Steam
Steam is a game distribution and social gaming client for buying, installing, updating, and launching PC and Mac games.
What is Steam?
Steam is a digital game storefront and desktop client that helps users buy, download, install, update, and launch games from one library. It is widely used by PC and Mac players to manage owned games, keep them patched, and access community features tied to their account. On macOS, Steam also supports features such as cloud-synced data for supported titles, friends chat, Remote Play options, and game discovery through the Steam store. Many developers publish updates, downloadable content, and community items through Steam, so the app often serves as the main hub for playing and maintaining a game collection. It is best suited for people who regularly play games purchased through Steam or use Valve's social and library management features across devices.
Key features
- Browse and purchase games from the Steam store
- Download, install, update, and launch games from one library
- Chat with friends and see their online status
- Sync supported game saves and settings through Steam Cloud
- Stream supported games to other devices with Remote Play
- Manage game downloads remotely from the web or mobile app
- Transfer game files across a local network between compatible Steam clients
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
Steam is a legitimate gaming platform from Valve Corporation. It commonly stores large game libraries, runs update and download tasks in the background, and may start automatically at login if that option is enabled. Network access, account sign-in, and storage use are consistent with its purpose. Review your account security settings, be cautious with community links and messages, and keep in mind that some games installed through Steam may request additional permissions or install separate anti-cheat components.
Recommendation: Keep Steam if you use it to buy, install, or launch games, or if you rely on its cloud saves, friends features, or updates. If you no longer use Steam, you can remove the app to free space, but uninstalling it may leave local game files or remove easy access to games managed through your Steam library.
Common paths
/Applications/Steam.app~/Library/Application Support/Steam
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.valvesoftware.steam
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/Steam
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.valvesoftware.steam.plist
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