Account Credentials Won't Save + Excessive Verification Codes

[Aki]

ISSUE:
Steam Login requiring excessive verification codes whilst logging in even though I have used this machine before (account name won't autofill the first field). Only happened with recent layout update for the sign in page.

OS:
Windows 11 Home Version 21H2 Build 22000.856

STEPS:

1. Launch STEAM
   
2. Input Account Name
   
3. Input Password
   
4. Ensure the "remember me" box is left unchecked
   
5. Select SIGN IN
   
6. Input Verification Code
   
7. Once at Steam home page, select SETTINGS from the top left drop-down titled "Steam"
   
8. Ensure the box titled "Don't save account credentials on this computer" is left unchecked
   
9. Select profile name in top right corner and select "Log out of account".
   
10. Repeat Steps 1-6

RESULTS:
When I login to Steam I am prompted with a verification code each time I log out and log back in, as if my machine is not recognized. My account name field is also left blank, which is unusual because in the past it has been auto-filled for me with the older login UI.

EXPECTED:
When I logout of steam and relaunch it, I expect to see the Account Name field auto-filled with my name. My password field should be left blank for me to input. Also, it is expected to only be required to fill out the verification code field only if I'm signing in from a new machine, not a preexisting one.

[Elucidator]

Also on windows 8.1
Issue: Steam Guard Verification Code doesn't save upon 'logout'
as such every time you log in you need to verify. Also the account name isn't saved.

This is rather bothersome.
the only way to bypass it is by "Remember Me" and then "Auto Login"
but that doesn't fix it if you have multiple family members using the same PC sometimes.

I managed to needing to type 5 steam guard codes within 10 minutes. It doesn't save nomatter what, seemingly.

[Sir Bowen 🐉]

Same on Windows 10

[Anuel AA chero]

zxz

[Winks]

I can see why it might be doing this for security reasons when youre signing in on a computer thats not yours. It should have two buttons on the sign in screen. A tickbox for "auto sign in next time" and a tickbox for "save steam guard to this machine".

[mm.324]

Why are they doing this garbage?!

[Elucidator]

Its probably not for security reasons, because 'remember me' works and skips steam guard.
The issue is that logging in on an email account I don't use except for security codes which also requires 2fa is annoying...

Once upon a time, my home PC was authed and I only needed to type a password
now it isn't and I need to type in 4 passwords + wait a lot longer + many more clicks before I can login.
I don't like this-- if a family member clicks on steam they're in my account simply because I can't logout without needing to Steam Guard Auth
and they cannot login either because my PC doesn't have their email authenticated, so they need to go through that stuff as well.
and so in effect it actually decreases security.
What if my pc is compremised? then they login on their email and boom, they have the email as well. like...
it was more secure before imo.

[Winks]

The old way would save the steamguard info all the time which was unsafe if youre using a libary computer or a friends laptop. The new way doesn't do that so it probably was done for security reasons. The problem is it doesnt cater for people who don't want to auto sign in and still want the steamguard info saved such as in your case. So like I said it needs another option.

[Aki]

Originally posted by Littlefoot loves Littlefat:

The old way would save the steamguard info all the time which was unsafe if youre using a libary computer or a friends laptop. The new way doesn't do that so it probably was done for security reasons. The problem is it doesnt cater for people who don't want to auto sign in and still want the steamguard info saved such as in your case. So like I said it needs another option.

There already was an option in Settings under the Account tab called "Don't save account credentials on this computer". People already had the option but with the new steam beta update regardless on whether or not that box was checked it still forgot your steam guard

[Winks]

I see, so it's bugged and ignoring that setting. It wouldn't be bad to have that option on the signin window still though so it's proactive instead of reactive.

[RiO]

Originally posted by mm.324:

Why are they doing this garbage?!

Honestly? I strongly suspect the correct answer is:
Because pain is a powerful motivator.

Concretely: this tactic is common in shaping user behavior and nudging them into a pattern you want them to adhere to, while continuing to uphold the charade that is illusion of choice. It's a pin prick; another constant little thorn nudging into your side, to edge hold outs into installing the authenticator app.

( See; they really want you on that app.
And why? Well, because by conscious design it is far more than a basic authenticator app. It also incorporates a portal to the entire Steam ecosystem keeping you abreast of news; new releases; deals and events; and chat with friends.
The idea behind that is they are 24/7 within your reach. Basically: it strongly ties you to the ecosystem through all kinds of 'triggers' - to use a common term from the realm of dealing with addictions - that aim to keep you engaged and pulled in. And its in Valve's interest to keep you tied to their platform, rather than e.g. Epic's. )

Because "Remember me" vs "Remember my password" offers a stronger protection when used with public computers (which ironically Valve iirc recommends you don't use your account with to begin with) they can now use that as a simple public excuse to change the functionality, whilst also gaining such a pin prick to leverage against users that don't want to be auto-logged in and which aren't using the Steam app yet, which is probably an interesting and significant bisection of the larger community of Steam users - and one that Valve could compute downright trivially from the data they have available.

So: just install the app and you can again disable the auto-login and trivially one-touch authenticate your daily login(s) relatively hassle-free, rather than going the long way around with an emailed code.

All of this aligns far too conveniently to be deemed mere coincidence, imho.

Come on Valve;
prove this reasoning wrong and restore the behavior to only disable remembering the password!

[mm.324]

Originally posted by RiO:

Originally posted by mm.324:

Why are they doing this garbage?!

Honestly? I strongly suspect the correct answer is:
Because pain is a powerful motivator.

Concretely: this tactic is common in shaping user behavior and nudging them into a pattern you want them to adhere to, while continuing to uphold the charade that is illusion of choice. It's a pin prick; another constant little thorn nudging into your side, to edge hold outs into installing the authenticator app.
*snipped for brevity*

You're probably right, it's all about pushing their spyware app. Which shows just what a steaming pile steam has become.

[Bumbefly (we/All)]

Originally posted by mm.324:

Originally posted by RiO:

Honestly? I strongly suspect the correct answer is:
Because pain is a powerful motivator.

Concretely: this tactic is common in shaping user behavior and nudging them into a pattern you want them to adhere to, while continuing to uphold the charade that is illusion of choice. It's a pin prick; another constant little thorn nudging into your side, to edge hold outs into installing the authenticator app.
*snipped for brevity*

You're probably right, it's all about pushing their spyware app. Which shows just what a steaming pile steam has become.

Just disable wifi when you're not using it, then there's a lot less to spy on (and a lot less possibility to hack the mobile).

[Derank Service]

I am having this problem now, any solution yet?