing a game and another user tries to access it, you will be notified that the game is not available at that time.
Another way to manage access permissions is through the use of “Steam Groups”. These groups allow you to organize your friends into custom categories, making it easier to control who can access certain games. You can create groups based on common interests, such as role-playing games or strategy games, and then assign access permissions to each group.. For example, if you have a group of friends who are only interested in FPS games, you can give them exclusive access to those games. This gives you greater control over who can view and play your Steam library.
4. How to invite friends to share your Steam library
Advertisement: Did you know you can share your Steam library with your friends? This feature allows you to allow your friends to access and enjoy your games on their own account. It's a great way to expand your game collection and allow your friends to try out titles that they might not have purchased for the first time. themselves. Below, we explain.
1. First, make sure you and your friends have the Steam client installed on their computers. Once everyone is ready, log into your Steam account.
2. From the “Library” tab at the top from the screen, select the game you want to share. Next, right-click on the game title and select the “Properties” option from the drop-down menu.
3. In the game properties window, go to the “Sharing” tab in the left menu. Here you will find the option “Allow our friends to play this game”. Check this checkbox and choose which friends you want to invite to share your library. You can select specific friends or simply choose to invite all your friends.
4. Once you've selected the friends you want to invite, click Close to save the changes. Your friends will receive a notification in their Steam client, indicating that they have been invited to share your library. You will also receive a list of the games that you can now play free of charge on their own account.
5. Now, your friends can search their library for the game they've been invited to share and simply click on it to start playing. They will not need to enter your Steam account nor download the game again. Your friends will be able to play the games you share while you are not actively playing, although they will not be able to access the saved files in your account. Additionally, they will only be able to play one game from your library at a time.
5. Important considerations when sharing your library
If you're interested in sharing your Steam library with friends or family, there are a few important considerations that you should take into account. First, you need to make sure that both users have their Steam accounts linked to an authorized computer. This It can be done through the Family Library settings in your Steam account.
Once you have linked your accounts, it is crucial that you take into account restrictions on simultaneous use. According to Steam rules, only one user can access the shared library at any time, which means that if the library owner is playing a game, the invited user must wait their turn. Additionally, if the library owner decides to play a game in offline mode, the shared library will not be accessible at that time.
Another important consideration is that Not all games are eligible for sharing. Some titles have DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions that prevent their access through the family library. Additionally, games that require a subscription or additional account, such as MMORPGs, cannot be shared. Therefore, before sharing your library, it is advisable to review the list of games that are not eligible to avoid confusion or disappointment.
6. Fixing common problems when sharing the Steam library
1.- Verify the shared library configuration: Before you start sharing your Steam library, it's important to make sure you have the correct settings. To do this, go to your Steam client settings and select the “Family” option in the “Account” tab. Make sure that the “Authorize shared library on this computer” box is checked. Remember that you can only share your library with a maximum of 5 different accounts.
2.- Share specific games: If you don't want to share your entire library, you also have the option to share specific games. To do this, go to your Steam library and right-click in the game that you want to share. Next, select the “Properties” option and then the “Family” tab. Check the “Share this game” box and select the account(s) you want to share it with. Remember that only games that are compatible with the Family Sharing system can be shared.
3.- Solution of common problems: While sharing your Steam library can be a great way to enjoy games with friends and family, you may run into some issues. Some common issues include games that won't start or close unexpectedly, or problems connecting to Steam servers. In these cases, it is advisable to check the integrity of the game files (by right-clicking on the game in the Steam library and selecting "Properties", then the "Local Files" tab and "Verify Integrity" of the game files) and make sure your Internet connection is stable. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Steam Support for additional help.
7. Recommendations to improve the library sharing experience
There are several recommendations to improve the Steam library sharing experience and ensure that all users get the most out of your games. Here are some suggestions that will be useful to you:
1. Set up the Steam family: A very useful option is to set up Steam family, which will allow you to share your library with up to five users by adding them to your family group. To do this, go to Steam settings and select “Family” in the »Account” tab. You will be able to manage which games you want to share and establish different access levels for each user.
2. Use of shared libraries: Make the most of using shared libraries to access your friends' games. You can request access to their library and, once obtained, you will have the possibility to download and play their games. Remember that while a user is playing one of the games in your library, you will not be able to access that game.
3. Communicate with other users: To avoid confusion and conflict, it is essential to maintain open communication with other users with whom you share your library. You can use Steam's chat function to coordinate play times, agree on shifts of use, or simply exchange opinions about the games you share. Effective communication is key to an enjoyable library sharing experience.
I am Sebastián Vidal, a computer engineer passionate about technology and DIY. Furthermore, I am the creator of tecnobits.com, where I share tutorials to make technology more accessible and understandable for everyone.