Move Games Between PCs Without Redownloading Them

Two PCs in the same home should not each pull the same giant game across a capped or slow line. Local game transfer between PCs uses your network to reuse installed files, with launcher settings and storage space checked first.

Quick Answer

Steam Local Network Game Transfers can copy game files from another Steam PC on the same local network instead of downloading the whole title from the internet. Both clients need current Steam versions, local transfer permission and access to the game. The sharing scope can be limited to your own account, friends or broader local users in Steam settings. Use Ethernet when possible, keep the source PC awake and let the receiving client verify the files afterwards. Patches or missing components can still come from Steam online.

Prepare both computers

Update Steam on the source and receiving PCs, then restart both clients. Connect them to the same trusted home network. Avoid guest Wi-Fi because it often isolates devices.

On each PC, open Steam Settings, Downloads and the local game-transfer controls. Choose the sharing scope you intend. The receiving account must be entitled to install the game.

Keep Steam online on both systems. Disable a VPN for the baseline because it can change network discovery or route the client away from the LAN.

Start from the receiving PC

On the new machine, select Install for the game. Steam checks for an eligible local source. When it finds one, the download page should show local transfer activity.

You do not need a partial install first. The client creates the target library and handles the files. Keep enough free storage for the full game and verification work.

Watch the source PC too. Heavy gaming, storage work or sleep can slow or stop its transfer. Let it serve the files without launching the same title.

Use a wired path for large libraries

Connect both PCs by Gigabit Ethernet or faster supported ports. A mixed path through Wi-Fi can work, but the slowest client link and source drive set the pace.

Check that each link negotiated at the expected speed. A damaged cable can fall back to a slower rate. Local transfers do not consume the internet cap for the copied payload, though Steam may still fetch licences, updates or missing files online.

If the router has client isolation enabled, trusted LAN devices may not discover one another. Change isolation only when you understand the security effect and keep guests on a separate network.

Let Steam verify the result

Steam checks the received files and downloads anything that differs from the current depot. The source may have an older build, another language or optional content.

Do not copy open game files by dragging folders during the transfer. Let the client manage manifests and locks. If discovery fails, confirm both clients, sharing scope, network profile and firewall prompts through Steam support guidance.

Launch the game and let first-run prerequisites finish. Saves may arrive through Steam Cloud where supported, while local-only saves need the game's documented migration route.

Fix discovery without opening the network

Set the Windows connection to the correct private profile only on your trusted home LAN. Allow Steam through the current firewall prompt. Do not disable the firewall or expose file sharing to a public network.

Check that both PCs receive addresses from the same home router and can see the Steam client transfer option. A guest SSID, client isolation or separate VLAN can block discovery by design.

If transfer still fails, restart Steam on both machines and review its current support page. Falling back to the internet download is safer than weakening network security for one copy.

Handle other launchers separately

Some launchers can locate an existing folder, verify copied files or create a backup. Others require a fresh download. Use each publisher's current instructions.

Do not assume Steam's local transfer makes a non-Steam install valid. Entitlements, anti-cheat components and manifests belong to the original client.

For several PCs, transfer one title first and measure source drive, network and destination drive use. That reveals the bottleneck before a whole library is queued.

Choose network hardware for the local job

Gigabit ports are enough for many SATA SSD and hard-drive transfers. Faster 2.5Gbps links help only when both PCs, router or switch, cables and storage can sustain them.

Compare routers and networking hardware for LAN port speeds and client controls. Select suitable leads and interfaces from the accessories range.

Make the new PC launch-ready

After the transfer, update graphics drivers through the hardware maker, sign into the required services and open each game once. Check save availability before wiping the old machine.

Keep the source PC unchanged until the new one has launched the important titles and recovered local files. A fast copy is only half a migration.

FAQ

Do both PCs need the same Steam login?

No. Steam provides a sharing-scope setting. The receiving user still needs access to the game, and both clients must permit the transfer.

Is local transfer faster than redownloading?

It can be much faster when the LAN and both drives outrun the internet line. Measure the complete path.

Does it work over Wi-Fi?

Yes, when discovery and permissions work. Ethernet gives large transfers a steadier, more predictable path.