Add Origin Games to Steam: Step-by-Step Guide

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to add Origin games to your Steam library so you can launch them from one place, use the Steam overlay, and take advantage of Steam’s screenshot and streaming features. You don’t need to move or reinstall any files—Steam simply creates a shortcut that opens the game through Origin. Before starting, make sure both Steam and Origin are installed and that you’re logged into both platforms.

What You’ll Need

Steam client installed and logged in
Origin client (or EA app) installed and logged in
At least one game purchased and installed through Origin

Step-by-Step

Open Steam and log in to your account.
In the bottom-left corner of the Steam window, click the “+ Add a Game” button (it looks like a plus icon).
From the drop-down menu, select “Add a Non-Steam Game…”. This opens a window listing programs already installed on your computer.
In the list, find the Origin game you want to add. If you don’t see it, click “Browse…” and navigate to the game’s executable file (usually in C:\Program Files\Origin Games\[Game Name] or C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\[Game Name]). Select the .exe file (for example, Sims4.exe or BF4.exe) and click “Open”.
Check the box next to the game name, then click “Add Selected Programs”. The game now appears in your Steam library under “All Games” or “Non-Steam Games.”
To launch it, double-click the game in your Steam library. Steam will first open Origin (if it isn’t already running) and then start the game. You may need to log into Origin again if your session has expired.
Optional: Right-click the game in Steam and select “Properties” to rename it, change its icon, or set launch options. You can also assign it to a Steam category (right-click → “Set Categories…”) to keep your library tidy.

Common Mistakes

Adding the wrong executable: Some games have multiple .exe files (e.g., a launcher or a 32-bit version). Make sure you add the main game executable, not an updater or configuration tool. If you’re unsure, check the game’s installation folder for the largest .exe file.
Not having Origin running: Steam will try to launch the game by running the executable directly. If Origin isn’t already open, the game may fail to start or show an error. Always make sure Origin is running first, or let Steam launch it (it usually does automatically).
Adding the Origin client itself: Some users accidentally add Origin.exe instead of the game. That only opens Origin, not the game. Double-check that you selected the game’s executable.
Expecting Steam to manage updates: Steam will not update your Origin games. Updates still happen through Origin. The Steam shortcut is just a launcher.

Tips

If you want the Steam overlay (Shift+Tab) to work in your Origin game, add the game as a non-Steam game and enable the overlay in Steam settings (Steam → Settings → In-Game → “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game”). It usually works automatically.
To change the game’s icon in Steam, right-click it → “Properties” → “Choose Icon…” and browse to an .ico file. You can download custom icons or use one from the game’s folder.
Use Steam’s “Set Categories” feature to group all your Origin games together (e.g., create a category called “Origin”). This makes them easier to find.
If you have many games, you can add multiple at once by checking several boxes in the “Add a Non-Steam Game” window.
For games that require Origin to be fully closed before launching (rare), you can add a launch option in Steam: right-click the game → Properties → “Launch Options” and type --origin or similar if the game supports it. Most games don’t need this.

Troubleshooting

Game doesn’t launch from Steam: First, try launching the game directly from Origin to confirm it works. Then, in Steam, right-click the game → “Properties” → “Local Files” → “Verify Integrity of Game Files” (this only works for Steam games, but for non-Steam games you can check the path). If the path is wrong, remove the game from Steam and re-add it with the correct executable.
Origin opens but game doesn’t start: This often happens when Origin isn’t logged in or has a pop-up waiting. Open Origin manually, log in, and then try again. Also, make sure the game is installed and not just a shortcut.
Steam overlay doesn’t appear: Some games block overlays. Try running Steam as administrator (right-click Steam → “Run as administrator”) or disable and re-enable the overlay in Steam settings. Also, check if the game has its own overlay that conflicts.
Game appears twice in library: If you added the game and also have a Steam version, you’ll see two entries. That’s normal. You can right-click the non-Steam one and select “Manage” → “Remove from account” to delete the shortcut.
Error “Steam is required to run this game”: This happens if you accidentally added a Steam game as non-Steam. Make sure you’re adding the Origin executable, not a Steam shortcut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add Origin games to Steam without installing them?

No. Steam needs a path to an executable file. You must have the game installed on your computer.

Will Steam download updates for my Origin games?

No. Updates are handled by Origin. Steam only launches the game.

Can I use Steam Remote Play with Origin games added this way?

Yes, in most cases. As long as the game runs through the non-Steam shortcut, Remote Play can stream it. Some games may have compatibility issues.

Do I need to keep Origin installed after adding the game to Steam?

Yes. Origin must be installed and running because the game relies on its DRM and services.

Can I add Origin games to Steam on a Mac?

Yes, the process is similar. In Steam, click “Add a Game” → “Add a Non-Steam Game…” and browse to the game’s .app file (usually in /Applications).

Will my Steam playtime be tracked for Origin games?

Steam tracks time for non-Steam games only while the game is running through the Steam shortcut. It may not work for all games, but generally it does.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.