The Tool Desk
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First, check whether the game files are still on your computer
A Steam label of “uninstalled” does not necessarily mean the game files are gone. On Windows, Steam Support lists the default game-content folder as C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon. If you used another library or drive, check that location too. The Windows path is not universal to other operating systems.
Steam games are tied to the account that owns them. Sign in to that account before troubleshooting; adding a folder or shortcut does not transfer a game to a different account.
Add an existing Steam library folder
If the game files are in an alternate Steam library, add that library location in the client. Open Steam > Settings > Storage and use the control to add an existing library folder. Menu wording or routes can differ by client version and platform; Steam Support also documents a route through Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders, which opens Storage Manager.
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After adding the correct library, Steam says the installed games in it should appear in your Library. See Steam Support’s instructions for games appearing as uninstalled.
Make Steam recognize files in the default library
If the game files are already in the expected library folder but Steam still shows the game as uninstalled, select the game in your Library and begin the install process. Steam may recognize the existing files during installation rather than downloading the entire game again. Follow the client’s prompts and let it check the files.
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Choose a recovery method based on what remains
| What you find | What to do |
|---|---|
| Files remain in an alternate Steam library | Add that existing library folder in Steam’s Storage settings. |
| Files remain in the expected library, but Steam says the game is uninstalled | Start the game’s install process so Steam can try to recognize the files. |
| You have a compatible Steam backup | Use Steam’s Backup and Restore feature to restore it. |
| The files are missing, or Steam cannot recognize them | Install the game again from the account that owns it. |
Steam’s Backup Feature is compatible only with games that completely download, install, and patch through Steam. Steam recommends its method for moving an installation when you want to preserve an entire library. Consult Steam’s Backup and Restore instructions before relying on a backup.
Verify files if Steam sees the game but it does not work
If Steam lists the game as installed but you suspect missing or damaged files, verify its installation:
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- In your Steam Library, right-click the game and choose Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Select Verify integrity of game files.
Steam notes that some files may fail verification normally because they are local configuration files. Verify one game at a time rather than running checks for multiple games simultaneously. See Steam’s file-verification instructions.
Will uninstalling Steam delete the games?
It can. Steam’s uninstall guidance warns that removing Steam also removes Steam and installed game content. Before uninstalling the Steam directory, copy the steamapps folder to a safe location outside it. Steam’s guidance on moving a Steam installation also recommends backing up steamapps before moving the installation and verifying games afterward.
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Reinstalling or repairing the client in the same location is different from uninstalling the Steam directory and then installing again. Because Steam’s instructions distinguish these situations, preserve steamapps before any uninstall that could remove it. See Steam’s uninstall instructions.
Protect saves and custom content separately
A Steam game backup is not necessarily a complete backup of everything you care about. Backups of Valve-created games do not include saved games, custom multiplayer maps, or configuration files. Save locations for third-party games vary because each developer chooses where saves are stored.
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- Check the game’s support or community information, or the developer’s guidance, for save and custom-content locations.
- Copy important files separately before uninstalling or moving Steam.
- Test a backup to make sure it can be restored.
Do not use “Add a Non-Steam Game” to recover a purchase
Add a Non-Steam Game creates a shortcut in your Library; it does not restore a Steam purchase, prove account ownership, or provide Steam updates for that game. Recover a Steam purchase by signing in to the account that owns it and using the correct library or install process. Steam explains the shortcut feature here.
Be cautious about external drives
Steam supports libraries on other drives, but it warns that external drives can cause performance and connection problems. An external drive is not a guaranteed fix for a library that Steam cannot find. If your library is on another drive, add its existing folder through Storage settings; avoid disconnecting or moving it while Steam is using it. Steam’s guidance on moving an installation discusses library moves.
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