Steam allows your friends to see what you’re playing, but some games are better off hidden. You may also want to uninstall a game if you’ve grown tired of it. However, many users are unaware of these options or are unsure how to enable them, which can be inconvenient.
Nonetheless, Steam enables users to carry out both of these tasks quickly and easily. All you need to know is which buttons and menus to select. Continue reading to learn more.
Taking a Game Out of Your Steam Library
Removing a game from your Steam library does not imply concealing it from prying eyes. When you do the former, you will permanently delete the game from your account. You will no longer be able to redownload or launch the game, necessitating a second purchase.
People can see the achievements you earned while playing the game previously because they are linked to your Steam account rather than the game.
You should first uninstall a Steam game from the Control Panel before removing it. If you only delete the game from Steam, the files will remain. Instead, the procedure will entail locating and manually deleting the files.
The following are the steps for removing a game from your Steam library:
- Start Steam.
- Select “Steam Support” from the drop-down menu after clicking “Help.”
- Select a game to delete from the recently-played titles or the search box at the bottom.
- Check the box next to “I want to permanently delete this game from my account.”
- Select “OK, permanently remove the listed games from my account.”
- The game will be deactivated.
If you want to play the game again, you must buy it from the Steam Store and pay the full price.
Alternatively, if you’ve had the game for less than two weeks and played it for less than two hours, you can get a refund. If you choose this option, Steam will refund you the total cost.
Previously, removing a Steam game required contacting customer service and requesting deletion. However, we can now use the steps outlined above to remove undesirable titles.
Taking Down a Free Steam Game
Free Steam games can be easily removed from your library. You will not have to answer any questions that will make you second-guess your decision.
- Fire up Steam on your computer.
- Navigate to the Steam Library.
- Locate one of the free games you want to uninstall.
- Right-click on the game.
- Select “Manage.”
- Select “Remove from Account” from the “Manage” menu.
- A pop-up will appear with the option to “Remove.”
- Click it to proceed with the process.
Because it is a free game, you can always get it again later. This will cause it to reappear in your library.
How to Remove a Game from Your Steam Library
You can hide Steam titles from being displayed on your status if you want to keep them away from your friends’ eyes. Hiding games is extremely simple, and you can remove the hidden status from the game at any time.
Follow these steps to hide a Steam game:
- Search your Steam library for a game.
- Right-click on the game.
- From the menu, choose “Manage.”
- Select “Hide this Game” from the drop-down menu.
- The game will be automatically hidden.
If you allow Steam to show your status, the hidden game will no longer appear. Other Steam users cannot see the game in your library either. Keeping these games in a secluded corner can thus be advantageous.
Unhide Steam Games
If you no longer want to hide your games, you can always remove them from the hidden folder. If you do this, the game will be visible to everyone in your main library. Games can be added and removed from the hidden folder indefinitely.
- Start Steam.
- Select the “View” tab.
- Choose “Hidden Games.”
- Locate a game that you want to make visible again.
- Right-click on the game.
- Select “Manage.”
- Click on “Remove From Hidden.”
You can always return the game to the corner of shame later.
Motives to Hide Games
Steam users may hide games from their main library for two reasons. The first is for age-restricted titles, and the second is for organizational purposes.
Adults might prefer to play games that are inappropriate for children. Hide some games if they know other kids who use the same Steam account, such as their own children. It prevents the child from launching and playing the game by accident.
Other users send their favorite games to the hidden folder for the sole purpose of organization, especially when libraries contain hundreds of games. The hidden folder makes it easier to find a specific title and eliminates the need to navigate through lengthy menus.
Only for Your Observation
Steam allows you to hide and remove games at will, though the latter will result in permanent deletion and will require you to pay for a second copy. Many users use the hidden games folder for organization or to keep titles hidden from prying eyes. Your secrets will be safe with these methods.
Do you keep any games hidden on your Steam account? What games have you deactivated on your account? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.