Running 2+ instances of Steam on the same machine with different user accounts

[Sawtaytoes]

I'd like to be able to run multiple copies of Steam (for different Steam and Windows users) at the same time.

While this doesn't seem like it matters, I'm using software that allows having multiple users logged in at the same time on the same Windows host that can technically run games at the same time, but Steam doesn't let me unlike other game-runners (Epic).

History

Running multiple instances of Steam has been a topic that comes up over the years, but there's never been a suitable solution.

Steam runs as a System-level account which only allows a single open instance even if you're using a different Windows users. If you copy `Steam.exe` or install it into two directories, it still restricts you to a single instance and closes Steam on the other user's account.

My use case is a little unusual as of today, but it'd probably be more common if Steam supported this functionality.

Aster

I started using the Aster (https://ibiksoft.com/) to allow a multiple computers to run off a single host OS with independent GPU, monitor, mouse, keyboard, and audio. While the app looks sketch, I can vouch it does the job.

Each Windows user needs their own GPU, but you only need a single motherboard, processor, cooler, and case. It's a huge money saver and lets me buy higher-end hardware (because it's actually 2+ PCs) for higher overall performance.

Sandboxie

Because I'm limited to a single instance of Steam, I'm not able to use it unless I add in a technology like Sandboxie which sandboxes applications.

Thing is, this Sandbox requires a lot of configuration to reduce the processing overhead. I must've spent 3-4 hours figuring out how to make it work for me.

Even still, games like Baldur's Gate 3 crash when loading using Sandboxie. I can't just sandbox Steam, I need to sandbox the games it runs too because of how it's configured.

I personally don't mind running Steam from 2 install locations and having duplicate copies of games on the drive, but it can't be with Sandboxie or else some games, like BG3, simply won't work this way.

Competing solutions

There's a similar software called BeTwin (http://www.thinsoftinc.com/index.aspx) from 20 years ago which I haven't tried. Not sure if it depends on the old Windows Multipoint technology or if it works the same as Aster.

Virtual Machine solutions

Many people use virtual machines through Unraid or Proxmox or VMware ESXi to achieve something similar, but Aster makes it possible using Windows users on a single OS host rather than having more copies of Windows running than you need.

In terms of RAM and CPU, it's gonna be higher-performing when you don't have a hypervisor in the way. It's also one OS to maintain, one set of Windows updates to install, one place to configure users, etc.

Conclusion

I'd really like the ability to run multiple versions of Steam at the same time to reduce e-waste, improve the performance of my families' machines, and reduce the maintenance overhead I have to incur.

[76561198407601200]

Having multiple instance of steam will not improve system performance. It wouldn't reduce e-waste as someone could log off of their steam account to allow you to use yours on the same pc.

[Sawtaytoes]

Originally posted by The Living Tribunal:

Having multiple instance of steam will not improve system performance. It wouldn't reduce e-waste as someone could log off of their steam account to allow you to use yours on the same pc.

I think there's some misunderstanding.

I can improve system performance by a single host OS rather than 2 separate virtual machines plus a hypervisor.

e-waste has nothing to do with logging in and out. It's the physical computer hardware I would purchase and discard at scale for multiple machines rather than a single box.

Logging into certain accounts has nothing to do with what I'm talking about. It would be multiple copies of Steam running on the same machine each with its own logged in users.

[eram]

try something like what LTT did with the 7 gamers 1 pc video.

[Haruspex]

Originally posted by eram:

try something like what LTT did with the 7 gamers 1 pc video.

Yes. Virtual machines. This is the way.

[Hatstronaut]

No support, lots of new bugs for such a small feature which most people wouldn't use to actually "use" it.

[Sawtaytoes]

I did try what LTT did. It didn't work for me.

The benefits of a single host OS overshadows anything I'd gain from running a hypervisor + 2 VMs.

Also, while you think this is a small feature with little support, if people knew they could hookup 2 computers to a single gaming machine that easily, I think the idea would be a lot more popular.

The fact that the most-popular game store on the planet (Steam) doesn't support this configuration is problematic. The Epic store supports running multiple instances.