Gaming with friends is always a blast, but what if you could share your games with them, even if they’re on a different PC? Guess what? You can! Game sharing on PC is a nifty little trick that lets you share your gaming library with a pal without them having to buy the game themselves. Let’s dive into how you can set up game sharing on your PC and make your gaming experience even more social.
Step by Step Tutorial on Game Sharing on PC
Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let’s briefly outline what these steps will do for you. By following this guide, you will be able to set up game sharing with a friend on your PC using platforms like Steam, which supports game sharing through its ‘Family Sharing’ feature.
Step 1: Choose a Game Sharing Platform
The first step in game sharing is to choose the platform you want to share games on.
There are several game sharing platforms available, but one of the most popular is Steam. Other platforms include Origin, Uplay, and Xbox for PC.
Step 2: Set Up Your Accounts
Make sure you and your friend both have accounts set up on the chosen game sharing platform.
For Steam, you’ll need to create and log into your Steam account, and your friend will need to do the same.
Step 3: Enable Sharing Features
Most platforms will have a sharing feature that you need to enable for game sharing to work.
On Steam, you’ll need to go to the ‘Settings’ menu, select ‘Family’, and then enable ‘Family Library Sharing’.
Step 4: Authorize Your Friend’s PC
For your friend to access your games, you’ll need to authorize their PC through your account.
On Steam, you can do this by logging into your account on your friend’s PC and selecting ‘Authorize this computer’.
Step 5: Share and Play!
Once you have authorized your friend’s PC, they should have access to your shared games and can start playing!
Keep in mind that only one person can play a shared game at a time. If the owner of the game starts playing, the borrower will be given a few minutes to save and quit.
After completing these steps, you and your friend should be able to access each other’s games and play to your heart’s content! Just remember that game sharing is a privilege and should be done with trust, as it involves accessing each other’s accounts.
Tips for Game Sharing on PC
- Make sure you trust the person you’re sharing games with, as they will have access to your account.
- Check the game sharing policies of the platform you’re using; some games may not be eligible for sharing.
- Be aware that not all platforms support game sharing.
- Remember that simultaneous play of a shared game is not possible; if the owner plays, the sharer gets booted.
- Keep an eye on your account security; enable two-factor authentication if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my entire game library with a friend?
Yes, most game sharing platforms allow you to share your entire library, but your friend will only be able to access one game at a time.
Is game sharing legal?
Yes, game sharing is legal if done through the official features provided by the platform, like Steam’s Family Sharing.
Can two people play a shared game at the same time?
No, only one person can play a game at a time. If the owner starts playing, the borrower will need to stop.
Will my saved games sync with my friend’s PC?
This depends on the platform and game, but most shared games will sync save files between accounts.
What happens if my friend gets banned while playing my shared game?
The consequences can vary by platform, but generally, any penalties or bans will affect the borrower’s account, not the owner’s.
Summary
- Choose a game sharing platform.
- Set up your accounts.
- Enable sharing features.
- Authorize your friend’s PC.
- Share and play!
Conclusion
Game sharing on PC is a fantastic way to expand your gaming experience without shelling out extra cash for new titles. Whether you’re using Steam’s Family Sharing or another platform’s similar feature, the process is relatively straightforward. By choosing a trustworthy friend, setting up your accounts, enabling sharing, authorizing your pal’s PC, and sharing your library, you’re all set for endless gaming fun! Just remember to be mindful of your account security, respect the platform’s policies, and enjoy your shared gaming adventure responsibly. Happy gaming!
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.