Using a single Steam account with two PCs

[BonzaiDuck]

I now have two computers with similar hardware.

I'd like to run DIFFERENT games on these respective systems.

Should I create a separate and new Steam account for the second computer? Or is it possible to use the same steam account for DIFFERENT games on DIFFERENT computers?

After search through the support options at the Steam website, there is a FAQ which addresses this issue. It insinuates you can use your steam account on any computer. Per use of multiple accounts on the same computer, it instructs "Yes, but you can only use one account at a time."

When I started to access my existing account on the new computer, it vaguely behaved like my online banking: after logging on, they sent me an e-mail code for using my account on that "new computer." As with the banking, the process seemed to indicate that I might then need to go through hoops to re-establish use of the account on the first machine, so I backed out of the process.

Any insights or suggestions? I've spent more time building gaming systems than in serious pursuit of gaming (almost an oxymoron: games are "play" and therefore not "serious.") So I don't think I've ever posted to this particular Anandtech forum.

 

[Bateluer]

Yes, you can. But one computer will always have to be in Offline Mode. I have Steam set up on my desktop and laptop, with the laptop being in Offline mode 99% of the time.

Sign Computer 1 into Steam, select Go Offline from the menu, Steam will reload in Offline Mode. Sign into Steam on Computer 2.

 

[frozentundra123456]

That is what I do as well. It is a great system actually. Only catch, as battler said is that you can't play online on 2 computers from the same account at the same time.

You can also share games between 2 different accounts, but I am not sure exactly how that works.

 

[digitaldurandal]

You should not have to redo the setup for the first computer. It will remember multiple machines.

I have two Steam accounts. I buy games on both accounts but not the same game necessarily. This way if someone wants to play something they have their choice from my other account if I am using the first one, or alternatively they can choose a game to play in offline mode.

In some ways it is a pain though because you have to remember what games you have on what accounts.

 

[xantub]

Yes, you can. But one computer will always have to be in Offline Mode. I have Steam set up on my desktop and laptop, with the laptop being in Offline mode 99% of the time.

Sign Computer 1 into Steam, select Go Offline from the menu, Steam will reload in Offline Mode. Sign into Steam on Computer 2.

No need for this. You can be online on both computers no problem. In fact, you're required to be online on both if you want to stream, it's actually a feature (you can play a game installed in computer 2 streaming it from computer 1, useful when one of the computers is powerful and the other one is an old laptop for example).

Also, the list of installed games is specific for each computer. Now if what you want is to see different games in your library depending on your computer, what you can do is create two Steam categories, like 'computer 1' and 'computer 2', and assign different games to each category. Then you can hide the category 'computer 2' in computer 1 and vice-versa.

 

[CPA]

Whatever happened to the Steam Family sharing beta? Of course, you still can't be playing on the "parent" computer when the other is using the library.

 

[Bateluer]

No need for this. You can be online on both computers no problem. In fact, you're required to be online on both if you want to stream, it's actually a feature (you can play a game installed in computer 2 streaming it from computer 1, useful when one of the computers is powerful and the other one is an old laptop for example).

Also, the list of installed games is specific for each computer. Now if what you want is to see different games in your library depending on your computer, what you can do is create two Steam categories, like 'computer 1' and 'computer 2', and assign different games to each category. Then you can hide the category 'computer 2' in computer 1 and vice-versa.

My bad. I forgot about the streaming feature, don't use it myself.

 

[frozentundra123456]

But the OP wants to play *different* games on the two computers. Streaming will not work for this. You have to either use the library sharing method or offline mode.

Some people are great advocates of it, but personally, streaming does not really appeal to me.

Edit: Before the Steam fans crucify me, it is because I have a nice 1080p monitor connected to my gaming PC, and all my other monitors and TVs are cheap 768p units on which the games would look like crap, not to mention they are usually being used by other family members anyway.

 

[cbrunny]

Just sign in twice. I do it every day. I don't understand the challenge. Steam will let you install different games on each PC.

No idea if it will let you actually play on each PC at the same time though. Is that what you're asking about?

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Works fine. I use YNAB at work and games at home, yet signed in both places. Also if I get a new game, I download it at work (10x faster) and then move the files over to a removeable drive and take it home and install it.

 

[SMOGZINN]

I have a PC in my den and one upstairs in my office. Both have my steam account signed in. I regularly play different games on each PC. I've never tried to play them both at the same time, but I know I can play Binding of Isaac: Rebirth downstairs, and then go upstairs and play Wastelands 2. It occasionally asks me to 'refresh' my login on one of the computers, but it all works just fine.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Wow. Doesn't always happen this way. I post a question, and remember to check back daily. This time, the thread almost seems like a runaway train!!

You have all been most helpful. I need to literally study all the posts here, even if only one or two provide more than adequate answers.

I once had a "sharp edge" in my work-life, burning the candle at both ends. Now I've had Medicare benefits for three years, and the edge is just gone -- GONE!! So I might take days or a week trying to "plot out my next move." I'm always trying to avoid problems and detours requiring extra work and back-tracking.

So -- yeah -- I'm not planning to run two games simultaneously on different machines from the same account. I just want to have continued steam access with the games on machine #1, and be able to have steam access on machine #2 for different games.

Another fam-damn-ily member also might want to "play with me" certain games online, but that would mean establishing a different account (and in fact, I believe Bro has done so.) But one thing at a time.

Whatever the case may be, I can now study and review your posts, and then I can "light this candle." Thanks again to all of you gamer-enthusiast-hot-dawgs!

 

[Anomaly1964]

Me and my son both have separate Steam Accounts. I have some games he doesn't and vice versa, seems we should be able to play eachother games, cant they tell we have the same IP?

 

[cronos]

Should be no problem either way, especially now that there is Family sharing. The only caveat is just that a particular game in one account can't be played on two machines at the same time, as have been mentioned several times.

The easiest way for you to go is to just 'assign' one account to one machine, and then setup Family sharing on both accounts. That way you can login to either machine with the account sets for it, and play a game from both libraries.

 

[Anomaly1964]

Should be no problem either way, especially now that there is Family sharing. The only caveat is just that a particular game in one account can't be played on two machines at the same time, as have been mentioned several times.

The easiest way for you to go is to just 'assign' one account to one machine, and then setup Family sharing on both accounts. That way you can login to either machine with the account sets for it, and play a game from both libraries.

Didn't know this...thanks!

 

[mizzou]

I had my wife create a 2nd steam account when we were having these dual play problems. It's not bad at all. Even if I'm on the same PC, you can switch steam accounts seamlessly.

 

[gorobei]

Should be no problem either way, especially now that there is Family sharing. The only caveat is just that a particular game in one account can't be played on two machines at the same time, as have been mentioned several times.

The easiest way for you to go is to just 'assign' one account to one machine, and then setup Family sharing on both accounts. That way you can login to either machine with the account sets for it, and play a game from both libraries.

family sharing is what the op wants. but there isnt any real need to share the 2nd accounts library back with the main

just have all your games on the main account and create a disposable 2nd account. there is no need to buy any games for the 2nd unless you want to play with another person, but you would need to buy 2 copies of the game regardless.

so long as the main account isnt actively playing a game, you can play a family shareable game on the 2nd without ever having to deal with login.