# How to install Steam on Ubuntu

You can install the gaming platform Steam on [Ubuntu](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/ubuntu-the-linux-system-for-everyone/ "Ubuntu: The Linux system for everyone") with just four commands. To get started, you’ll need Ubuntu 22.04, 20.04 or 18.04.

## How to install Steam on Ubuntu: A step-by-step guide

You can install Steam by running commands in the Ubuntu terminal. After you’ve run the commands, you can use the [GUI](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/websites/web-development/what-is-a-gui/ "What is a GUI?") for Steam.

### Step 1: Activate the repository

The Steam software is available in the Ubuntu **multiverse repository**. You may have to activate this first. You can do this by opening the terminal (e.g., via \[Ctrl\] + \[Alt\] + \[T\]) and entering the following command:

```bash
sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
```

To add the repository to your system, enter your password and then confirm that you want to continue with the process. If the multiverse component is already activated, a message will appear.

### Step 2: Update list of packages

Next, you’ll need to update the package manager and the corresponding package list. This step is common practice for carrying out installations on Linux:

```bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
```

### Step 3: Install Steam

Now it’s time to install the actual software:

```bash
sudo apt install steam
```

Now, confirm the installation.

If the above command doesn’t work, you can try this **alternative**:

```bash
sudo apt install steam-installer
```

### Step 4: Start Steam and sign in

The software is now installed. You can use the following command to launch the software:

```bash
steam
```

You can also exit the terminal and use Ubuntu’s graphical interface to launch the software. You can find the program in the **application overview or via the search function**.

When you start Steam for the first time, the software will update. After that, the sign-in screen will appear. If you already have an account, enter your details. If you don’t have a Steam account, you can create a free account by clicking the hyperlinked text at the bottom right of the screen.

[![Image: Steam in Ubuntu sign in screen](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/a/3/csm_steam-ubuntu-sign-in-screen_8bacdc7392.webp "Steam in Ubuntu sign in screen")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2023/steam-ubuntu-sign-in-screen.png) Once the software is installed, you can sign up or sign in via the link.  Note When buying a game, make sure that it’s compatible with Linux. You can recognize Ubuntu-compatible games by the Steam icon (a reference to the Linux distribution SteamOS). You’ll find this icon right next to the Windows and Mac logos. Make sure to find out about [Steam Family Sharing](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/steam-family-sharing/ "Steam Family Sharing") and [Steam refunds](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/steam-refund/ "Steam Refund") to get the most out of the gaming platform.

## How to uninstall Steam in Ubuntu

To uninstall Steam, all you need to do is enter a command in the terminal. Simply choose the uninstall command that corresponds with the installation method you chose:

```bash
sudo apt remove steam
```

Or:

```bash
sudo apt remove steam-installer
```

To save disk space, you can also delete data that you no longer need:

```bash
sudo apt autoremove
```

Even though the software has been deleted, it doesn’t mean that your account has been deleted too. If you no longer want to use Steam, you can [delete your Steam account](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/delete-steam-account/ "Delete Steam account").

Tip Tired of solo gaming? [Game server hosting](https://www.ionos.com/cloud/game-server-hosting "Game server hosting – virtual, cloud, or dedicated – IONOS") is a great way to expand multiplayer possibilities. For example, you could set up a [Minecraft server with Linux](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/minecraft-server-linux/ "Minecraft server with Linux"). With the command-line tool [SteamCMD](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/install-steamcmd/ "SteamCMD"), you can also create your own servers for lots of Steam games.


This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/install-steam-on-ubuntu/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/install-steam-on-ubuntu/) for AI/LLM consumption.