Last week, I shared my Steam library with one of my cousins. Both of us were smoothly playing, sharing the same resource. Unfortunately, the Steam library got locked all at once.
Be that as it may, I could solve the problem that day.
Did this also happen to you? If yes, no worries. You are in safe hands because I know the problem how to deal with.
As a tech enthusiast, I researched it minutely and accrued some other solutions that I will list down here. So, without wasting time, let’s get the ball rolling.
Keep reading. Please, read the entire article. I believe you will be able to clear all your doubts.
You already know, Steam is an online platform to play, purchase, and create games. You can also discuss games with other members on Steam’s social forum.
Lately, Steam has started providing a lucrative deal that is, I think, the key differentiator over other online gaming platforms.
The offer is you can share your Steam games with your nearest and dearest ones via a shared Steam library. The progress and improvements will automatically be synchronized and stored in the Steam cloud.
The same thing will happen to the shared ones. Eventually, it will become a shared account.
What is Steam Shared Library Locked error?
The shared library locked error in Steam occurs when more than one user tries to access the same resource. Steam allows users to share the library with their friends and family under the proviso that only one user at a time can access the library or play games.
So, whenever multiple users try to access the same library in the same breath, Steam throws a shared library locked error.
Shared library locked error is quite common in Steam. Before moving forward to the solutions, I think I need to put some light on the reasons that are rolling behind the error.
Also, check out our separate post on how to add a new Steam Library Folder.
Why does Steam Shared library error occur?
The main reason for Steam shared library error is the concurrent use of multiple users. Apart from these, the blocking by the firewall or any antivirus software, technical glitches, unstable internet connection, etc., may also be responsible.
Some other facts may trigger the issue. Let’s talk about them.
Here are the reasons for the Steam shared library locked error:
- Your internet connection may block the applications from smooth running. To sort this out, you have to contact your internet service provider. Let them know your issue, and make sure Steam is not on their blocklist.
- Shared library errors may occur due to the glitches on Steam’s end. Check the forums and groups of Steam if other users face similar. Suppose you find it, yes, no worries. Stay calm, and wait. Steam will solve the issue within the shortest possible time.
After analyzing the reasons painstakingly, I found some infallible solutions to deal with this error. One thing, which fix will suit you the best solely depends on your problem and other situations. So, try one after another until the shared library locked error is fixed.
Prerequisites
Prior to getting into the leading solutions, you have to make sure a couple of things. Check-
- If any other shared user is active or accessing Steam to play games. Ensure no user except you is active. Be careful; the shared users’ computer should be turned off; otherwise, it will be counted as active.
- Sign out of your Steam account and restart your computer.
- Follow the steps below-
- Ask the main user or game owner to log in to the account.
- Start playing a game of the shared library.
- Overlook the alerts if it says that the game is already played.
- Finish playing and sign out of the account.
- Sign in to the account that faces shared library locked error.
If your problem is primary, it should be fixed by now. Still, if the error message appears on the screen, don’t worry. I have a series of potential fixes to handle this. Let’s get into detail.
Also check our exclusive tutorial on how to stream Origin games over Steam.
Here are the fixes to solve the Steam shared library locked error:
1. Close Steam on Other Devices
As you shared the library with others, they used it on their own devices. This is the reason mostly the library gets locked since the devices the users use are on active status. So, make sure nobody is logged in to the Steam account.
Here are the steps to close Steam on other devices:
- Exit the Steam client on your device.
- Ask the other users to log out from your computer. This device should be the last where they logged in to Steam.
- Relaunch the Steam client on your device.
That’s it. All the problems should be solved by now.
Check out the easiest way to access the Steam screenshot folder and Change its location.
2. Stop Steam Access to the Internet
The internet sometimes intervenes in the internal activity of Steam. If this is the case, halt the internet to access Steam. That may solve your issues.
Here are the steps to stop Steam access to the internet:
- Launch the Run Just press Windows+R.
- Type cpl in the box and hit Enter.
- Open the Windows Firewall
- Select Advanced Settings from the left pane. A pop-up window seeking permission will appear.
- Tap on Yes. Windows Defender Firewall window will open.
- Choose Outbound Rules from the left.
- Go to Actions. You will locate it on the right.
- Select New Rule from the expanded menu and press Enter.
- Turn This program path toggle button on.
- Click on the browse button and search for Steam. Most possibly, the steam.exe file is here- C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.
- Click on the Next
Try this. I hope the process will help you to settle down the error.
3. Turn off Family Sharing Mode
Disable the family sharing mode from the other accounts with which you shared the library. This will prevent secretly adding users to your Steam library. So, let’s know how to do this.
Here are the steps to turn off family sharing mode:
- Open the Steam app on another’s computer.
- Tap on Steam. You will get it at the top-left corner of the window.
- Go to Settings.
- Choose Family from the available options on your left.
- Uncheck the option Authorize Library Sharing on this computer under the Family Library Sharing
- Press on OK and close the window.
4. Configure the .BAT File
If you want to solve the shared library locked issue without going through a number of arduous steps, this method is perfect for you.
Just when you are about to start playing on Steam, double-click on the Steam Off.bat file. This will prevent you get connected to the internet. Here, you can also allow others to play simultaneously. When you want to connect your device to the internet again, double-click on the Steam On.bat file.
It is the rudimentary rule of Steam- I have been pointing out repeatedly from the very beginning that more than one user is not allowed to play on Steam. Most likely, this is the cause why the error takes place.
Therefore, you should make sure any of the shared users is not playing games with you on Steam. If you can maintain this, sharing the library with multiple users will not be an issue.
6. Use SFS-Select
If the above-mentioned fixes have not worked for you, the last resort for you remains third-party software. SFS-Select is such a tool that will allow you to eject other users securely.
SFS-Select can give you a ready-made and handy solution. But, before using it, take the reviews and stay concerned about your internal system security.
Check out the easiest way to fix Origin won’t go online error.
Final Words
The methods I mentioned are proven and tested by many. Yet, any of them did not work for you, contact the Steam online support center. They may guide you according to your problem.
Describe your issue briefly and write down your system’s configuration, and send it to Steam support. After a profound analysis, they will get back to you at the soonest.
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