Keeping certain f2p games in my library after uninstall

[Steven Cojo]

Is there a way to keep some f2p visible in my library? cus once i uninstall any f2p game, it won't show in my library anymore, i need to check for it again in the store. it feels really tedious. Of course I wouldn't like to have all the f2p games piled in my library, unless they'd have their own category, but some games I would like to have them handy.

[TirithRR]

You can add a F2P game to your Library by clicking the "Play" button, but then not installing it. This should add the license to your account, and once the license is on your account, it will show up in your library.

[Steven Cojo]

Originally posted by TirithRR:

You can add a F2P game to your Library by clicking the "Play" button, but then not installing it. This should add the license to your account, and once the license is on your account, it will show up in your library.

it's true, the license is on my account, but most of the games don't remain on my list, let's say for example The Plan or Only If. The games I did microtransactions like tf2 or dota2 I have them, and that's pretty much it

EDIT: or for some of them, having a DLC apparently keeps them...can't quite confirm it thou, since I own some dlcs for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms and it isn't in my library

[Steven Cojo]

Here's a quick example I just did now: I added Everlasting Summer licene to my account, downloaded the game and after uninstalled it, there is nowhere to be seen in my library...now I have to search again for it in the store, in case it gets removed from the store, I won't be able to access anymore, despite "owning the free license" (so to say) http://store.steampowered.com/app/331470/

[Tev]

Interesting, it does indeed disappear from the Library list.
But, I also see it stays in https://store.steampowered.com/account/ regardless.

I'm also pretty sure, like you said in #2, that F2P titles with DLCs you own stick to your library even post uninstallation.

You could probably install the game using

steam://install/331470

if it does ever get removed from the Steam Store.

I can use the parameter for the old Indigo Prophecy that's no longer on Steam Store for example, just because I own the license for it on my account.

EDIT: As far as F2P games go, they don't care if I have it stored in my license list. They'll still install using the parameter.

[Steven Cojo]

Originally posted by Teutep:

Interesting, it does indeed disappear from the Library list.
But, I also see it stays in https://store.steampowered.com/account/ regardless.

I'm also pretty sure, like you said in #2, that F2P titles with DLCs you own stick to your library even post uninstallation.

You could probably install the game using

steam://install/331470

if it does ever get removed from the Steam Store.

I can use the parameter for the old Indigo Prophecy that's no longer on Steam Store for example, just because I own the license for it on my account.

EDIT: As far as F2P games go, they don't care if I have it stored in my license list. They'll still install using the parameter.

Thanks for the paramter idea, it would sure be useful in those cases, although I need to keep in mind the titles/id so that I can remember what and where to search for. It's not quite visual, but it is indeed a workaround and seems useful.

[Tev]

You can make it into a shortcut too. :)

Right mouse click your desktop > New > Shortcut
Then name the location as the parameter.

You can also edit its icon with an .ico file if you wish, so it won't remain as a 'blank' either.

If you want to run the game with the same one; then use rungameid; in install's place. (rungameid will also install if uninstalled.)

Shortcut example.url

steam://rungameid/<APP-ID>

The Easiest Way (does the above automatically)

1. Install the game
   
2. Right mouse click the game > Create a desktop shortcut.
   
3. Copy the game's shortcut (.url) file elsewhere.
   
4. Uninstall the game.

Now you should have a fully functioning .url shortcut with a pre-set .ico file as the icon which will also install the game if uninstalled! :)

[vern.zimm]

Originally posted by Teutep:

The Easiest Way (does the above automatically)

1. Install the game
   
2. Right mouse click the game > Create a desktop shortcut.
   
3. Copy the game's shortcut (.url) file elsewhere.
   
4. Uninstall the game.

Now you should have a fully functioning .url shortcut with a pre-set .ico file as the icon which will also install the game if uninstalled! :)

That's a nice way to do it, I have to admit. Another way would be to "follow" the game, although that could get annoying for f2p games that spam news. It's weird... I would almost rather put it on wishlist because then it doesn't send the news, but you can't add f2p to wishlist haha

[AznSkillz]

https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/5jffw2/is_there_a_way_to_keep_free_to_play_games_on_the/