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To install most Steam DLC, open Library, right-click the base game, choose Properties, open DLC, and enable the DLC’s installation checkbox. Steam will then download it or add it to the download queue. After installation, launch the base game and look for the expansion, map, items, or other content in the location specified by that game.
The quickest way to install DLC on Steam
- Open Steam and sign in to the account that owns the DLC.
- Open Library.
- Right-click the base game associated with the DLC.
- Select Properties, then open the DLC tab.
- Find the DLC and enable its installation checkbox.
- Close the window and open Steam > Downloads to monitor the queue.
The checkbox label and download behavior can vary by game and Steam client state, but Properties > DLC is the standard management screen. Steam’s official instructions cover this route in its DLC support guide.
You can also reach the same screen by opening the game’s Library page, selecting the gear icon, choosing Properties, and opening DLC. Some games show a DLC section on their Library page with a Manage my DLCs link, which lists associated DLC and its installation status.
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What DLC is—and why it may not look like a separate program
DLC, or downloadable content, is additional content associated with a base game. It can include story expansions, missions, maps, characters, cosmetic items, soundtracks, bonus campaigns, or deluxe-edition content.
#1 Best Overall
![Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm - Steam PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hELX61E3L._SL160_.jpg)
- This content requires the base game Sid Meier’s Civilization VI in order to play.
Most DLC does not have its own executable, launcher, or desktop shortcut. Steam may download additional files, unlock content already included in the game’s files, or add an entitlement that the game checks when it starts. The content might then appear under an in-game Expansions, Add-ons, Extra Content, or Manage Content menu—or only after a particular story milestone.
How to check whether you own the DLC
From the game’s Library page, scroll to the DLC section and select Manage my DLCs. Alternatively, right-click the game, select Properties, and open DLC. These screens can show DLC associated with that exact Steam game and whether it is installed.
If the DLC is not listed, check the following before reinstalling anything:
- You are signed in to the Steam account that made the purchase or redeemed the key.
- The DLC belongs to this exact base game, not a remaster, sequel, regional release, or different edition.
- A bundle or season pass actually includes the content you expect. A season pass may grant ownership of several DLC packages, while individual packages can release and download separately.
- The purchase is for PC Steam, not a console, publisher launcher, or another platform.
- The DLC is available for your region and operating system.
For purchase or entitlement questions, review your Steam purchase history and contact Steam Support if the ownership record is wrong.
Rank #2
![Borderlands Game of the Year Edition - Steam PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LLwURh+zL._SL160_.jpg)
- Requires Steam Client to activate. Steam key only valid in North America.
- Co-op Design - Borderlands is built from the ground up to be an exciting, intuitive cooperative experience for up to four players simultaneously that rewards players who work together and invest in co-op skills. Split screen is also supported.
- FPS Gameplay - In this role-playing shooter, choose one of several distinct characters, each with their own individual skill sets. As your character grows throughout this fast-paced FPS, you choose and customize your abilities to suit your style of play.
- Art Style - The game's distinctive art style combines traditional rendering techniques with hand-drawn textures to paint a bold and eye-catching spin on the FPS genre.
- Vehicular Combat - Jump behind the wheel and engage in high-speed vehicle-to-vehicle combat, complete with spectacular explosions and road-killed Skags.
How to confirm that the DLC installed
Use more than one check, because Steam does not display a universal success message for every type of DLC:
- The DLC is marked as installed in the game’s DLC management screen.
- The related download has completed under Steam > Downloads.
- The game’s installed size may have increased, although this is not conclusive.
- The game exposes the expansion, map, character, item, or mode in its own menus.
Restart the game after installation. Some content requires a new save, a specific story point, an in-game vendor, or manual activation. Cosmetic packs and entitlement-based DLC may not add a clearly identifiable file or menu.
If Steam does not start downloading the DLC
Try these steps in order:
- Open Properties > DLC, uncheck the DLC, close the window, then reopen it and check the DLC again.
- Open Steam > Downloads and check whether the download is paused, queued, or reporting an error.
- Restart Steam and retry the toggle.
- Make sure Steam is online rather than in Offline Mode.
- Confirm that the installation library has enough free disk space and that its drive is connected.
- If Steam reports a content-server problem, open Steam > Settings > Downloads and choose the closest download region. If that region fails, try the next closest one. Steam documents this approach in its content-server troubleshooting guide.
