Steam Game Is Installed on PC But Not Showing in The App – How to Fix

Sometimes Steam games remain installed on your computer but do not appear in the Steam library. This issue usually occurs due to hidden settings, incorrect library folders, account mismatches, or cache errors. Fortunately, the problem can be fixed quickly using a few simple troubleshooting steps. This guide explains the most effective solutions to help Steam recognize your installed games again.

Why Steam Games May Not Appear in the Library

Before applying fixes, it is important to understand the common causes:

• The game is accidentally hidden in Steam
• Installed under another Steam account
• Steam cannot detect the installation folder
• Corrupted cache or missing executable links
• Steam reinstalled on another drive or partition

Once the cause is identified, the solution becomes straightforward.

Fix 1: Check if the Game Is Hidden

Steam allows users to hide games, which prevents them from appearing in the main library.

Steps:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Click View → Hidden Games.
3. If the game appears, right-click it.
4. Select Manage → Remove from Hidden.

The game will now appear in the normal library list.

Fix 2: Confirm the Game Is Installed Under Your Account

If another user logged into your PC and installed the game, it may remain installed but linked to their account.

Steps:

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Remove any filters and enable Group by Library.
3. Check if the game appears under another account section.
4. Log into that account to verify access.

Fix 3: Verify Game Files (Most Effective Fix)

If Steam cannot recognize the installation properly, verifying files reconnects the game to the client.

Steps:

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Right-click the game → Properties.
3. Select Installed Files.
4. Click Verify integrity of game files.
5. Wait until the scan completes.

This fixes most recognition issues.

Fix 4: Add the Existing Steam Library Folder

If Steam was reinstalled or moved to another drive, you may need to manually add the library folder.

Steps:

1. Go to Steam → Settings → Storage.
2. Click Add Drive.
3. Select the folder where games are installed.
4. Restart Steam.

Steam will rescan the folder and restore the games.

Fix 5: Restart Steam and Clear Cache

Sometimes the issue is temporary and caused by cache errors.

Steps:

1. Close Steam completely.
2. Restart the application.
3. If needed, go to Settings → Downloads → Clear Download Cache.

Final Thoughts

When a Steam game is installed but not showing in the app, the issue is usually related to hidden settings, incorrect library paths, or account mismatches rather than a failed installation. Verifying files, adding the correct library folder, and checking hidden games solve the majority of cases. Following the above steps ensures Steam can detect your installed titles without requiring a full reinstallation.