When managing disk space or optimizing software on a PC, users often come across unfamiliar files or folders. One such item that frequently poses questions is the SteamWorks Common Redistributables folder found within the Steam directory. Many users wonder: Should I delete SteamWorks Common Redistributables? To answer this confidently, it’s essential to first understand what SteamWorks redistributables are, why they are there, and what may happen if they are removed.

TL;DR

SteamWorks Common Redistributables are essential files that many Steam games rely on to function properly. These include DirectX, Visual C++ Redistributables, .NET Framework components, and more. Deleting them doesn’t typically break Steam itself but could cause issues with launching or running games that depend on those packages. It’s generally not recommended to delete them unless you know exactly what you’re doing and have a specific reason for removing them.

What Are SteamWorks Common Redistributables?

The SteamWorks Common Redistributables serve as a centralized bundle of system and runtime components required by a wide range of games available on Steam. Instead of each game including these separately and installing them redundantly, Steam uses this shared cache to install and manage them efficiently across your library.

The following are the most common redistributables found within that folder:

  • Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables – Supports programs written in C++ to run properly.
  • DirectX Runtime – Necessary for rendering high-performance multimedia and gaming experiences.
  • .NET Framework – Used by applications developed on Microsoft’s .NET ecosystem.
  • OpenAL – Useful for 3D audio rendering in certain games.
  • PhysX – Powers physics modeling in many older and some newer games.
  • Steamworks Native Installer – Steam’s own tool for distributing gaming components.

These are critical for the operation of many Steam games. Without them, players may encounter missing DLL errors, crashes at startup, or graphical/audio malfunctions.

Why Does Steam Manage These Packages?

Before this centralized system was introduced in 2019, each game had to include its own redistributables, leading to storage waste and duplicated installations. With the implementation of the SteamWorks Common Redistributables system, Steam streamlined the install process and improved disk efficiency.

Whenever you install a game that requires one or more of these components, Steam cross-references its redistributables folder and installs them only if they’re not already present or up-to-date. This integration reduces initial download sizes and installation times while preventing technical issues related to missing dependencies.

Can You Delete the SteamWorks Common Redistributables?

Technically, yes—you can delete that folder. However, doing so is not recommended for most users. As a shared component, it acts like a system utility for games. If removed, Steam may try to reinstall it the next time it notices a dependency is missing or a game requires it.

If you are truly restricted by storage space, here’s what you should consider before removing it:

  • How many games are installed that use these redistributables?
  • Are you comfortable troubleshooting dependency errors manually?
  • Are you backing up the folder before deletion?

In most cases, Steam will re-download these files automatically the next time a related game is installed or launched. That said, it may cause temporary confusion or errors until then.

When Deletion Might Make Sense

There are niche scenarios where removing SteamWorks redistributables could be considered:

  • Extreme Storage Constraints: If your disk space is so limited that every megabyte counts, removing them temporarily might reclaim around 500 MB to 1 GB depending on the setups installed.
  • Corrupt Files: If something within the redistributables becomes corrupted and is causing repeated install errors, manually removing the folder could be a way to force Steam to redownload a clean copy.

In those cases, it’s advisable to:

  1. Exit Steam completely.
  2. Navigate to Steam\steamapps\common\Steamworks Shared.
  3. Back up and then delete the folder contents.
  4. Start Steam and try launching a game that uses redistributables to trigger a re-install.

Note: Manual handling like this should only be done if you understand how these software packages work. For most users, the minor storage gain isn’t worth the risks.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: “Removing redistributables will speed up my PC or Steam.”

Reality: The redistributables folder doesn’t use RAM or CPU when inactive. It merely holds files, so removing it won’t improve system performance.

Myth: “It’s just Steam bloatware I don’t need.”

Reality: These components are essential for many games to run seamlessly. They are not extraneous software; they’re dependencies your games rely upon.

Best Practices for Managing Redistributables

Instead of deleting these files, consider these more effective strategies for managing storage and system health:

  • Uninstall Unused Games: This yields much more space than removing redistributables.
  • Move Steam Library to Larger Drive: Steam allows for multiple install locations—move your games to a spacious secondary drive.
  • Disk Clean-Up Tools: Use operating system utilities to remove cache files, temp folders, and old backups.
  • Game-specific Cleanup: Some games install additional 3rd-party tools that linger even after deletion. Use a tool like Revo Uninstaller to detect and remove those remnants.

Conclusion

The SteamWorks Common Redistributables folder plays a vital role in the Steam gaming experience. While it’s possible to remove or alter it, the risks far outweigh the small gains in storage space. Most users should leave it intact for maximum stability and compatibility. If you’re unsure what it does, that’s a sign you shouldn’t be modifying it in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move the SteamWorks Common Redistributables to another drive?
No, Steam does not allow moving only the redistributables folder. You would need to move the entire game library or use Steam settings to specify a new install location.
How large is the SteamWorks redistributables folder?
It generally ranges between 500 MB to 1 GB depending on the packages installed to support your game library.
Can I reinstall the redistributables manually?
Yes, you can reinstall them by deleting the folder (with Steam closed), and launching a game that depends on them. Steam will detect the missing files and redownload them as needed.
Is it safe to delete if I don’t play Steam games anymore?
If you’ve uninstalled all Steam games and don’t plan to reinstall them, it’s relatively safe to delete the redistributables. Just be aware that any future installations may need them again.
Will deleting redistributables affect non-Steam games?
Generally, no. Steam’s redistributables are used by games on its platform. Other launchers like Epic or GOG typically install and manage their own versions of these files.