I and my brother are playing Skyrim from the same computer (using Family Sharing). The problem is that I prefer to play in English but he needs a localized version. There is the localized version in Steam, but each time I switch languages in Steam Skyrim settings, it downloads 3.5 GB of language files. It takes some time to download so have to wait each time before a game, and also I'm a bit worried about my SSD – it's additional 7 GB of writes each day.
So is there a way to not download it each time? I tried to save language files and replace them when needed, but Steam starts download anyway. And I have not found an option to disable auto-update. Maybe it's possible somehow to have 2 different installations of Skyrim from Steam on the same computer? Or have English voice with localized subtitles? That variant would suit us both.
Best Answer
Didn't really find a solution it. You're not the only one though. See this steam community thread
I also found a reddit thread where someone stated that he managed to download both version and run them.
Other suggested to try to download two instances of steam with both language and then run both games from there.
I'd suggest you try to install two steam instances in differente languages, and then install your skyrim in both folders ( or try to copy it and change settings ), so you might be able to run them in different languages.
I know it takes time to download-copy everything and it is annoying, but if it works once you've installed the games both times you don't have to wait everytime