Steam Support
Information for New Users


If you are unable to create a Steam account from Steam website

If you encounter issues when creating an account while using a web browser, please try creating a Steam account using the Steam client/application:
  • Download and run the installer for Steam from http://store.steampowered.com/about
  • Click the "Create a new Account..." button from the Steam login page and follow the prompts


What is Steam?

Steam is a broadband platform for direct software delivery and content management. It is an integral part of all Valve software.

Steam...
  • Allows you to purchase and immediately download games via the internet.
  • Allows you to register retail versions of Valve games as well as some third-party games.
  • Lets you access games from any PC that can connect to the Steam network.
  • Automatically keeps all of your games up-to-date with the latest available patches.
  • Allows you to chat with friends in the Steam community even during gameplay.
  • Makes it easy to browse and connect to online and LAN game servers for certain games.
  • Allows you to view which games your friends are currently playing and join them.



How do I use Steam?

First, please see the Installing Steam topic for instructions on downloading and installing Steam.

Once you have installed Steam, create an account and add games to it by downloading free to play games, or purchasing games from the Steam Store, or by Activating a Product on Steam.



What games are available through Steam?

The list of games available through Steam is constantly expanding.

For a full list of games currently available for purchase through Steam, please visit the Steam Storefront.



How do I download games from Steam?

Once you have installed the Steam application, you will need to login to the Steam account you have added (or will add) your game to. Your game is tied to this Steam account and cannot be re-registered to a different account.

Clicking Library in the Steam application will bring you to a listing of all games that have been registered to this Steam account. Double click any of these titles to install and run the game.



How can I protect my account?

NEVER give out your account password to anyone over Steam or elsewhere. Please see the Account Security Recommendations topic for instructions on protecting your Steam account.



What is the Steam Subscriber Agreement?

For more information on Valve's policies, please see the Steam Subscriber Agreement and the Rules of Steam Online Conduct.

Steam Subscriber Agreement
https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement/

Rules of Steam Online Conduct
https://store.steampowered.com/online_conduct/



How do I contact Steam Support?

Please see the How do I contact Steam Support FAQ.

Need help with Steam?
Use the Steam help wizard to narrow down your topic and get the help you need.
Community Help
Post or search in Steam Discussions for an answer to your question.