Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature that lets you share your game library with other Steam accounts on your account's authorized computers. But the question often arises: Does Steam Family Sharing work on different computers? The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats. Let's delve into the details to ensure you understand how this feature functions across multiple machines.
How Steam Family Sharing Works Across Multiple Computers
Steam Family Sharing allows you to authorize up to ten different computers to access your game library. This means you can share your games with family members or friends who have their own PCs, laptops, or even Macs (as long as they have the Steam client installed). Each authorized computer acts independently; one person playing a game on one computer doesn't prevent another person from playing a different game, or even the same game, on a different authorized computer. The key is authorization. Each computer needs to be specifically authorized by the account owner.
Can Only One Person Play at a Time?
No. This is a common misconception. The account owner can play a game simultaneously with someone else using the shared library on a different authorized computer. The only limitation is that the account owner cannot play the shared game while someone else is. If the account owner launches a shared game, the other person playing that game will be automatically logged out. This is designed to prevent conflicts.
What Happens if Multiple People Try to Play the Same Game?
If multiple users try to play the same game simultaneously, the system prioritizes the account owner. If the account owner is already playing the game, other users using family sharing will be unable to access it. If the account owner isn't playing, the first user to launch the game gets priority; any subsequent users attempting to access the same game will be locked out.
How to Authorize a Computer for Steam Family Sharing
To authorize a computer, the account owner must log into their Steam account on the target computer and authorize it within the Family Sharing settings. The process is simple and outlined within the Steam client's settings menu. Remember, only the account owner can authorize computers.
What Games Can Be Shared?
Almost all games in the account owner's library are sharable, with a few exceptions. Certain games, usually due to publisher restrictions or technical limitations, may be excluded. This information will usually be clearly stated on the game's Steam store page.
Does the Shared Game Library Change Based on the Computer?
No, the shared library remains consistent across all authorized computers. The same games will be available on each authorized computer.
Can I share my games on different operating systems (Windows and macOS, for instance)?
Yes, the Steam client operates across various operating systems, including Windows and macOS. If the account owner has a Windows computer and the shared user has a macOS computer, family sharing will still work. However, the game must be compatible with the operating system on which it's being run.
What are the Limitations of Steam Family Sharing?
- Account Owner Priority: The account owner always takes precedence.
- Offline Mode Restrictions: Family sharing is primarily designed for online play. Offline mode access is limited.
- Game-Specific Restrictions: Some games are not sharable due to publisher restrictions.
- Authorization Limit: You can only authorize up to ten computers.
By understanding these details, you can effectively utilize Steam Family Sharing across different computers, maximizing the value of your game library and sharing your gaming experience with others. Remember always to respect the terms of service and the limitations of the feature.
