Gaming on Steam can be an incredibly rewarding experience, with a vast library of games at your fingertips. However, sometimes games can become hidden, either intentionally or unintentionally, which can be frustrating for users. Hidden games on Steam can happen for various reasons, such as accidentally hiding a game, purchasing a game that you later decide not to play, or even due to issues with Steam's cloud saving feature. Whatever the reason, unhide games in Steam can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, you can easily retrieve your hidden games.
Why Do Games Get Hidden on Steam?
Games on Steam can get hidden due to various reasons. One common reason is when you decide to remove a game from your library, thinking you'll never play it again. However, if you later change your mind, you might realize that the game is nowhere to be found. Another reason could be due to Steam's family sharing feature, where you might have hidden a game to restrict access to certain family members. Additionally, if you've enabled Steam's cloud saving feature, there's a possibility that your game might get hidden if the cloud sync fails.
How to Unhide Games in Steam
Fortunately, unhide games in Steam is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you retrieve your hidden games:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
- Go to Settings: Click on "Steam" in the top-left corner of the window and select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
- Account: In the Settings window, click on the "Account" tab.
- Hidden Games: Scroll down to the "Hidden Games" section.
- Show Hidden Games: Check the box next to "Show hidden games in library".
- Refresh Library: Click on the "Refresh" button to update your game library.
Once you've completed these steps, your hidden games should reappear in your Steam library.
Alternative Method: Using the Steam Client
If the above method doesn't work for you, you can try using the Steam client to unhide games. Here's how:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
- Library: Click on the "Library" tab.
- View: Click on the "View" dropdown menu and select "Hidden Games".
- Unhide Game: Right-click on the game you want to unhide and select "Unhide".
This method allows you to unhide games directly from the Steam library, making it a convenient alternative.
Preventing Games from Getting Hidden
While unhide games in Steam is relatively easy, it's always better to prevent games from getting hidden in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid hiding games accidentally:
- Be cautious when using Steam's family sharing feature, as it can lead to games getting hidden.
- Avoid using the "Remove from Account" option, as it can permanently delete a game from your library.
- Regularly back up your game saves to prevent data loss due to cloud sync failures.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of games getting hidden and ensure that your Steam library remains intact.
Common Issues with Hidden Games on Steam
While unhide games in Steam is generally a straightforward process, some users may encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Hidden Games Not Showing: If your hidden games are not showing up after following the above steps, try restarting the Steam client or checking for updates.
- Games Still Hidden: If a game is still hidden after unhide, try checking the game's properties to ensure that it's not set to "Hidden" or "Private".
If you're experiencing persistent issues with hidden games on Steam, you can try reaching out to Steam support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Unhide games in Steam can be a bit tricky, but with the right steps, you can easily retrieve your hidden games. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Steam library remains intact and that you never have to worry about losing access to your favorite games. Remember to be cautious when using Steam's features, and regularly back up your game saves to prevent data loss. Happy gaming!
Why do games get hidden on Steam?
+Games on Steam can get hidden due to various reasons, such as accidentally hiding a game, purchasing a game that you later decide not to play, or even due to issues with Steam's cloud saving feature.
How do I unhide games in Steam?
+To unhide games in Steam, go to Settings > Account > Hidden Games, and check the box next to "Show hidden games in library". Alternatively, you can use the Steam client to unhide games by going to Library > View > Hidden Games.
What can I do to prevent games from getting hidden?
+To prevent games from getting hidden, be cautious when using Steam's family sharing feature, avoid using the "Remove from Account" option, and regularly back up your game saves to prevent data loss due to cloud sync failures.