How to Install a Game on Your Computer

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Installing the game on your computer is a straightforward process, but it varies depending on whether you are using a Windows, macOS or Linux-based operating system. This guide will walk you through the steps in detail, so you can enjoy your new game without any hassle. We will cover different methods of installation including installation from a physical disc, digital download, and using a gaming platform like Steam or the Epic Games Store.

1. Preparing your computer

Before installing any game, it is important to make sure your computer is ready. Here are some steps you should follow:

• Make sure your computer meets the game's minimum system requirements.
• Free up enough disk space to install the game.
• Make sure your operating system is up to date.

To check your computer's specifications:

Windows:

1. Right-click This PC or My Computer on the desktop or in File Explorer.
2. Select Properties.
3. In the window that opens you will see details about your computer's processor, RAM, and operating system.

Mac OS:

1. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2. Select About This Mac.
3. You'll see an overview of your Mac's specifications.

2. Installing from a physical disk

If you have a physical copy of the game, it will come on a disc like a DVD or Blu-ray. Here's how to install it:

Windows:

1. Insert the game disc into your computer's optical drive.
2. Wait for the computer to recognize the disk. A pop-up window will appear.
3. If the pop-up window doesn't appear, open File Explorer and navigate to your optical drive.
4. Double-click the setup or installer file (usually named setup.exe).
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may need to input a product key which is usually located in the game's packaging.

Mac OS:

1. Insert the game disc into your optical drive.
2. Wait for the disc to appear on your desktop or Finder window.
3. Open the disc and double-click the installer file.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

3. Installing via digital download

Most modern games are available for digital download. Here's how to install a game via digital download:

Windows:

1. Open your web browser and go to the store where you purchased the game (e.g., Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games, etc.).
2. Login to your account.
3. Go to your library or purchase history.
4. Find your game and click on the download or install button.
5. Once the download is complete, the game will either install automatically or prompt you to begin the installation process.

Mac OS:

1. Open your web browser and go to the store where you purchased the game.
2. Login to your account.
3. Go to your purchased items or library.
4. Find your game and click on the download or install button.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

4. Using a gaming platform

Popular gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Origin provide a centralized way to download, install, and manage your games. Below are the steps to install games using some common gaming platforms.

Steam:

1. Download and install the Steam client from store.steampowered.com.
2. Open Steam and log in to your Steam account, or create a new account if you don't have one.
3. Go to the Store tab and purchase the game you want to install.
4. After purchasing, go to the Library tab.
5. Find the game in your library and click the Install button.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Epic Games Store:

1. Download and install the Epic Games Launcher from epicgames.com.
2. Open the Epic Games Launcher and log into your account, or create a new account if necessary.
3. Go to the Store tab and purchase your game.
4. Once your purchase is complete, go to the Library.
5. Find your game and click on the Install button.
6. Follow any prompts to complete the installation.

5. Installing on Linux

Installing games on Linux can be a little different and may require additional steps. Here's how to install games using Steam or other methods on Linux.

Steam on Linux:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Install the Steam client via your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install steam

3. Run Steam by typing steam into your terminal or by finding it in your Applications menu.
4. Log into your Steam account or create a new account if necessary.
5. Go to the Store tab and purchase the game you want.
6. Once purchased, go to your library and click the Install button next to the game.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Installing Non-Steam Games on Linux:

Some games may not be available on Steam, but they can be installed using other methods such as the Loki installer or Wine.

Use of alcohol:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Install Wine. On Ubuntu, you can do this by running the following:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install wine

3. Download the Windows-based game installer.
4. Go to the directory where the installer is located. For example, if it's in your Downloads folder, use this:

   cd ~/Downloads

5. Run the installer through Wine by typing the following:

   wine name-of-installer.exe

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

6. Troubleshooting common problems

Sometimes something goes wrong during the installation process. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems:

Game not launching:

• Make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
• Update your graphics card drivers.
• Restart your computer and try launching the game again.
• Check the game's official forum or support page for any known issues or patches.

Game crashes or freezes:

• Make sure your computer meets the recommended system requirements, not just the minimum requirements.
• Update all your hardware drivers.
• Close any unnecessary background applications.
• Lower the graphics settings in the game.

7. Uninstalling the game

If you need to uninstall a game, the steps are usually pretty simple.

Windows:

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to Uninstall a program under the Programs section.
3. Select the game you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Mac OS:

1. Open Finder.
2. Go to the Applications folder.
3. Drag the game to the trash.
4. Empty the trash to complete the uninstallation.

8. Conclusion

Installing a game on your computer, whether it's from a physical disc, a digital download, or a gaming platform, is generally a straightforward process. Making sure your computer meets the game's requirements and following the steps outlined will help you get your game installed and ready to play with a minimum of hassle. If you run into problems, troubleshooting tips can often resolve common issues, and it's just as easy to uninstall the game when you're ready to clear space for a new game. Enjoy your gaming experience!

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