DLC, or Downloadable Content, is extra content you can add to a game you already own. This can be anything from new story missions, characters, and maps to simple cosmetic items like skins and outfits.

Buying and installing DLC on Steam is usually a simple process, but it can be confusing if the new content doesn’t appear to install automatically. This guide will walk you through every step, from finding DLC to troubleshooting why it might not be showing up.

How to Find and Buy DLC on Steam

Before you can install DLC, you need to own it. Here are the two easiest ways to find DLC for your games.

Method 1: From Your Game Library

1. Open your Steam Library and click on the game you want to expand.
2. On the game’s main library page, scroll down. You will see a section titled “DLC.”
3. This section shows DLC you already own. Click the “Find more DLC in Store” button to be taken directly to all available DLC for that game.
4. Purchase the DLC you want.

Method 2: From the Steam Store

1. Go to the Steam Store page.
2. Search for the game you own.
3. On the game’s store page, scroll down past the game description and reviews.
4. You will find a section titled “Content for this game.”
5. You can browse and purchase all available DLC from here.

How to Install and Manage Your DLC

This is the most important step. After you buy DLC, it should start downloading automatically. You can see its progress in the “Downloads” section at the bottom of your Steam client.

If it doesn’t download, or if you want to manually enable or disable DLC you own, follow these steps.

1. Right-click the game in your Steam Library.
2. Select Properties… from the drop-down menu.
3. A new window will open. Click the DLC tab on the left.
4. You will see a list of all DLC you own for that game.
5. To install DLC, make sure the checkbox under the “INSTALL” column is ticked.
6. If the box is unchecked, check it, and Steam will add the DLC to your download queue. If it’s already checked, the content is installed.

This menu is also useful for uninstalling specific DLC (by unchecking the box) if you need to save hard drive space or troubleshoot a conflict.

How to Check if DLC is Working In-Game

The “DLC” tab only shows that Steam has installed the files. It doesn’t tell you where to find the content inside the game.

This varies completely from game to game:

• Cosmetic Items (Skins, Outfits): You will likely find these in an in-game inventory, a character customization menu, or a “shop” menu.
• New Story Missions: These may appear in your quest log, on the in-game map, or from a specific character.
• New Characters: These are often available from the character selection screen.

Pro-Tip: If you can’t find your new content, the best place to check is the Steam Community Hub for the game. Other players will almost always have a discussion post explaining where to find the new DLC items or start the new quest.

Troubleshooting: What to Do if Your DLC Won’t Install or Appear

If your DLC is installed in the “Properties” menu but still isn’t showing up in the game, try these steps in order.

1. Restart Steam: This is the easiest and most common fix. Completely exit Steam (make sure it’s not just minimized to your system tray) and restart it.
2. Verify Integrity of Game Files: This is the #2 most common fix. It forces Steam to check for missing or corrupted files (including DLC files) and redownload them.
   • Right-click the game in your Library.
   • Go to Properties… > Installed Files.
   • Click “Verify integrity of game files…”
3. Clear Download Cache: Sometimes, Steam’s download cache gets stuck.
   • Go to Steam (in the top-left corner) > Settings.
   • Go to the Downloads tab.
   • Click “Clear Download Cache.” You will need to log back into Steam afterward.
4. Restart Your Computer: If restarting Steam doesn’t work, a full system reboot can solve deeper-seated issues.
5. Check Game-Specific Issues: Some games require you to claim new DLC from an in-game menu or link your Steam account to a separate account (e.g., Destiny 2, The Sims 4 via EA App). Check the game’s Community Hub for details.

Conclusion

Installing DLC on Steam is usually automatic, but it can be frustrating when it doesn’t work. By knowing how to manually manage your DLC in the Properties menu and how to Verify your game files, you can solve most issues yourself and get back to playing your new content.