How To Have Steam Track Time For Non Steam Games

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

05-01-2025

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Want Steam to accurately reflect your total playtime, even for games outside its library? It's easier than you think! Many gamers are unaware that Steam offers a built-in feature to track time spent on non-Steam games. This guide will walk you through the simple process.

Understanding Steam's Non-Steam Game Integration

Steam's ability to track non-Steam games relies on its overlay feature. This overlay allows Steam to monitor active applications and accurately log playtime. It's a convenient way to keep a comprehensive record of all your gaming activity, regardless of the platform.

Adding Non-Steam Games to Your Library

The first step is to add your non-Steam game to your Steam library. This isn't about actually installing the game through Steam; it's simply adding an entry. Here's how:

1. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
2. Navigate to Games: In the top menu bar, click on "Games".
3. Select "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library": A dropdown menu will appear. Choose this option.
4. Browse and Select: A window will pop up displaying all the executable files (.exe) on your computer. Locate the executable file for your non-Steam game and select it. Important: Make sure you select the correct file; choosing the wrong one won't track your playtime.
5. Confirm: Once selected, click "Add selected programs."

The game will now appear in your Steam library under "Games."

Ensuring Accurate Time Tracking

After adding the game, Steam will automatically begin tracking its playtime whenever you launch it. However, there's a crucial step to ensure accurate tracking:

• Enable the Steam Overlay: Ensure the Steam overlay is enabled. You can do this within the Steam settings (Steam > Settings > In-Game). The overlay should be enabled by default, but it's worth checking.

With the overlay enabled and your game correctly added, Steam should seamlessly track your playtime. If you experience any issues, make sure the game is launching directly from the Steam library entry, rather than from a desktop shortcut or another location.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If Steam isn't tracking your playtime correctly, consider the following:

• Restart Steam: A simple restart often resolves minor glitches.
• Verify the Game Executable: Double-check that you added the correct executable file to your Steam library.
• Check Overlay Settings: Again, ensure the Steam overlay is enabled in your Steam settings.
• Run as Administrator (If Necessary): Sometimes, running the game executable as administrator can resolve permission issues.

By following these steps, you can leverage Steam's robust tracking features to maintain a complete record of your gaming history, encompassing both Steam and non-Steam titles. Enjoy accurate playtime tracking!