how to add non steam games to steam

How to Add Non-Steam Games to Steam

If you’re an avid gamer, you’re likely aware of the convenience that the Steam platform offers. With its vast library of games, community features, and user-friendly interface, it has become a go-to destination for many gamers. However, if you have non-Steam games that you want to manage alongside your Steam library, you may be wondering how to add non-Steam games to Steam. This article will guide you through the process, allowing you to streamline your gaming experience.

Why Add Non-Steam Games to Steam?

Before diving into the steps, let’s discuss why you might want to add non-Steam games to your Steam library. One reason is convenience; having all your games in one place makes it easier to manage your gaming time. Additionally, when you add non-Steam games, you can use Steam’s overlay feature during gameplay, access the community features, and even take advantage of Steam’s broadcasting capabilities. It essentially enhances your overall gaming experience.

Steps to Add Non-Steam Games to Steam

Now, let’s explore the steps how to add non-Steam games to Steam. The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Open Steam

The first step is to launch the Steam client on your computer. You can do this by double-clicking the Steam shortcut on your desktop or locating it in your start menu.

Step 2: Go to the Library Tab

Once Steams client is open, navigate to the «Library» tab located at the top of the window. This is where you usually find all your currently installed games, and it’s the area where you’ll be adding your non-Steam games.

Step 3: Click on «Add a Game»

In the lower-left corner of the Library section, you will see a button that says «Add a Game.» Click on it, and a small menu will pop up with two options: «Activate a Product on Steam» and «Add a Non-Steam Game.» Choose the second option – «Add a Non-Steam Game.» This will allow you to select games installed on your computer that are not part of the Steam ecosystem.

Step 4: Select Your Non-Steam Game

A new window will open, displaying a list of programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list to find the non-Steam game you want to add. If you don’t see your game listed, you can click “Browse” to manually locate the executable file (.exe) of the game.

Step 5: Add Selected Game

Once you find the game you want to add, select it by clicking the checkbox next to its name. After selecting your game, click the “Add Selected Programs” button at the bottom of the window. This action will add the game to your Steam library, making it readily accessible.

Step 6: Customize Your Game (Optional)

After you have added your non-Steam game, it will appear in your library. You can customize its name and other settings to make it more recognizable. Right-click on the game’s name, and select «Properties.» From this menu, you can change the shortcut name, adjust launch options, or even tweak compatibility settings if necessary.

Step 7: Launching Your Non-Steam Game

With the game now added to your Steam library, you can launch it just like any other Steam game. Clicking on its name will bring up the «Play» option, and once you click it, your non-Steam game will start up. You will also be able to use the Steam overlay while playing, giving you access to friends list, screen sharing, and more.

Conclusion

Adding non-Steam games to your Steam library is a simple yet effective way to enhance your gaming experience. By following these steps on how to add non-Steam games to Steam, you can streamline your gaming collection and take advantage of all the community features that Steam offers. So, whether you have favorite indie titles or classic games that aren’t available on Steam, the process allows you to enjoy them seamlessly alongside your Steam library.

Now that you know how to add non-Steam games to Steam, explore your gaming library and enjoy the convenience of having all your favorites in one place!