How to Download and Install Steam on Windows 11 or Windows 10

To download Steam on Windows 11 or Windows 10, go to store.steampowered.com/about and click Install Steam. Open the downloaded SteamSetup.exe file, click Next through the installer, choose a language and install folder, and click Install, then Finish. Steam updates itself the first time it opens. After that, sign in or create a free account, and you can start downloading games. Steam is free and only needs a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or 11.

What you need

• A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Steam stopped supporting 32-bit Windows on January 1, 2026, and Windows 7 and 8 in 2024. To check, go to Settings > System > About and look at System type.
• About 1 GB of free space for Steam itself, plus room for your games.
• An internet connection and an email address for your Steam account.

How to download and install Steam

1. Open a web browser and go to store.steampowered.com/about. Only download Steam from Valve’s official site.
2. Click Install Steam. The file SteamSetup.exe downloads to your Downloads folder.
3. Open SteamSetup.exe. Click Yes if User Account Control asks for permission.
4. Click Next, choose your language, and click Next again.
5. Keep the default install folder, C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam, or click Browse to pick another drive. Click Install.
6. Click Finish. Steam opens and downloads its latest update, which can take a few minutes.

Install Steam with a command instead

If you prefer the command line, open Terminal or Command Prompt and run:

winget install Valve.Steam

Windows Package Manager (winget) downloads the official installer and sets it up for you.

Sign in or create a Steam account

1. When Steam finishes updating, you’ll see the sign-in window.
2. If you have an account, sign in with your username and password, or scan the QR code with the Steam Mobile app.
3. If not, click Create a Free Account and follow the steps. You’ll need to confirm your email address.
4. Turn on Steam Guard with the Steam Mobile app for extra security.

How to download your first game

1. Click Store at the top of Steam and find a game. Free-to-play games have a Play Game button.
2. Buy the game or click Play Game, then choose where to install it.
3. Find it under Library and click Play when the download finishes.

Want games on a different drive? In Steam, go to Steam > Settings > Storage and add a new library folder. To move games later, see how to move games to another drive on Windows 11.

If Steam won’t download or install

• “This app can’t run on your PC.” You’re probably on 32-bit Windows or an old version. Steam needs 64-bit Windows 10 or 11.
• Stuck on “Updating Steam.” Close Steam, restart your PC, and try again. Temporarily turning off a VPN can help.
• Blocked by antivirus. Make sure you downloaded from store.steampowered.com, then allow SteamSetup.exe in your security software.
• Download is slow. In Steam, go to Settings > Downloads and change the Download Region to a nearby location.
• Not enough space. Free up space or install Steam and games on another drive.

Frequently asked questions

Is Steam free to download?

Yes. Steam and a Steam account are free. You only pay for games you buy.

Is Steam in the Microsoft Store?

No. Download it from Valve’s website or install it with winget.

Can I install Steam on a different drive?

Yes. Choose the folder during installation, or add a library folder on another drive later.

Does Steam work on Windows 11 in S mode?

No. S mode only allows Microsoft Store apps. You’d need to switch out of S mode, which is free but can’t be undone.