Dlcs Not Showing Up On Steam Family Sharing

Why Aren't My DLCs Showing Up on Steam Family Sharing? A Troubleshooting Guide

Are you sharing your Steam library with family using Family Sharing, but some of your DLCs aren't appearing on their accounts? This frustrating issue is more common than you might think. This guide will walk you through the common causes and effective solutions to get those missing downloadable content packs working for your shared accounts. Don't worry, we'll cover everything from simple fixes to more in-depth troubleshooting steps.

Understanding Steam Family Sharing and DLCs

Steam Family Sharing allows you to share your entire game library with up to 10 other accounts. However, DLCs (Downloadable Content) sometimes present unique challenges. The authorization process isn't always seamless, leading to the frustrating situation where the base game is accessible, but the extra content remains hidden. This can be particularly annoying for games that rely heavily on DLC for a complete experience.

Common Reasons Why DLCs Aren't Showing Up

Several factors can prevent your shared DLCs from appearing on another account:

• Authorization Issues: The most frequent culprit is a problem with the authorization process. The shared account might not have properly authorized the DLC.
• Offline Mode: If the authorized account is in offline mode, the DLC might not be accessible.
• Game Updates: Outdated game versions can sometimes interfere with DLC functionality. Both the base game and the DLC need to be updated.
• Cloud Synchronization: Sometimes, a glitch in Steam's cloud synchronization prevents the DLC from downloading properly to the shared account.
• Steam Client Issues: Problems with the Steam client itself can also lead to DLCs not showing up. A corrupted client or cached files can interfere with the sharing process.
• Game Specific Problems: Rarely, certain games might have unique compatibility issues with Family Sharing and DLCs.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the Problem

Let's dive into practical solutions to get those missing DLCs working:

1. Verify Authorization:

• Ensure the authorized account is online and logged in.
• On the account receiving the shared games, check the game library. If the DLC is not visible, try restarting the Steam client.

2. Update the Game and DLC:

• On the primary account (the one owning the games and DLC), update both the base game and the DLC to their latest versions.
• Then, on the shared account, verify that both the game and its DLC are updated. This often resolves the issue.

3. Check Cloud Synchronization:

• On both the primary and authorized accounts, ensure Cloud synchronization is enabled. Restart Steam after checking this to allow the sync to take place.

4. Restart Steam and Your Computer:

• A simple restart can sometimes resolve minor glitches that interfere with the Family Sharing system. Restarting both the Steam client and your computer can fix temporary software problems.

5. Verify Game Files:

• On the primary account, access the game's properties in your Steam Library. Go to "Local Files" and select "Verify Integrity of Game Files." This will check for any corrupted files.
• Repeat this on the authorized account as well.

6. Clear Steam Download Cache:

• In the Steam client, go to "Settings," then "Downloads," and click "Clear Download Cache." This can fix issues related to cached files preventing proper DLC downloads.

7. Check Steam Forums and Game Support:

• If you're still encountering issues, check the Steam forums or the game's official support pages. Other users might have experienced and resolved similar problems, providing helpful insights or solutions.

8. Re-Authorize the Family Sharing:

• As a last resort, try removing the authorized account from Family Sharing and re-adding it. This can help re-establish the connection and address any authorization issues.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the majority of issues preventing your DLCs from appearing on your shared Steam accounts. Remember to be patient and systematic, and you should soon be enjoying all of your game content.