Steam Family Sharing is a great feature that allows you to share your game library with family and friends on different devices. However, sometimes it may not work as expected on Windows 11. This can be frustrating if you want to enjoy your games together or lend access to your favorite titles.
There are several common reasons why Steam Family Sharing might stop working, including account issues, software glitches, or network problems. Fortunately, most of these issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps.
In this article, we will guide you through easy and detailed steps to resolve Steam Family Sharing problems on Windows 11. You don’t need to be tech-savvy; all instructions are clear and beginner-friendly.
By following these steps, you can get your Steam Family Sharing running smoothly again and enjoy gaming with your loved ones.
Quick Note: Before You Begin
- Ensure both you and the person you are sharing with have Steam accounts and are friends on Steam.
- Both accounts should have Steam Guard enabled for security; this is required for Family Sharing.
- Check that you are logged into Steam on the computer where you want to share games.
- Make sure the games you want to share are not currently being played by the owner’s account.
- Verify that Windows 11 and Steam client are updated to the latest versions.
Step 1: Enable Steam Guard Security
Steam Guard is a two-factor authentication system that protects your account. It must be turned on for Family Sharing to work properly.
- Open the Steam client on your Windows 11 PC.
- Click on Steam in the top-left corner, then select Settings.
- Go to the Account tab and look for Manage Steam Guard Account Security.
- If Steam Guard is not enabled, follow the prompts to activate it via email or the Steam mobile app.
- Once enabled, restart Steam to apply changes.
Why this matters: Steam Guard ensures your account is secure. Without it, Family Sharing cannot be authorized due to security risks.
Step 2: Authorize the Computer for Family Sharing
You need to allow the specific Windows 11 PC to access your game library.
- Log into your Steam account on the Windows 11 computer you want to share games with.
- Go to Steam > Settings > Family.
- Under Family Library Sharing, check the box that says Authorize Library Sharing on this computer.
- Select the accounts you want to share your library with from the list of users who have also logged into this PC.
- Click OK to save.
Why this matters: This step confirms which computers and users can access your shared games, preventing unauthorized access.
Step 3: Ensure the Shared Games Are Not Running Elsewhere
Steam limits simultaneous access to shared games. If the owner is playing a game from the library, the borrower cannot access it at the same time.
- Ask the owner to close any running games or Steam sessions on other devices.
- Close Steam completely on all other devices, then try launching the shared game again.
Why this matters: Steam’s licensing model allows only one user to play a shared game at a time to avoid conflicts.
Step 4: Check Internet Connection and Steam Server Status
A stable internet connection is essential for Steam Family Sharing to work correctly. Also, Steam servers must be online.
- Test your internet connection by opening websites or running speed tests.
- Restart your router or modem if you face connectivity issues.
- Visit the Steam Status website to confirm that Steam services are operational.
Why this matters: Steam requires online verification to authenticate shared libraries, so poor connectivity or server outages can prevent sharing from working.
Step 5: Update Steam Client and Windows 11
Running outdated software can cause compatibility issues with Family Sharing.
- Open Steam and click Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates. Install any available updates.
- Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings, then go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
- Restart your PC after updates are installed.
Why this matters: Updates often fix bugs and improve system compatibility, which helps Steam Family Sharing function properly on Windows 11.
Step 6: Clear Steam Download Cache
Sometimes corrupted cache files can cause Steam features, including Family Sharing, to malfunction.
- Open the Steam client.
- Click Steam > Settings > Downloads.
- Click the Clear Download Cache button.
- Confirm when prompted, then log back into Steam.
Why this matters: Clearing the cache removes temporary files that might interfere with Steam’s normal operations.
Step 7: Reauthorize Family Sharing
If the problem persists, you can try to revoke and then reauthorize Family Sharing permissions.
- On the owner’s account, open Steam and go to Settings > Family.
- Uncheck all authorized devices and users, then click OK.
- Log out and log back into the owner’s Steam account.
- Repeat Step 2 to re-authorize the desired computer and users.
Why this matters: This refreshes the sharing permissions and can fix glitches related to authorization.
Alternative Method: Use Offline Mode to Access Shared Games
If you want to play shared games without internet temporarily, you can try Steam’s Offline Mode, although this has limitations.
- Launch Steam and log into the borrowing account.
- Start the shared game while online to verify ownership.
- Close Steam completely.
- Open Steam again and select Go Offline from the Steam menu.
- You should now be able to play the shared game offline.
Note: Offline Mode only works if the shared game has been launched once online and the computer is authorized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I share all Steam games with Family Sharing?
Most games are eligible for Family Sharing, but some titles may be restricted due to publisher limitations or third-party DRM.
Why does Steam say “This Library is Currently in Use”?
This means the owner or another authorized user is playing a game from the shared library. Only one person can use the library at a time.
Can I share games across different operating systems?
Yes, Family Sharing works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, as long as the game supports the target platform.
Does Family Sharing share game saves?
Game saves are usually stored locally or in the cloud for each user, so sharing a library doesn’t mean sharing save files.
What happens if I revoke Family Sharing access?
The authorized user will lose access to your shared library and will no longer be able to play your games on that device.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and Steam Family Sharing is still not working, consider the following options:
- Contact Steam Support: Visit the official Steam Support page for personalized assistance.
- Reinstall Steam: Uninstall and reinstall the Steam client to fix deeper software issues, but backup your game files to avoid redownloading.
- Check for Windows 11 Compatibility Issues: Sometimes new OS updates cause conflicts; check online forums or Microsoft support for related patches.
- Use a Different PC: Try authorizing Family Sharing on another Windows 11 machine to isolate if the problem is device-specific.
Conclusion
Steam Family Sharing is a useful feature to enjoy games together, but technical issues can occur on Windows 11. By following the simple steps of enabling Steam Guard, authorizing devices, checking game usage, and verifying your internet connection, you can solve most problems.
Keeping your Steam client and Windows updated, clearing cache, and managing sharing permissions carefully will further improve reliability. If all else fails, official support and reinstalling Steam offer more advanced solutions.
With patience and these clear troubleshooting steps, you can get back to sharing and playing your favorite games without hassle.