How to Install Steam on Ubuntu

Are you looking for a detailed article that provides step-by-procedures to install Steam on the Ubuntu Linux-based OS? You have come to the right place, as this guide does exactly that.
In this guide, you will learn two ways to install the Steam application on your Ubuntu computer. Thus, this guide’s first section will demonstrate how to install the app through the Ubuntu Software Center on the GUI.
Meanwhile, the second section will provide steps to install Steam using the snap command in the Ubuntu terminal.
That aside, you will find an FAQ section towards the end of this guide. In that section, I will provide answers to some of the most asked questions relating to this guide’s topic.
Before you continue with this guide, you should know that the procedures provided are based on the Ubuntu 22.04 LTS operating system. Due to this, the procedures may differ slightly if you’re using other versions of the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system.
Install Steam on Ubuntu Through the GUI

One way to install Steam on your Ubuntu Linux-based computer is through the Ubuntu Software Center on the GUI (Graphical User Interface). The following procedures and screenshot images will demonstrate how to achieve that.
- After starting the Ubuntu operating system, click the Show Applications button on the dock. Then, input “ubuntu software” in the search field and select the Ubuntu Software Center icon from the search result.

- When the Ubuntu Software Center opens, click the search icon at the top right corner. Next, type “steam” in the search field that appears, then select the Steam (Early Access) application from the search result.

- Now, click the green Install button.

- By doing that, you should receive an authentication prompt. Hence, input your computer’s password in the input field on the prompt and click the Authenticate button to proceed.

- Consequently, Steam should begin to install on your Ubuntu computer.

Install Steam on Ubuntu Through the Terminal

Interestingly, you can also install the Steam application on your Ubuntu Linux-based computing using the snap command in the terminal. The following step-by-step procedures and screenshot images will illustrate how to achieve that.
- Launch the terminal in Ubuntu by right-clicking any free area on the desktop and selecting Open in Terminal from the displayed options. Alternatively, use the Ctrl + Alt + T keyboard shortcut to open the terminal in Ubuntu.

- When the terminal opens, type the command below and press the enter key to update the package list on your Ubuntu system. Hence, you will be prompted to input your password before proceeding – do that and press the enter key to continue.
sudo apt update
You should know that the characters won’t be visible while inputting your password.

- After doing that, run the command below to install the snap package manager on your Ubuntu computer in case you don’t have it.
sudo apt install snapd

- Now, run the subsequent command to install Steam on your Ubuntu computer.
sudo snap install --beta steam

- Consequently, Steam should begin to install on your Ubuntu Linux-based computer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Steam on Ubuntu

Yes, you can log into the Steam application on your Ubuntu computer using your existing Steam account.
The fastest way to install the Steam application on your Ubuntu computer is through the Ubuntu Software Center on the GUI. Follow the procedures below to learn how to do that.
a) Click the Show Applications button on the Ubuntu dock.
b) Then, input “ubuntu software” in the search field and select the Ubuntu Software Center icon from the search result.
c) When the Ubuntu Software Center opens, click the search icon at the top right corner.
d) Next, type “steam” in the search field that appears, then select the Steam (Early Access) application from the search result.
e) After doing that, click the green Install button on the next page.
f) Consequently, you should receive an authentication prompt on your screen. Hence, input your computer’s password in the input field on the prompt and click the Authenticate button to proceed.
g) Finally, the Steam application should begin to install on your Ubuntu computer.
Not every game is supported on Steam. However, you can play many popular games like Dota 2 and GTA V on Steam.
Steam is a video game distribution platform created by Valve Corporation in 2003. It offers multiplayer gaming and social networking services.
Additionally, Steam allows users to purchase various video games and software. The platform also offers a community feature that enables users to interact with other players, create and join groups, and participate in forums.
Yes, the Steam application is free for download on the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system.
My Final Thoughts About Installing Steam on Ubuntu

Steam is a popular video game distribution platform that was released in 2003 by Valve Corporation. Moreover, this application is available on most operating systems, including the Ubuntu Linux-based operating system.
Fortunately, this guide demonstrated multiple ways to install this video game distribution app on the Ubuntu OS. To be specific, we discussed how to carry out this task through the Ubuntu Software Center on the Ubuntu GUI.
I also provided steps to install the Steam application using the snap command in the Ubuntu terminal. Therefore, with this guide, installing Steam on your Ubuntu computer should be a relatively simple and straightforward process.
I hope you found this guide helpful and easy to understand. If you did, we would love to know your thoughts.
Kindly share your experience and thoughts regarding this guide with our community platform at Itechguides Community Forum. You may also offer feedback or make comments about this guide at Itechguides Community Forum.
Our forum staff and other community members will be delighted to respond to your feedback and comments as quickly as possible.
Before leaving this page, you may visit our Linux how-to page to access our other Linux guides.