If the download queue remains stuck, clearing Steam’s download cache or repairing the affected library folder can help with client configuration and folder-permission problems. These actions may require you to sign in again or recheck downloads, so use them after the simpler steps above.
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If the DLC says installed but is missing in-game
Installed does not always mean immediately visible. Check the game’s documentation or support page for the intended access point, then consider these possibilities:
Rank #3
![Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Rise and Fall [Online Game Code][Mac] [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515G9JogOeL._SL160_.jpg)
- Civilization VI: Rise and Fall introduces eight new civilizations and nine new leaders.
- This content requires the base game Sid Meier’s Civilization VI in order to play.
- The content is accessed from a particular menu, location, vendor, character screen, or campaign selection screen.
- The game requires a restart, a new save, or a story milestone.
- The DLC is cosmetic, soundtrack-only, or an entitlement rather than a new playable mode.
- The add-on requires a separate publisher account or launcher.
- The DLC belongs to a different edition, regional release, or platform.
- The DLC has separate operating-system or compatibility requirements.
Steam cannot fix game-specific activation logic or a developer-side content problem. If Steam shows the DLC as owned and installed but the game still does not expose it, contact the game’s developer or publisher with the game name, DLC name, Steam account purchase information, and any error message.
Verify the game files
Verification can repair missing or damaged files, but it cannot grant ownership or resolve an edition, region, platform, publisher-account, or external-launcher mismatch.
- Restart the computer and open Steam.
- In Library, right-click the game or select the gear icon on its Library page.
- Choose Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Select Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for Steam to finish, then retry the DLC download or launch the game.
Steam notes that verification can take several minutes. One or more files may fail validation because local configuration files are not intended to be replaced; that result alone does not necessarily indicate a problem. See Steam’s file-verification instructions.
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If Steam treats the game as uninstalled after you move drives, reinstall Steam, or change libraries, first make sure the original library is available and added in Steam’s storage settings. Keep an external drive connected and accessible while Steam is running.
Rank #4
- Includes The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansion packs (Game/User manual not included and available by download only)
- Create and play as an character you imagine, including noble warriors, sinister assassins and wizened sorcerers
- Make your own choices based on the world around you, and experience the groundbreaking AI system that lets nonplayer characters eat, sleep and complete goals all on their own
- Enjoy an all-new combat and magic system that intensifies first-person role playing, so that you feel every blow
- Travel through the expanses of Cyrodill with the Knights of the Nine, a long-disbanded group of heroes that seek to reclaim their former glory
Do not delete the existing game folder as a first step. Add or reconnect the library containing the files, then begin the game’s installation process in that existing library so Steam can rediscover the installation rather than downloading everything again. Steam provides guidance for recognizing existing installations and library folders.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Important DLC exceptions
Soundtracks
Soundtracks do not always behave like ordinary game expansions. Steam says newer soundtracks are delivered as separate music apps, while some older soundtracks remain associated with a parent game as DLC. Some older soundtrack DLC may require the base game to be installed first. See Steam’s soundtrack support information.
Third-party keys
A code bought elsewhere must first be redeemable on Steam and must match the same base-game edition. A publisher-specific code, console code, or code for an in-game item may not appear in Steam’s DLC list. Redeem the key using Steam’s product-activation option only when the seller identifies it as a Steam key.
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Do not assume that every DLC is available through Steam Family Sharing. Eligibility can depend on the account that owns the base game and DLC, the game’s configuration, and Steam’s current sharing rules. Check Steam’s current Family Sharing documentation for the specific account arrangement.
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Linux, macOS, and Proton
A DLC package may have different platform support from the base game. External launchers, DRM components, or publisher services may also limit compatibility. Check the DLC and game’s system requirements, particularly when running a Windows game through Proton. Steam recommends checking platform availability when troubleshooting Linux or macOS launch problems.
Who should you contact?
Contact Steam Support for missing purchases, account ownership, activation, download, library, or Steam-client problems. Contact the game developer or publisher for missing content after Steam confirms installation, game-specific unlock conditions, crashes caused by the add-on, external launchers, DRM, or gameplay bugs.
The key diagnostic question is: Does the DLC appear under Properties > DLC for the correct Steam game? If not, investigate account, edition, region, platform, or purchase issues. If it does and Steam marks it installed, investigate the game’s access requirements and the developer’s support documentation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
