To install Steam on Windows 10, download SteamSetup.exe from Valve’s Steam download page, run it, approve the permission prompt and click through the installer. Steam updates itself the first time it opens, then asks you to sign in or create an account. The whole thing takes about five minutes on a normal connection.
Before you start
- 64-bit Windows 10. Steam stopped supporting 32-bit versions of Windows on January 1, 2026. To check, open Settings > System > About and look at System type. It should say “64-bit operating system”.
- An administrator account, or the password for one. The installer needs permission to write to Program Files.
- Free space. Steam itself needs about 1 GB. Games are much larger, often 50 GB to over 150 GB each.
- Download only from Valve. Steam is free. Sites that bundle “Steam installers” or offer cracked clients are a common source of malware.
Step 1: Download the installer
Go to store.steampowered.com/about and click Install Steam. Your browser saves SteamSetup.exe to the Downloads folder. The file is small, about 2 to 3 MB, because the installer downloads the rest of Steam later.
Step 2: Run the installer
- Open your Downloads folder and double-click SteamSetup.exe.
- Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
- Click Next, choose your language, then click Next again.
- Keep the default folder,
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam, unless you have a reason to change it. You can store games on another drive later without moving Steam itself. - Click Install, then Finish with “Run Steam” checked.
Step 3: Let Steam update
The first launch shows a small “Updating Steam” window while it downloads the full client. Leave it alone until it finishes. If it stalls, check your connection and any firewall or antivirus that may be blocking Steam, then open it again.
Step 4: Sign in or create an account
Sign in with your account name and password, or scan the QR code with the Steam Mobile app. New users can click Create a free account, which opens a short sign-up form in your browser. You’ll need to confirm your email address.
The first time you sign in on a new PC, Steam Guard asks for a code from your email or the mobile app. This protects your account if someone else has your password.
Step 5: Install your first game
- Open the Store tab to buy or claim a game, or the Library tab to see games you own.
- Select a game and click Install.
- Choose the drive to install to and click Install again.
- Track progress under Downloads at the bottom of the window.
If you’d rather put games on a second drive, open Steam > Settings > Storage, add a drive and set it as the default. To find where everything ends up, see how to find the Steam folder.
Optional settings worth changing
| Setting | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Start Steam with Windows | Steam > Settings > Interface | Turn it off if you only play now and then. It speeds up startup. |
| Download region | Steam > Settings > Downloads | Pick the closest region if downloads are slow. |
| Download restrictions | Steam > Settings > Downloads | Limit bandwidth or schedule updates for off-hours. |
| Steam Guard | Steam > Settings > Security | Move codes to the mobile app for faster sign-ins. |
Troubleshooting
The installer won’t open or closes right away
Download it again from Valve’s page, then right-click the file and choose Run as administrator. If antivirus quarantined it, restore it and add an exception for the Steam folder.
“Steam needs to be online to update”
Steam can’t reach Valve’s servers. Restart your router, turn off any VPN or proxy and allow Steam through Windows Defender Firewall in Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall.
A game won’t launch after installing
Right-click the game in your Library, choose Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. If it still fails, try running the game as administrator and update your graphics driver.
Frequently asked questions
Is Steam free?
Yes. Steam and an account are free. You pay only for games and add-ons, and many free-to-play games are available too.
Does Steam still work on Windows 10?
Yes, on 64-bit Windows 10. Microsoft’s free security updates for Windows 10 ended in October 2025, but Steam still runs. Valve may drop Windows 10 in the future, so check its system requirements if you plan to stay on Windows 10 long term.
How do I remove Steam later?
Uninstall it like any app, but back up the steamapps folder first if you want to keep your game files. See how to uninstall Steam on Windows 10.
Is the process different on Windows 11?
No, the steps are the same. See how to install Steam on Windows 11 for screenshots of the Windows 11 prompts.
More gaming guides
- How to open game files on Windows 11
- How to uninstall games on Windows 10
- How to download GTA San Andreas on Windows 10
- How to download GTA Vice City on a Windows 10 laptop
Summary
- Check that Windows 10 is 64-bit.
- Download SteamSetup.exe from Valve.
- Run it and keep the default folder.
- Let Steam update, then sign in.
- Install a game from your Library.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.