When using Steam to play games on your Windows PC, there are often additional files that get automatically downloaded in the background to ensure smooth performance.
These are Steamworks Common Redistributables, which consist of a set of essential components that help optimize games for a seamless experience. In this article, we will delve into what these redistributables are, how they function, and why they are necessary for your games to run properly.
What Are Steamworks Common Redistributables?
In simple terms, Steamworks Common Redistributables are a collection of libraries and tools that Steam uses to enhance the performance and functionality of games. These include vital components like OpenAL, DirectX Redistributables, PhysX, and various versions of the Visual C++ Redistributables (2010, 2013, and 2015), as well as the .NET Framework. These files are installed automatically as needed when you download a game, ensuring that the required software for optimal performance is available.
Key Redistributables in the Steamworks Bundle
The most common redistributables included in this bundle are:
- OpenAL (for audio management)
- DirectX Redistributables (for graphical performance)
- PhysX (for physics-based effects)
- .NET Framework (for running certain applications)
- Visual C++ Redistributables (2010, 2013, and 2015 for core functionalities)
These components are essential for running modern games and applications, and they work together to ensure the game operates without any technical hitches.
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How Steamworks Common Redistributables Benefit Users
The main advantage of Steamworks Common Redistributables is that they streamline the installation process. When you install a game, Steam checks if the necessary redistributables are already present on your system. If not, Steam will automatically download and install the required components.
The beauty of this system is that once these redistributables are installed, they are shared across multiple games. This means if you download another game that requires the same redistributables, Steam won’t download them again, thus saving storage space and internet bandwidth.
Before the introduction of this system, users had to manually download and install these components for every game that required them, which could quickly lead to unnecessary file duplication and wasteful use of storage space.
By consolidating these redistributables into a single, shared library, Steam minimizes this issue, creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience.
Do I Need to Delete Steamworks Common Redistributables?
It’s important to understand that Steamworks Common Redistributables are essential for the proper functioning of your games.
Deleting them could cause problems when launching games or using certain applications, as they may rely on these files for correct operation. Without these redistributables, games could crash or fail to launch.
While it might be tempting to free up space by removing unused redistributables, it’s not recommended. If you do remove them, Steam will reinstall the necessary files the next time you run a game, but this may result in some performance delays while the files are being re-downloaded.
How to Hide Steamworks Common Redistributables Folder
In some cases, the Steamworks Common Redistributables folder may appear in your Steam library, which can be bothersome to some users. While it’s not possible to hide this folder directly through Steam’s main library interface, there’s a simple workaround to make it less visible.
To hide the folder:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click on the Steamworks Common Redistributables folder.
- Select Manage from the context menu.
- Choose Hide this game.
This will hide the folder from your main library view, though you can always access it by selecting the Hidden tab in your library menu. This feature allows you to keep the folder out of sight while retaining its functionality.
Managing Steamworks Common Redistributables as a Developer
For developers who are working with Steam, managing Steamworks Common Redistributables is a key part of preparing their games for release. By using the Steamworks App Admin panel, developers can specify which redistributables their game requires.
Here’s a quick guide for developers to manage redistributables:
- Log into the Steamworks App Admin.
- Navigate to the Installation tab.
- Select Redistributables from the available options.
- Choose the necessary components for your game.
- Publish your changes to ensure the required files are included with your game.
This ensures that users who download the game will automatically receive the correct redistributables without needing to worry about manual installation.
Should I Keep or Remove Steamworks Common Redistributables?
While it may be tempting to delete unused redistributables to free up space, removing them can cause more harm than good.
If you uninstall them, you might encounter problems with game launches, especially if you’re missing critical files. It’s best to let Steam manage these redistributables for you.
If you’re certain that you won’t be playing a specific game again, and you want to reclaim space, you could delete the redistributable files manually.
However, keep in mind that doing so will require Steam to redownload them the next time you play a game that needs them.
In most cases, it’s easier to leave them installed and let Steam handle any updates or additions.
Conclusion
Steamworks Common Redistributables are a vital part of the Steam ecosystem, ensuring that games run smoothly and efficiently on your computer.
By consolidating essential libraries and tools into a single, reusable package, Steam saves storage space, reduces download times, and simplifies the installation process.
As a user, it’s important to let Steam manage these components to avoid any performance issues.
While it’s not recommended to delete them, understanding their purpose and function can help you make informed decisions about managing your game files and system resources.
People May Ask
1. What are Steamworks Common Redistributables?
These are essential libraries and tools that Steam installs to ensure that games run smoothly. They include components like DirectX, Visual C++, PhysX, and others that optimize game performance on your system.
2. Can I delete the Steamworks Common Redistributables folder?
It’s not advisable to delete the redistributables folder. Removing these files may cause games to crash or fail to launch since they depend on these components to function properly.
3. How does Steam handle redistributables for multiple games?
Steam only downloads redistributables once for games that require them. If other games need the same redistributables, they won’t be downloaded again, saving bandwidth and storage space.
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