Some users who share Steam with family across devices have reported a “shared library locked” error. One such user said this about that error on Steam’s forum, “I’m trying to install a game on the kid’s computer that both me and my wife own, but I keep getting the error that the Shared Library Locked.” Users can’t access shared Steam games because of this family account error. This is how to fix the Steam “shared library locked” error on Windows PCs.
Ask Other Family Sharing Participants to Exit Steam
The Steam “shared library locked” error can occur when other users are currently playing a game from that library or utilizing it. To remedy this possible cause, check if any other users are currently utilizing that library. If there are, ask those users to close Steam on their devices by clicking Steam > Exit within Valve’s gaming client. Then, return to Steam on your PC to see if the error persists.
Create a New Outbound Firewall Rule for Steam
Setting up a new outbound Windows Defender Firewall rule for Steam is another confirmed way to fix the “shared library locked” error on Windows PCs. This rule will reject Steam’s access to the internet. You can set up a new outbound firewall for Steam like this:
- Press the Windows logo + R buttons on your keyboard, enter wf.msc, and click OK.
- Select Outbound Rules on the left sidebar.
- Click on New Rule on the right side of the window.
The New Rule option
- Next, click Program in the New Oubound Rule Wizard window.
- Press Browse to select the Steam.exe file.
The Browse option
- Click Next to view action options.
- Select the Block the Connection radio button.
- Click Next > Finish in the Outbound Rule Wizard window.
Clear Steam’s Download Cache
Some users say they have fixed the Steam “shared library locked” error by clearing Steam’s download cache. Steam has a troubleshooting option you can select for clearing its download cache. Go through the steps on this Clear download cache page to apply this possible fix.
The Clear Cache option
Disable Family Sharing Mode on Other Devices
Disabling Steam Family Sharing on other accessible, shared devices that have it enabled can also resolve the Steam “shared library locked” error. Try disabling the Steam Family Sharing Mode for its other shared users like this:
- Open Steam on another PC or an alternative device for one of your shared users.
- Click the Steam menu to select the Settings menu from there.
- Next, select the Family tab.
- Deselect the Authorize Library Sharing on this computer option.
The Family tab in Steam
- Repeat the above steps for disabling your family sharing on other shared devices.
Those potential fixes will usually resolve the Steam “shared library locked” error. You can also contact Steam’s help service for more potential fixes from this support page. With the “shared library locked” resolved, you can then access your shared Steam library again.
