Learn how to refund a game on Steam, check the 14-day and two-hour rules, handle DLC or keys, and find out when approved funds arrive.
To refund a game on Steam, open Steam Support, choose Purchases, select the game, then choose the refund option and submit the form. Steam's standard eligibility window for games and simulators is 14 days from purchase with under two hours of playtime, though requests outside those limits may still be reviewed.
How do you request a Steam refund?
The refund request starts from the purchase entry in Steam Support, not by uninstalling the game or removing it from your Library.
- Sign in to the purchasing account. A user borrowing the game through Steam Families cannot refund the owner's purchase.
- Open Steam Support. In the desktop client, select Help, then Steam Support.
- Choose Purchases. Select the transaction containing the game. If it is not immediately visible, check the complete purchase history and confirm that you are using the correct account.
- Select the refund option. Steam may first ask what problem you have with the game; continue to the option for requesting a refund.
- Choose where the money should go. Depending on the original payment method, this may be the same payment method or your Steam Wallet.
- Give a clear reason and submit. Keep the confirmation message or email until the request has been decided.
Uninstalling is neither required nor sufficient. It removes local game files but does not cancel the licence or create a refund request.
What are the Steam refund rules?
Most games and software qualify for Steam's standard refund process when the request is made within 14 days of purchase and recorded playtime is under two hours.
| Purchase type | Usual rule | Main catch |
|---|---|---|
| Games and software | Within 14 days and under two hours played | Steam counts time while the application is running, not just active gameplay. |
| DLC | Within 14 days, with under two hours in the base game since buying the DLC | The DLC must not have been consumed, modified or transferred. Some third-party DLC is marked non-refundable before purchase. |
| In-game purchases | Eligible Valve-game purchases can usually be refunded within 48 hours | The item must not have been consumed, modified or transferred. Other developers must specifically support these refunds. |
| Pre-purchases | Refundable before release, with the standard period applying after release | Playtime granted through early or advanced access can count towards the playtime limit. |
| Gifts | Generally covered by the standard limits | For a redeemed gift, the recipient initiates the request and the money returns to the original purchaser. |
Local consumer law may provide rights beyond Steam's standard policy. Steam also reserves the right to reject refund abuse, such as repeatedly buying games for short-term use rather than evaluating them.
Can you refund a Steam game after two hours or 14 days?
Yes, you can still submit a request outside the normal limits, but approval is not guaranteed.
Explain the specific reason rather than writing only that the game did not work. For flight and train simulators, mention if recorded time was spent in a launcher, content manager, initial package download or configuration utility. Steam can count that time whenever the application remains running, even if you never reached the cockpit or cab.
Close the simulator once you decide a refund is likely. Repeated launches for troubleshooting keep adding playtime and weaken an exception request.
Why is the Steam refund option missing?
A missing refund option usually means the purchase belongs to another account, came from outside Steam or is not listed under the transaction being viewed.
- Externally purchased keys: Steam cannot refund money it did not collect. Activating a code adds the licence to Steam, but the seller remains responsible for its refund. Our guide to how Steam key activation differs from buying through Steam explains that distinction.
- Direct simulator licences: A purchase made from the developer must be handled under that developer's terms. Our X-Plane 12 Steam and direct-purchase comparison covers the practical licence and refund differences.
- Separate DLC transactions: Do not assume refunding the base simulator automatically includes independently purchased DLC. Check each eligible transaction.
- Pending payments: A transaction that has not completed may appear differently from a settled purchase. Check its status before submitting another payment.
How long does a Steam refund take?
Steam says an approved refund is issued within a week, although a bank or card provider may take additional time to display it.
Steam normally returns the money to the original supported payment method. If that method cannot accept refunds, Steam Wallet credit may be offered instead. Once the refund is completed, the game's licence is removed from the account; configuration files, screenshots and other user-created files may remain on the PC.
Should you troubleshoot before requesting a refund?
Try only quick, relevant fixes if there is enough time and playtime remaining; do not troubleshoot past the refund limits.
Verifying installed files can resolve a damaged download without reinstalling an entire simulator. For a DCS installation problem, follow the DCS World repair procedure before refunding, provided continued testing will not push the recorded playtime close to two hours.