Adding already existing libraries instead of just creating new library folders.

[Stalius]

I think that we should be able to add pre-existing library folders to the game, like for example, if you had multiple drives and had to completely reinstall windows for some unforseen consequences, you could just install everything you need, and just casually add your already existing library folders from other drives. I might have missed that feature if it exists, but if it doesn't, it would really be nice. (i have effectively lost over 200 gigabytes worth of games)

[nullable]

At worst, you rename the old library, have your Steam create a new library on the drive, copy the game folders form the old re-named library to the new library. Then when you try to install the game(s) it will detect the existing files and skip downloading.

Easy peasy.

You may be able to skip all that by creating a library in at the existing library's location. I just haven't tried it recently, and haven't reinstalled windows in years so my memory is fuzzy.

There's options available. Although it's not a detail users often have to be concerned with and maybe don't look for until after the fact. At any rate users engaging in ready, shoot, aim is pretty common.

[rawWwRrr]

Originally posted by tronion:

I think that we should be able to add pre-existing library folders to the game, like for example, if you had multiple drives and had to completely reinstall windows for some unforseen consequences, you could just install everything you need, and just casually add your already existing library folders from other drives. I might have missed that feature if it exists, but if it doesn't, it would really be nice. (i have effectively lost over 200 gigabytes worth of games)

You can add pre-existing libraries within Steam. There is a blue down arrow that a lot of people miss that will allow you to "choose another location" that opens a folder tree window which will allow you to choose a specific folder on a specific drive.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2786651539

You can still only have one library folder per drive and you have to remember to choose the parent folder directly above the \steamapps\ folder, not the \steamapps\ folder itself or any folder below it.

[Supafly]

Or just install Steam to a non-OS drive. Wipe OS as much as you like and Steam and it's Library folder/s are never impacted. A bonus of installing the OS on a small drive.

Simple workarounds

Close Steam
Rename the steamapps folder to steamapps_old
Open Steam
Create Library where you want it
Close Steam

2 Options

Option 1
Delete the new Steamapps folder
Rename steamapps_old back to Steamapps
Load Steam

Option 2
Cut, Not copy, CUT the contents of the Steamapps_old folder and paste inside the new Steamapps folder
Delete the Steamapps_old folder
Load Steam

[Stalius]

Originally posted by Supafly:

Or just install Steam to a non-OS drive. Wipe OS as much as you like and Steam and it's Library folder/s are never impacted. A bonus of installing the OS on a small drive.

Simple workarounds

Close Steam
Rename the steamapps folder to steamapps_old
Open Steam
Create Library where you want it
Close Steam

2 Options

Option 1
Delete the new Steamapps folder
Rename steamapps_old back to Steamapps
Load Steam

Option 2
Cut, Not copy, CUT the contents of the Steamapps_old folder and paste inside the new Steamapps folder
Delete the Steamapps_old folder
Load Steam

Thanks for your reply, I had this idea this morning and thought "I'm a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ idiot". Though I appreciate the efforts you all put into replying to my post!