How to Add Non-Steam Games to Your Steam Library Easily

Adding non-Steam games to your Steam library can streamline your gaming experience by allowing you to launch all your games from one convenient platform. Whether you have a favorite indie title, a game from another digital storefront, or older classics, integrating them into Steam makes managing and launching your games more efficient. This guide walks you through the simple steps to add any non-Steam game to your Steam library, so you can enjoy all your titles in one place with Steam’s features like friends, screenshots, and streaming.

What You’ll Need

• A PC with Steam installed and logged into your account
• The executable file (.exe) or shortcut of the game you want to add
• Optional: Any game launcher or platform (like Epic Games, GOG, etc.) if launching from there

Step-by-Step

1. Open your Steam client and log into your account.
2. In the top menu, click on “Games” and select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library…” from the dropdown menu.
3. A new window will open showing a list of programs installed on your PC. If your game appears in the list, simply check the box next to it. If not, proceed to the next step.
4. Click on the “Browse…” button at the bottom of the window. Navigate to the folder where your game’s executable (.exe) file is stored. This could be in your Program Files, Games folder, or a custom location if you installed it elsewhere.
5. Select the game’s executable file and click “Open.” The game should now appear in the list. Make sure to check the box next to it.
6. Click “Add Selected Programs.” Your game will now be added to your Steam library under the “Games” section.
7. Locate the new game entry in your library and right-click on it. Select “Properties.”
8. In the Properties window, you can customize the game’s name, add a custom icon, or set launch options if needed.
9. To launch the game, simply click on it in your Steam library and hit “Play.” Steam will run the executable directly, integrating it into your library.
10. For games that require specific launch parameters or launchers, you can edit the “Target” field in the Properties to include necessary commands.

Common Mistakes

• Adding the wrong executable file — ensure you select the main game launcher or executable, not a shortcut or unrelated file.
• Not updating the game’s properties — customizing the icon or name can help differentiate it from other titles.
• Forgetting to check the box in the add programs window — the game won’t appear in your library if unchecked.
• Using outdated or incompatible executables — some older games or emulators may not run correctly through Steam.

Tips

• Rename the game in Steam to match your preference for easier identification.
• Create custom icons for your non-Steam games to make your library more visually organized.
• If launching via a launcher (like Epic or GOG), consider creating a batch file or script to launch the game directly from Steam.
• Use Steam’s Big Picture mode if you want to launch your non-Steam games from a TV or controller setup.

Troubleshooting

If your game doesn’t launch correctly or isn’t appearing as expected, try these solutions:

• Verify the executable path: Double-check that you selected the correct game executable in the Browse window.
• Run as administrator: Some games require admin rights to launch properly. Right-click the game in your library, select “Properties,” then “Set Launch Options,” and add “runas” or run Steam as administrator.
• Update game files: Ensure your game is fully installed and updated outside Steam if needed.
• Disable overlays: Sometimes Steam overlay or other overlays interfere. Disable them temporarily to test.
• Check compatibility: Older games or emulators may need compatibility modes or specific settings to run properly through Steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add games from other platforms like Epic or GOG to Steam?

Yes, you can add any executable, including games from other platforms, by following the same process. However, launching from Steam won’t automatically integrate platform-specific features like achievements or cloud saves.

Will adding non-Steam games to my library affect their performance?

No, adding a game as a non-Steam game is purely organizational. Performance depends on the game itself and your system setup.

Can I set custom launch options for my non-Steam game?

Yes, in the game’s Properties, you can add launch parameters or scripts to customize how it starts.

Is it possible to add multiple games at once?

Steam’s interface only supports adding one game at a time. You need to repeat the process for each game you want to add.

Will my non-Steam games receive Steam features like screenshots or streaming?

Some features, like screenshots, work if the game is added correctly. Streaming depends on game support and your setup; non-Steam games generally do not support Steam features fully.

Can I remove a non-Steam game from my library later?

Yes, right-click the game in your library and select “Remove from Library.” This only removes it from your Steam library, not the game files.

Adding non-Steam games to your library is a simple way to organize and access all your titles from one platform, making gaming sessions more seamless and enjoyable.

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