10 Ways to Fix Steam Family Sharing Not Working on Windows 11
Steam Family Sharing is an excellent feature that allows users to share their game libraries with family members or close friends. However, users might encounter issues with Family Sharing not working on Windows 11. Here are 10 ways to fix this problem:
1. Check Steam Server Status: Before proceeding with other fixes, ensure that Steam servers are up and running by visiting the Steam Status website or Steam’s official Twitter feed.
2. Verify Eligibility of Accounts and Games: Ensure that both accounts (the lender and the borrower) are eligible for Family Sharing according to Steam’s rules, and that the games you’re trying to share are not excluded from the sharing service.
3. Restart Your Computer and Steam Client: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches that may prevent Family Sharing from working.
4. Update Windows 11: Ensure your Windows 11 operating system is up-to-date with all the latest patches and updates, as an outdated OS can lead to compatibility issues with the Steam client.
5. Run Steam as an Administrator: Right-click on the Steam shortcut or executable file, select “Properties”, go to “Compatibility”, and check “Run this program as an administrator.”
6. Check Steam’s Family Sharing Settings: Double-check that Family Sharing is set up correctly on both accounts and that you have authorized the computer through which you are trying to access the shared games.
7. Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily: Sometimes, antivirus programs or firewalls can interfere with Steam’s operations. Temporarily disabling these may help resolve the issue.
8. Re-login to Both Accounts: Sign out of both Steam accounts (lender’s and borrower’s) and then sign back in, starting with the lender’s account, followed by the borrower’s.
9. Re-authorize Shared Library Computer: On the lender’s account go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Family’, revoked authorization for all other computers, then re-authorize only the one you’re trying to share games on.
10. Reinstall Steam Client: If none of the above solutions work, a last resort could be uninstalling and then reinstalling the latest version of the Steam client on your Windows 11 PC.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues related to Steam Family Sharing not working on Windows 11. If problems persist after trying these solutions, consider contacting Steam support for further assistance.