how to see how much storage steam games take

4 min read 26-11-2024

how to see how much storage steam games take

When it comes to PC gaming, storage management is a crucial aspect that often flies under the radar. As new games continue to push graphical fidelity and complexity, they require more storage space than ever before. If you're a Steam user, it’s vital to know how much storage space your games consume. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to check storage usage for your Steam games while providing additional insights on managing your storage space efficiently.

Why Is Storage Management Important?

Understanding how much storage space your games take up is important for several reasons:

Limited Storage Capacity: Many gamers rely on SSDs for faster loading times, but SSDs often come with limited storage options compared to traditional HDDs.
Game Size Inflation: Game sizes are constantly increasing due to downloadable content (DLCs), updates, and patches. Keeping track of this can prevent you from running out of space unexpectedly.
Performance Optimization: Running out of storage can adversely affect your PC's performance. Operating systems and many programs require a minimum amount of free space to operate smoothly.

Steps to Check Steam Game Storage Usage

Step 1: Open Steam

Start by launching your Steam client. This can be done through your desktop shortcut or by finding it in your programs list.

Step 2: Navigate to Your Library

Once Steam is open, navigate to your library by clicking on the "Library" tab located in the top menu. This will take you to your list of installed games.

Step 3: Access Game Properties

Find the game you want to check for storage size. Right-click on the game title, which will open a context menu. From this menu, select “Properties.”

Step 4: Check Local Files

In the Properties window, navigate to the “Local Files” tab. Here, you will find several options related to the storage of that particular game.

Step 5: View Game Size

In this section, you will see a button labeled “Browse Local Files." Before clicking it, just take a look at the file storage size listed above it. This will give you information on how much disk space the game currently occupies.
If you click the “Browse Local Files" button, it will open the directory containing the game files. You can manually check the total size by highlighting all folders and files and checking their properties. Right-click and select “Properties” to find the size.

Example: Assessing Storage for a Popular Game

Let’s say you want to check the storage size for "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive." After following the steps above, you discover it takes up around 20 GB of space. By checking for additional content like skins or mods, the size might increase, necessitating a reassessment of your storage availability.

Alternative Method: Using Windows File Explorer

If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can use Windows File Explorer to check the size of multiple Steam games:

Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the directory where Steam stores your games. By default, this is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common.
Here, you will see individual folders for each Steam game.
Right-click on the folder of the game you're interested in and select “Properties.” This will show you the size of the entire game folder.

Advantages of Using File Explorer

Batch Checking: You can select multiple game folders and check their sizes simultaneously.
Easy Management: It gives you a visual representation of your storage and allows for easy deletion of games that you're no longer playing.

Steam Storage Management Tips

Once you understand how much space your games are occupying, you'll want to optimize your storage. Here's how:

1. Uninstall Unused Games

If you're not playing a game anymore, consider uninstalling it. You can always reinstall it later if you wish to play it again. To uninstall a game:

Right-click on the game in your Steam library.
Select "Manage" and then "Uninstall."

2. Sort Games by Size

Once in your library, you can arrange games by size. To do this, go to the library settings and filter your view to see larger games first. This is an easy way to quickly identify games that take up the most space.

3. Consider External Storage Solutions

If your internal storage is becoming an issue, consider investing in an external SSD or HDD. Steam allows you to add additional libraries in different storage locations. You can do this by:

Navigating to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
Here, you can add a new folder on your external drive for game installations.

4. Manage Game Updates and Files

Periodic clean-up of game files can dramatically improve your storage efficiency. Some games tend to leave residual data or cache files. Consider using tools like Steam Cleaner or CCleaner for this specific purpose.

Conclusion

Managing your storage for Steam games is essential for any dedicated PC gamer. By following these steps, you can easily determine how much storage your games are consuming and make informed decisions on how to optimize your setup.

With game sizes continually increasing and new titles being released frequently, proactive storage management will ensure that you can enjoy your gaming experience without the frustrations caused by limited disk space. Keep your library lean, sorted, and organized, and you’ll be ready for any gaming challenge that comes your way.

FAQs

What should I do if my storage is almost full?
- Consider uninstalling games you no longer play or moving them to an external hard drive.
Can I find out the required space for a new game before purchasing?
- Yes, most game pages on Steam provide an estimate of necessary storage space.
Is there a way to keep track of my storage over time?
- You can use monitoring software or create a spreadsheet to track game sizes, downloads, and uninstalls.

This comprehensive guide should help you stay on top of your game storage and enhance your gaming experience. Happy gaming!