Steam is where most PC games are bought, played and updated — and if you’re coming back to PC gaming after a few years away, or setting up a PC for the first time, it can look a bit overwhelming. This guide covers the essentials: getting set up safely, finding your way around, and the features worth knowing about from day one.
What Steam Actually Is
Steam is a free store and launcher run by Valve. You buy games through it, it downloads and updates them, and it keeps your library, friends list and save files in one place. Creating an account and installing the app costs nothing — you only pay for the games you buy, and there are thousands of free ones too.
Getting Set Up
- Create an account at store.steampowered.com, using an email address you check regularly — Steam sends security codes there.
- Download and install the Steam app on your PC, then log in.
- Turn on Steam Guard with the mobile app. Install the Steam app on your phone and add its authenticator to your account. It means nobody can log in without a code from your phone, and it also stops trading and market holds. It’s the single most important thing you can do to protect your account and library.
- Choose where games install. In Settings → Storage you can add a second drive. If you have a fast SSD, put your games there.
One thing that catches new users out: brand-new accounts are “limited” until they’ve spent at least $5 (or the equivalent in pounds) on Steam. Until then, you can’t send friend requests or use some community features. Buying any game, or adding funds to your wallet, removes the limit.
Finding Your Way Around
- Store — where you browse and buy. Every game page shows reviews from players, system requirements and a list of features such as controller support, cloud saves and Remote Play Together.
- Library — every game you own. Click one to install it, then click Play.
- Community — guides, screenshots, discussion forums and the Workshop, where many games offer free mods.
- Friends — the friends list and chat window, in the bottom-right corner of the app.
While you’re playing, press Shift + Tab to open the Steam overlay. It gives you your friends list, a web browser, game guides and settings without leaving the game.
Features Worth Knowing About
Cloud saves. Most games back up your saves to Steam Cloud automatically, so you can switch PCs or reinstall without losing progress. Look for “Steam Cloud” in a game’s feature list.
Controller support. Steam Input lets you use Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro and many other controllers, and remap the buttons game by game. It’s especially useful for older games and retro collections.
Big Picture mode. A full-screen, controller-friendly version of Steam designed for TVs. Open it from the View menu, or press the Xbox or PlayStation button on a connected controller.
Playing with friends. Remote Play Together lets you play local multiplayer games online with friends who don’t own them — our Remote Play Together guide explains how.
Sharing with your household. Steam Families lets up to six people in the same home share their libraries, with parental controls for children. See our Steam Families guide.
Buying Games Without Wasting Money
- Use your wishlist. Add games you’re interested in and Steam emails you when they go on sale.
- Wait for the big sales. Steam runs major seasonal sales several times a year, plus smaller themed events. Most games get discounted eventually.
- Read recent reviews. The “Recent Reviews” score tells you how a game is doing now, which matters for games that have been updated or broken since launch.
- Check the requirements. Compare the minimum and recommended specs to your PC before you buy.
How Refunds Work
Steam will refund almost any game if you request it within 14 days of purchase and have played it for less than two hours. Request a refund from the Help menu → Steam Support → choose the game. It’s handy if a game won’t run properly on your PC or simply isn’t what you expected — but it’s not unlimited, so don’t treat it as a free trial for everything.
Steam or Somewhere Else?
Steam isn’t the only place to buy PC games. If you’re mainly interested in classic games, GOG sells DRM-free versions you can download and keep forever. Our Steam vs GOG for retro games guide compares the two.
FAQs
Is Steam free?
Yes. The account and app are free. You pay for the games you buy, and many games on Steam are free to play.
Why can’t I add friends on Steam?
New accounts are limited until they’ve spent $5 or the local equivalent. Buy a game or add funds to your Steam Wallet to unlock friend requests.
Can I play Steam games offline?
Many games can. Launch Steam while online, then use Offline Mode from the Steam menu. Some games still need an internet connection.
Can I get a refund on Steam?
Usually yes, within 14 days of purchase and under two hours of playtime.
Is Steam Guard necessary?
It’s optional, but strongly recommended. With the mobile authenticator, nobody can log in to your account without your phone.
