How to Add Non-Steam Games to Your Steam Library

Steam is not just a gaming platform; it’s a universe where you can purchase, play, and store in-game items and achievements. However, you might be disappointed to find that not all games are available in the Steam store. Fortunately, there’s a way to add non-Steam games to your Steam library, so you can have all your games in one place for easy access. Let’s dive into the process together!

What to Expect When Importing Non-Steam Games to Steam

Before we get started, let’s set some expectations. Importing non-Steam games to your library won’t provide you with updates, in-game items, or achievements. The imported game won’t even count as an “owned game” in your Steam account. Essentially, Steam serves as a launcher for these games, allowing you to launch them through the client. Importing other games to your Steam library doesn’t infringe any copyright or intellectual property laws. It’s simply a way to have all your games organized in one place.

Locate the Non-Steam Game’s Installation Folder

The first step is to find the installation folder of the non-Steam game you want to add. If you haven’t customized the installation paths for other gaming platforms like Epic Games, Ubisoft Connect, Origin, or stand-alone games, you should typically find them in specific directories:

• Epic Games Store: C:Program FilesEpic Games
• Ubisoft Connect: C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launchergames
• Origin: C:Program Files (x86)Origin Games
• Games installed without a software client: C:Program Files or C:Program Files (x86). Within these folders, look for the game’s or developer’s name.

How to Add Non-Steam Games to Your Steam Library

Once you’ve located the game’s installation folder and the executable (.exe) file, you’re ready to add it to your Steam library. Follow these steps:

1. Launch Steam on your PC.
2. Click on “Games” in the top left menu.
3. From the dropdown menu, select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”
4. A list of programs available to add will appear. Scroll through the list or click “Browse” if you can’t find the game.
5. If you click “Browse,” navigate to the game’s installation folder and select the executable (.exe) file.
6. Check the box next to the game you want to add and click “Add Selected Programs.” You can add multiple games at once.
7. The game will now appear in the left pane of your Steam library.
8. Click on the game and press “Play” to launch it.

Tips for Finding a Game’s Executable File

If you’re having trouble finding the executable file for a game, try these tips:

• Make sure your Windows settings allow you to view file extensions and hidden files. Search for “show file extensions” in Windows settings and enable this option.
• Switch the File Explorer view to “Details,” which displays the file type. Look for the “Application” file type with the (.exe) extension.
• If there are multiple (.exe) files with similar names, you may have to test them until you find the correct one. It can be time-consuming, but it’s the only way to be sure.
• Use search engines to find which (.exe) file other players used for the game you’re trying to add. This can save you time and effort, though it may not work for every non-Steam game.

How to Remove Non-Steam Games from Your Steam Library

If you change your mind and want to remove a non-Steam game from your library, follow these steps:

1. In your Steam client, right-click on the non-Steam game in the left pane.
2. Hover your cursor over “Manage” and select “Remove non-Steam game from your library.”
3. The game will be removed from your list, but you can add it again at any time without any issues.

That’s it! Now you know how to add and remove non-Steam games from your Steam library. Enjoy having all your games in one convenient location. Happy gaming!

Image credit: Pixabay