How to Install Games on PC – Digital & Physical (Step-by-Step)

Game installation varies by source. Follow the method matching your purchase.

📦 Digital (Steam, Epic, GOG, EA App, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, Microsoft Store)

1. Install Launcher: Download from official site → run installer → sign in
2. Find Game: Store → Search → Game Page
3. Purchase / Claim Free: Complete transaction
4. Install: Library → Game → Install → Choose Library Folder (SSD preferred) → Next
5. Wait: Download → Verify/Unpack → "Play" button active
6. Launch: "Play" in launcher OR desktop shortcut OR Start Menu

Steam Tip: Settings → Downloads → "Limit bandwidth" / "Throttle while streaming" if needed.

💿 Physical (DVD / Blu-ray – Rare for PC Now)

1. Insert disc → AutoRun should launch setup.exe / autorun.exe
2. If not: File Explorer → Right-click Drive → Open → Run setup.exe
3. Follow wizard: Serial Key (enter when prompted), Install Path, Components (DirectX, VC++, PhysX – usually auto)
4. Disc Swap: Prompt "Insert Disc 2" → eject → insert next → OK
5. Post-Install: Often requires Day 1 Patch (launcher downloads). Run launcher after.
6. DRM: Some older discs (SecuROM, StarForce, SafeDisc) fail on Windows 10/11. Fix: No-CD patch (legal gray) or buy digital version.

🎮 Other Sources

• itch.io: Download ZIP/EXE → Extract → Run. No installer usually.
• GOG Offline Installers: Download .exe → Run → Installs standalone (no client needed)
• Xbox Game Pass (PC): Xbox App → Game → Install (uses WindowsApps folder – hidden/locked). Modding harder.
• Epic Games Store: Similar to Steam. "Verify" fixes corruption.

⚙️ Pre-Install Checklist

• ✅ OS Version: Windows 10 21H2+ / 11 (most modern games)
• ✅ GPU Drivers: NVIDIA App / AMD Adrenalin – latest "Game Ready" / "Software Adrenalin"
• ✅ VC++ Redistributables: Latest 2015-2022 (x64) – games install their own, but keep updated
• ✅ Disk Space: 2× install size (temp + final)
• ✅ Antivirus Exception: Add install folder / launcher to exclusions (prevents false positive deletion)
• ✅ Admin Rights: Run launcher as Admin if install fails (UAC virtualization issues)

🛠 Post-Install

• Launch once → Settings → Graphics → Set resolution, VSync, DLSS/FSR
• Check ProtonDB (Steam Deck / Linux) or PCGamingWiki for fixes/tweaks
• Backup saves: %USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\, %APPDATA%\, %LOCALAPPDATA%\, Documents\My Games\