Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature that lets you share your game library with other Steam accounts on your household. But a common question arises: Does Steam Family Sharing work on different computers? The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Steam Family Sharing across multiple computers, addressing common concerns and offering practical tips.
How Does Steam Family Sharing Work Across Different Computers?
Steam Family Sharing allows the authorized user (the "authorized account") to access and play games from the primary account's library on their computer. Crucially, only one account can play a specific game at a time. If you authorize your game library on your desktop PC, and then try to use the same library on a laptop, the first instance will be logged out automatically. This is a core part of the system's design to prevent simultaneous use and copyright infringement.
Can I Play My Shared Games Simultaneously on Multiple Computers?
No. This is a significant limitation of Steam Family Sharing. Only one account can play a specific game at a given time. If you try to launch a shared game on another computer while already playing it on your primary machine, the second attempt will be blocked. The game will require the first instance to close before it can be played on a different machine.
What Happens If I Authorize My Library on Multiple Computers?
Authorizing your library on multiple computers simply means that any of those authorized computers can play your games. However, only one can play a specific game at a time. If you authorize your library on your desktop and your laptop, you can choose to play on either, but not both simultaneously for the same game. Switching between devices is seamless as long as you remember that only one can use a particular game at a single point in time.
Can I Download Games to Multiple Computers Using Family Sharing?
Yes, you can download games to multiple authorized computers. However, again, remember the single-use restriction. The game will download and install on each authorized computer, but only one instance of that game can be active at once. You can, therefore, set up and prepare multiple computers to play your shared games, but only one can play at any given moment.
What are the Limitations of Steam Family Sharing Across Different Computers?
Beyond the simultaneous usage limitation, other limitations exist:
- Offline Play: While you can download games to multiple computers, offline play is often restricted to the primary account or limited by the game's specific DRM.
- Game Updates: All authorized computers will need to be online to receive game updates. This is necessary for the account authorization process to function correctly.
- Account Security: Always ensure you only authorize computers you trust, as this will give that computer access to your Steam library. Be mindful of security when using public or shared computers.
How to Authorize a Computer for Steam Family Sharing?
This process is straightforward. On the authorized computer, you simply log in with the authorized account and the library should be accessible. There isn't a specific "authorize" button for each computer; the authorization happens implicitly during login.
Understanding these points will help you to effectively use Steam Family Sharing across different computers, maximizing its benefits while avoiding potential issues. Remember, the system is designed to prevent copyright infringement, and its core limitation is the ability to only play a shared game on one computer at a time.
