So, you've hidden some games in your Steam library, perhaps to declutter or temporarily forget about them. Now you're ready to revisit those hidden gems! This guide will walk you through the simple steps to unhide games on Steam, whether you're using the desktop client or the website. We'll also address some frequently asked questions about hidden games and library management.
How to Unhide Games on Steam (Desktop Client)
Unhiding games on the Steam desktop client is a straightforward process. Here's how:
- Open your Steam client: Launch the Steam application on your computer.
- Navigate to your Library: In the top left corner, click on the "Library" tab.
- Access your game list: Your game library will display. Note that hidden games won't appear here.
- Find your hidden games: Click on the small "View" button located near the top right of the library screen. This button will likely have a filter icon and will initially show a display option like "Grid View".
- Filter to show hidden games: You'll typically see an option to show "All Games" or "Hidden Games." Select the option showing "All Games." This option might be hidden under more advanced filter options, depending on your Steam client version.
- Locate and play: Your hidden games will now be visible within your library. Simply locate the game you want to play and launch it as usual.
How to Unhide Games on Steam (Website)
The process for unhiding games on the Steam website is slightly different, as the visual interface varies:
- Log in to your Steam account: Access the Steam website and log in with your credentials.
- Go to your Games: Navigate to your games list. The exact location depends on your current page; you might need to find a "Games" or "Library" link.
- Identify hidden games (If Needed): Unfortunately, the Steam website doesn't feature a distinct visual indicator for hidden games like the desktop client does. Your only option is to browse through your entire list. There isn't a filter to directly display only hidden games.
- Play the game: Once you find the hidden game, you can directly launch it (provided you have it installed locally) or install it if needed.
What Happens When You Hide a Game on Steam?
Hiding a game on Steam simply removes it from your main game library view. It doesn't delete the game, uninstall it, or affect its access in any way. The game remains installed on your hard drive (if downloaded) and is still accessible through the methods described above. It's essentially a visual organizational tool.
Can I Unhide Multiple Games at Once?
Unfortunately, Steam doesn't currently offer a bulk unhiding option for games. You'll need to manually locate and unhide each game individually using the methods outlined above.
How Do I Hide Games on Steam Again?
Hiding games is just as easy. Within your Steam library (desktop client or web browser), locate the game you wish to hide. Most versions will allow a right-click on the game title, which will then give you the option to hide it from view. Again, this only hides it visually; the game file will remain unaffected.
Why Would I Want to Hide My Steam Games?
People hide Steam games for various reasons:
- To declutter their library: A large library can be overwhelming. Hiding less-frequently played games keeps the interface cleaner and easier to navigate.
- To temporarily remove distractions: Hiding games can help with focus and self-control, especially if you're trying to avoid certain games.
- To maintain privacy: While not a strong security measure, hiding games offers a degree of privacy by keeping certain titles out of sight.
By following these steps, you can easily unhide your games and regain access to your entire Steam library. Remember, hiding a game is purely a visual organization feature; it doesn't affect the game's installation or functionality.
