Install SteamCMD on a Windows VPS

Published June 8, 2026 · By Host Havoc Technical Support Team

SteamCMD is a command-line tool for downloading and updating Steam-based dedicated game servers. Install it once and use it to manage any number of game servers on your VPS.

Before starting, connect to your Windows VPS via Remote Desktop so all steps below run on the VPS, not your local machine.

Install SteamCMD

  1. Download the SteamCMD client from the official Steam page. The download starts automatically.
  2. Create a new folder on the Desktop (for example, SteamCMD) to keep the files organized.
  3. Move steamcmd.exe into that folder.
  4. Double-click steamcmd.exe to run it.
  5. A console window opens and automatically downloads the required SteamCMD files. When complete, the prompt displays:
Loading Steam API... OK

SteamCMD finished loading on a Windows VPS

Log in

Most game servers allow anonymous login. Some require a Steam account that owns the game.

Anonymous login (most servers):

login anonymous

Steam account login (when required):

login YOUR_USERNAME YOUR_PASSWORD

Note: After a Steam account login you may be asked for a Steam Guard code sent to your email. Enter it to complete the login.

Set a custom install directory (optional)

By default, SteamCMD installs game server files alongside itself. To use a different location, run this command before installing any server:

force_install_dir c:\steamcmd\FOLDERNAME

Replace FOLDERNAME with a name that identifies the game server.

Next steps

With SteamCMD installed and logged in, you are ready to install game servers. See Host Game Servers on a Windows VPS for per-game installation commands and port-forwarding steps.