Where Are Steam Games Stored and How to Change Their Location

Steam Install Games ?

By default, Steam installs games in the Steam installation folder on your computer. The specific location may vary depending on your operating system:

• On Windows: default installation path is isC:\Program Files (x86)\Steam for 64-bit systems and C:\Program Files\Steam 32 – bit systems .
• On macOS: default installation path is is/Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam.
• On Linux: default installation path is is/home/[username]/.local / share / Steam.

install games Steam , Steam is installs typically installs separate folders Common folder , naming folder respective game . You is view view manage installed games navigating respective folder Steam installation directory .

Things Know Changing Download Location Steam

• Ensure the new download location has enough storage space to accommodate your game installations. Check the available space on the target drive or folder to avoid storage issues later.
• Changing the download location won’t affect your internet connection speed directly. However, switching to a different drive or folder on a slower or less stable storage device might impact the time it takes to download games and updates.
• If you already have games installed in the current download location, Steam won’t automatically move them to the new location. You’ll need to manually move the game files to the desired location, copy the files to the new location, and then update the game’s installation path in Steam.
• Specific requirements or limitations may exist for installing or storing certain games. Check the game’s system requirements or consult any documentation the developer provides to ensure compatibility with the new download location.
• Changing the download location does not impact Steam updates. Regardless of your chosen download location, the Steam client will install updates in the default Steam installation folder.

How to Create a New Steam Library and Set it as Default Location

Note : demonstration , use Windows computer .

Step 1: LaunchSteam on your Windows or Mac computer.  

Step 2: Click on Steam bar .

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select Settings.

Step 4: In the Settings modal, go to Downloads. right pane , clickSteam Library Folders.

taken Storage Manager window .

Step 5: Click the Plus (+) button next to the storage disk.  

Step 6: In the pop-up, select Drive from the drop-down.

Note: If you have any specific location you want to add the file to, select Let me choose another location, select the location, and click OK.

Step 7: ChooseAdd.  

The storage space gets added to the Storage Manager. Now, to make the location default, continue with the below steps.

Step 8: Select the storage location and click the three-horizontal icon.

Step 9: From the drop-down context menu, select Make Default.  

That’s all! You have successfully set your storage location as the default for downloading and storing games from Steam. You’ll notice a star icon next to the storage location, indicating it is now the default space.

2 Ways Change Default Location Installed Steam Games

Method 1: Using Storage Manager

Note: The steps are the same for both Windows and Mac.

Step 1: LaunchSteam on your Windows or Mac computer.  

Step 2: Click on Steam bar .

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select Settings.

Step 4: Go to Download clickSteam Library Folders.

taken Storage Manager window .

Step 5: Navigate to the storage location where your game is stored clickthe check box. Once you select the game you want to relocate, choose Move.  

Step 6: pop – , select location want clickMove.  

Note: multiple storage options , simply click arrow symbol ( chevron ) choose list available locations .

you is go . You is moved successfully moved game location ease . want way game specific location , continue reading .

Method 2 : Games List

Unlike the above method, this method is unavailable for Mac users. Follow the below-mentioned steps.

Step 1: LaunchSteam on your Windows computer.  

Step 2: Go to Library from the top navigation bar.

Step 3: From the sidebar, select the game you want to move to a different location and right – click on it.

Step 4: ChooseProperties context menu .

You will be taken to the game settings.  

Step 5: Go to Local Files sidebar chooseinstall folder.

Step 6: Select location drop – ( multiple locations ) clickMove.  

There you have it. You have moved the game location from one storage location to another without having to deal with moving files and folders.  

What if you installed Steam in a location with limited storage space and now want to move it to a different location? continue reading.

How to Move the Steam Installation to a New Directory

Note: Before we begin with the steps below, ensure that Steam is not running (not even in the background).

Step 1:Steam installation directory on your computer. Generally, you will find it at the below address.

C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam

Step 2: In the Steam folder, aside from the steamapps, userdata folder, and Steam.exe file, delete everything.

Note: To delete, select the file and hit the Delete key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Go back to the Steam folder. Now, cut the folder location Ctrl + X keys .

Step 4:destination directory and paste the Steam folder using the Ctrl + V keys.

Once the folder is placed in the new directory, launch Steam on your PC.  When you launch Steam, it automatically downloads and installs the necessary files to run smoothly.  However, before launching any game from your library, verifying the integrity of your downloaded games is a good idea. Continue with the below steps.

Step 5:Library navigation .

Step 6: Select the game you want to move to a different location from the sidebar and right – click on it.

Step 7: ChooseProperties context menu .

You will be taken to the game settings.  

Step 8: Under the Local Files tab, click Verify integrity of game files.

And there you have it! Steam will now check the game’s files to ensure everything is in order and fix any problems it discovers. The duration of this process may vary depending on the game’s size and your computer’s specifications.

That said, if you have any queries, check out the FAQ section below.

FAQs on Changing Download Location on Steam

1. Does the Steam download location matter?

The download location in Steam is important for several reasons. It helps manage storage, so games don’t occupy too much space on your main drive. It can also affect performance, as a faster and more stable connection location leads to quicker downloads and smoother updates.

Choosing a specific download location makes organizing and managing games easier. Plus, storing games separately allows for easier backups and restores, saving you from downloading them again.

2. Does Steam download games locally?

Yes, Steam downloads games locally to your computer or storage device. When you initiate a game download on Steam, the game files are downloaded and stored on your computer’s hard drive or the designated location you set in Steam. This allows you to install and play games even when you’re offline or don’t have an internet connection.

know Steam games stored change location , you is have greater control gaming experience .

Thanks for your feedback!