4-Start Using Search

You probably don't browse Windows' Start menu when you want to run a program—you press the Windows key and start typing. So why wouldn't you do the same thing for Steam? If you're not browsing and you know exactly what you want to play, get familiar with Steam's built-in instant search. If you haven't seen it or used it, it's hiding right underneath the big "Store, library, community, etc" tabs at the top of the window. If you know exactly what you want to play, start typing and the view will filter down to games that match as you type. The search bar also obeys filters—by default it searches all games, installed or not. Click the blue "all games" to change it to "installed," or any of your other categories. Whatever you prefer. Of course, you can just do this through Windows too. Just click the Start Button or press the Windows key and start typing the name of the game you want to play. It'll work the same way without even bringing up Steam, but I like the option to browse and play something different if I feel like it. Still, if you know what you want to play as soon as you sit down, it's the fastest option.