Steam Library on new computer won't recognize non-Steam game

[PeabodySam]

I have two computers: an older computer and a newer computer. On the new computer, I'm able to log into my Steam account and view my Steam Library, with the option to reinstall Steam games on the new computer or stream them from my old computer. However, for non-Steam games, it only gives me the streaming option (for obvious reasons).

I've manually installed one such non-Steam game on the new computer. In my Library, I select the game, select "Properties", select "CHANGE...", and select the game's .EXE file on the new computer. Despite this, Steam won't let me play the game; the streaming option is replaced with a grayed-out install option instead. Exiting and restarting Steam reverts the changes I've made.

If I select "Add a Non-Steam Game..." and select the game's .EXE file, it works perfectly and I can play it through Steam on the new computer. However, that results in the same game being listed twice in my Library: one that can only be streamed from the old computer, and one that can only be played on the new computer. I would much rather have the game listed just once in the Library, referencing the respective .EXE file location on each computer, assuming this is possible.

So, is there a way I can get Steam on the new computer to recognize the non-Steam game's .EXE file, without re-adding it as a separate game?

[AmsterdamHeavy]

No. Those are all manual entries. Steam doesnt know what those EXEs are or where they came from.

Im actually surprised that non-Steam games are carrying over in library between computers, if anything it seems that should be fixed/removed.

[Jaunitta 🌸]

I've manually installed one such non-Steam game on the new computer.<< this makes sense
>> In my Library, I select the game, select "Properties", select "CHANGE...", and select the game's .EXE file on the new computer. <<this doesn't make sense.
Have you installed it to Steam- common in programfiles x86?<< as its a non Steam game it cant be added as a new library only via add a non Steam game.
How do you get 2 instances of the same non Steam game?

Refs to
So, is there a way I can get Steam on the new computer to recognize the non-Steam game's .EXE file, without re-adding it as a separate game?<<No
Streaming and playing are 2 different options.

This one of the games I moved from my external expansion drive [ USB ] to my programfiles x86 then in Steam added a non steam game.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1914612787

[PeabodySam]

"this doesn't make sense."
"How do you get 2 instances of the same non Steam game?"

I apologize if my explanation wasn't clear. As long as the old and new computers are both on and connected to Steam at the same time, I can see the old computer's non-Steam games listed on the new computer's Steam Library (even though I can't play them, I can only stream them). Then, manually adding the same non-Steam game to the new computer's Steam Library causes it to be listed twice:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1938648929

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1938649197

The first screenshot shows the "new" game, the second screenshot shows the "old" game. The popup window in the latter is from clicking "Properties" on the game's page. By clicking "CHANGE...", it allows you to browse your computer and select the game's .EXE file (I haven't done so in this screenshot, which is why the "Start In:" box is empty). I would think that doing this should make the "old" game accessible from the new computer, but it doesn't seem to work that way.

Therefore, I take it that this is the only solution: have separate library entries for the non-Steam game on the old computer and new computer? There's no option to have both computers access the same non-Steam game as a single library item, as can be done with any Steam game?

[Jaunitta 🌸]

Thanks .
Sounds like a bad link . one is trying to link from a shortcut not the actual game.
Check the link is pointing to the actual game launcher not a shortcut.

Since the game is on another hardware >Add a new library folder>Steam Settings>downloads. on the right library folder.

The game on the new PC can be added as a non Steam game since it resides on the same drive as Steam is installed.

Also it will be problem linking the old computer and games as your new windows may decide that the external link such as USB are not stable.
Therefor everytime you use Steam on the New PC before shutting down the PC/s for the night fully exit Steam on new first not just close it. Then shutdown down both pc/s.

I have 2 computers here one old and one new.
The old one is windows x 32 bit.
The the new is windows x64 bit.
Does this also apply to you as well?