Everything You Need to Know About Steamworks Common Redistributables: Purpose, Usage, and Management
If you’re a Windows gamer using the Steam platform, chances are you’ve come across something called Steamworks Common Redistributables in your Steam Library. You may have wondered what it is, whether you need it, or if it’s safe to delete. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Steamworks Common Redistributables, including how it works, how to manage it, and why it’s essential for your gaming experience.
What Are Steamworks Common Redistributables?
Steamworks Common Redistributables are a collection of essential software components needed to run games smoothly on Windows operating systems. These redistributables include packages such as:
- Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2010, 2013, 2015 and later)
- DirectX Runtime
- .NET Framework
- OpenAL
- NVIDIA PhysX
These components are required by many modern games to ensure they work properly. Instead of each game bundling its own version, Steam provides a shared version through Steamworks, which is installed only once and used across all games that require it.
Why Are Steamworks Common Redistributables Important?
Before Steam introduced this feature, every game would install its own version of these redistributables. This resulted in unnecessary duplication, wasted disk space, and longer installation times. With Steamworks Common Redistributables, these resources are downloaded once and reused, which saves:
- Disk space
- Internet bandwidth
- Installation time
- CPU usage during updates
Moreover, this system ensures that all games have the latest version of the necessary components without needing individual updates.
How Do Steamworks Common Redistributables Work?
When you install a game via Steam, the client checks whether that game needs any of the redistributable packages. If the required components are already installed via Steamworks Common Redistributables, the game will use those instead of downloading its own version.
If a game requires a redistributable that isn’t yet installed, Steam will automatically download it as part of the game installation process. This seamless integration ensures better performance, fewer compatibility issues, and streamlined system resource management.
Can I Delete Steamworks Common Redistributables?
Short answer: No, you shouldn’t.
Deleting Steamworks Common Redistributables can lead to serious issues such as:
- Game crashes during launch
- Missing DLL errors
- Installation failures for new games
If you remove this folder or any associated files, you risk breaking the dependencies your games rely on. Even if a game isn’t actively using the redistributables, removing them might cause future problems with other games. It’s always better to leave them as is or simply hide them from view.
How to Hide Steamworks Common Redistributables in Steam Library
While these redistributables are useful, some users may find the folder cluttering their Steam Library. Previously, the folder was hidden by default, but recent Steam updates made it visible. Luckily, you can hide it manually by following these steps:
Step-by-step to hide Steamworks Common Redistributables:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Locate Steamworks Common Redistributables in your game list.
- Right-click on it and select Manage.
- Click “Hide this game”.
The folder will now disappear from your visible library. If you want to view it later, go to your Library Filters and click on Hidden.
How Developers Use Steamworks Common Redistributables
Game developers also benefit from the Steamworks Common Redistributables framework. It allows them to streamline their game builds and focus more on performance rather than dealing with technical dependency issues. Here’s how developers can use it effectively:
Steps for Developers:
- Log in to Steamworks App Admin Panel.
- Go to the Installation tab.
- Select Redistributables.
- Choose the required components for your game.
- Publish your changes to make them available for users during game installation.
This standardized process helps developers avoid bundling redundant packages, improving both developer and end-user experience.
Should You Update Steamworks Common Redistributables?
You don’t need to manually update Steamworks Common Redistributables. Steam handles updates automatically and delivers them via Over-The-Air (OTA) updates whenever a patch or version upgrade is available.
Steam ensures that all redistributables remain current, secure, and compatible with the latest games on the platform. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about maintaining these files yourself.
What Happens if I Remove Steamworks Common Redistributables?
If you delete or modify the Steamworks Common Redistributables folder, you may face:
- Failed game launches
- In-game performance issues
- Reinstallation prompts for games
- Steam automatically attempting to reinstall them
Games depend on these redistributables to function. Removing them won’t free up much space and will instead lead to frustration and extra reinstallation time.
Advantages of Steamworks Common Redistributables
Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits:
- Efficiency: One-time install used by multiple games
- Convenience: No manual intervention needed
- Optimization: Reduces resource usage across the system
- Reliability: Maintained and updated by Steam (Valve)
- Cross-compatibility: Works with 32-bit and 64-bit systems
FAQs:
Q1: What exactly is Steamworks Common Redistributables?
Steamworks Common Redistributables are shared libraries like DirectX, Visual C++, and .NET used by multiple games to function properly.
Q2: Can I safely delete Steamworks Common Redistributables?
No. Deleting them can cause games to crash or not launch at all. It’s better to hide the folder if you don’t want to see it in your library.
Q3: Why is Steamworks Common Redistributables showing up in my game list?
Recent Steam updates made it visible in the Library. It’s a shared resource used by many games, not a standalone game.
Q4: How much space do Steamworks Common Redistributables take up?
They use minimal space compared to full game installations and prevent duplicate file downloads across multiple games.
Q5: Are Steamworks Common Redistributables required for every game?
No, but many games—especially those developed on popular engines—require at least one component included in the redistributables package.
Final Thoughts:
Steamworks Common Redistributables is an essential part of the modern PC gaming ecosystem on Steam. While it might look like an extra or unnecessary component at first glance, it actually plays a critical role in game performance and system efficiency. Whether you’re a gamer or a developer, this shared package simplifies dependency management and saves valuable resources.
You don’t need to update or manage it manually, and you certainly shouldn’t delete it. Instead, let Steam handle the technical side so you can focus on what matters most—playing your favorite games.
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