Download Steam from the Official Website
Steam is free to download on a Windows PC or laptop. The important part is getting the installer from the official Steam website, then letting the setup process finish before you sign in.
You will need an internet connection and a Steam account. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one after Steam installs.
Video Tutorial
How to Install Steam on Windows
- Open a web browser on your Windows computer.
- Go to steampowered.com. This is the official Steam website.
- Select Install Steam in the top-right corner of the page.
- Select Install Steam again on the download page.
- Save the Steam setup file to your computer. In most cases, your browser saves it in the Downloads folder.
- When the download finishes, open the Steam setup file. The file is typically called SteamSetup.
- If Windows asks, “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”, select Yes. Steam needs permission to install its files.
- Select Next in the Steam Setup window.
- Choose your preferred language, then select Next.
- Select Install to begin installing the Steam client.
Wait while the installer copies the required files to your computer. Do not close the setup window during this part. The amount of time required can vary based on your PC and storage speed.
Run Steam and Let It Update
After the installation completes, you will see the final Steam Setup screen. Make sure Run Steam is checked if you want to open the app right away. Then select Finish.
Steam may update when you first launch it. This is normal. The client checks for the latest version and downloads anything it needs before showing the sign-in screen. Keep Steam open and wait for the update process to complete.
If Steam does not open after you select Finish, open it from the Start menu or use the Steam shortcut that was added to your computer. You do not need to download the installer again just because the first launch takes a moment.
Sign In or Create a Steam Account
Once Steam finishes updating, sign in with your existing Steam account details. If you use the Steam mobile app, you can also use the QR code shown on the sign-in screen.
If you have never used Steam before, select Create Free Account. Follow the account creation prompts, then return to Steam and sign in with your new account. Your account is where Steam keeps your game purchases and library.
Use the same account on each computer where you install Steam if you want to access games you already own. After you sign in, Steam loads the main app window and you can start browsing the store.
Find and Download Your Games
You can purchase games through the Steam app after signing in. When you buy a game, it is connected to your Steam account rather than only to the PC you used for the purchase.
To see games that you already own, open Library. Your Library lists the games available on your Steam account. Select a game there to download it to your Windows PC or laptop.
Keep in mind that each game has its own storage and system requirements. Before downloading a large game, make sure your computer has enough free space. You should also check the game’s requirements to confirm that your Windows PC or laptop can run it.
Quick Setup Checklist
- Download Steam only from steampowered.com.
- Open the downloaded SteamSetup file.
- Select Yes if Windows requests permission.
- Choose a language and select Install.
- Leave Run Steam checked, then select Finish.
- Wait for Steam to update.
- Sign in, scan the QR code with the Steam mobile app, or select Create Free Account.
- Open Library to download games you already own.
Once Steam is installed and you are signed in, you can use the Steam client to manage your game library and download games to your Windows computer.
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