Overview
Want to get a jumpstart on all the new goodies avaiable in the beta version of the game/software?Been offered private access to a beta versionBut have no idea how to activate it, Try this Guide
Opt In
First you may or may not need a password.
1. Select the game from your library, right click and select properties.
A dialog box with a number of tabs will appear, your looking for one that says “BETAS”.
2. If you do not see a “BETAS” tab then that game/software does not have one currently available. (simple)
3. If you do see the “BETAS” tab select it by clicking on it.
You will see 2 things now, a drop down menu and a text box to enter a beta access code.
4. Let’s check the drop down menu first.
Usually the first item will say “NONE – Opt out of all beta programs”
Select this when you want to return to the released version of the game.
(Warning save games and the like may not be compatible between beta and release versions)
When you select the drop down menu if ANY other items other then the
“NONE – Opt out of all beta programs” appear then you will probably not need a password and can just select the beta branch that you want to participate in.
(Warning not all beta branches may be for your machine, read and be aware of what your doing)
5. if nothing appears in the drop down menu you may need a password to be able to view the beta branches.
(Not all games/software have beta versions even if the “BETAS” tab is in the dialog)
6. How do I get the password if it’s needed you ask.
The Developers will usually supply it if they want you to have access.
7. OK, I got the menu, may have entered a password, and I selected a appropriate beta version, now what?
Now Steam will download it to your computer, Congratulations your now running beta
(Your download is usually right away but sometimes it’s delayed)
Again choose the properties dialog box check the “UPDATES” tab to make sure you allow Automatic Updates
(it should say “Always keep this game up to date”, if not select that option in the drop down menu.)
OK, Lets try this, In the properties dialog again click on the “LOCAL FILES”
there will be a option to “VERIFY INTEGRITY OF GAME CACHE”, select this.
(Warning this option may take a while to complete as it scans your files for irregularities and attempts to download and correct problems it finds)
Bugs and crashes are part of what betas are about along with fixes of old bugs, but getting back is really simple, just go back to the properties dialog,
select the “BETAS” tab and select the “NONE – Opt out of all beta programs” from the drop down menu and Steam will update you back to the release version.
(if it does not follow the steps for “It’s not downloading” section)
One final note, even when there is a beta, Steam may not allow you to download it if, it’s not in your language or available in your region of the world.
Enjoy