Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows does not have one universal folder for installed games. A Steam library may be on D:, an Xbox installation may be under C:XboxGames, and a desktop shortcut may only contain a launcher URI rather than a real file path.
The most dependable approach is to use the launcher that installed the game. If that is not possible, inspect a shortcut or locate the running executable with File Explorer and Task Manager.
Method 1: Open the directory from the game launcher
Launchers know where their games are installed, including games stored on secondary drives or in custom library folders. Use the instructions for your launcher.
Steam
- Open Steam and select Library.
- Right-click the game in the left sidebar.
- Select Manage.
- Select Browse local files.
Steam opens File Explorer directly in the game’s installation folder. The default Steam library is often:
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonHowever, the game may be on another drive, for example:
D:SteamLibrarysteamappscommonDo not assume the first path is correct. Steam libraries can be added to other drives and installed in custom folders.
Epic Games Launcher
- Open Epic Games Launcher and select Library.
- Find the game.
- Select the three dots on or beside its tile.
- Select Manage.
- Check the path shown in the Installation section.
- Paste that path into File Explorer’s address bar and press Enter.
Some versions of Epic Games Launcher show an open-folder icon beside the installation location. If it appears, select it to open the folder. Epic does not consistently use a command named Browse local files, so look for the installation path or folder icon instead.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →GOG Galaxy
- Open GOG Galaxy.
- Select Installed games.
- Select the game.
- Select the settings or sliders icon near Play.
- Select Manage installation.
- Select Show folder.
Xbox app for Windows
- Open the Xbox app.
- Select My Library.
- Select the installed game.
- Select the three dots or Manage.
- Open the Files tab, if it is available.
- Select Browse or the option displaying the installation location.
Newer Xbox-app installations commonly use a folder such as:
C:XboxGamesOlder Microsoft Store installation formats may instead use:
C:Program FilesWindowsAppsWindowsApps is protected by Windows. You may be able to see the folder without being able to freely open or modify its contents. Avoid changing its ownership or permissions just to edit game files; doing so can interfere with updates, uninstallers, or app integrity checks.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Battle.net
- Open the Battle.net app and select the game.
- Select the gear icon next to Play.
- Select Show in Explorer.
If the launcher method does not work
If the game is no longer listed, its file-location command may not be available. Use the shortcut or manual methods below. Also check that you selected the game’s file-management command rather than opening the launcher’s own installation directory. The launcher executable and the game executable are separate.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Method 2: Use a desktop, Start-menu, or taskbar shortcut
A shortcut can lead to the folder containing the game executable, but it is not guaranteed to represent the game’s top-level installation directory.
Desktop shortcut
- Locate the game shortcut.
- Right-click it.
- Select Open file location.
This commonly opens the executable’s folder. It can also open a folder containing another shortcut, particularly when the shortcut was created by a launcher.
On Windows 11, an older command may be under Show more options after you right-click the shortcut.
Inspect the shortcut’s path
- Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
- Open the Shortcut tab.
- Check Target.
- Check Start in, if it contains a path.
A normal shortcut might show:
"D:GamesCyberpunk 2077binx64Cyberpunk2077.exe"Target identifies the executable or launch command. Start in identifies the working directory used when launching, when supplied. Neither one necessarily names the game’s top-level folder. If the target points into a bin or x64 subfolder, move upward in File Explorer to inspect the parent folders.
Start-menu shortcut
- Open Start and search for the game.
- Right-click the result.
- Select Open file location.
- If the folder contains another shortcut, right-click that shortcut and select Properties.
- Inspect Target and Start in.
Microsoft Store apps may not expose a normal filesystem path and may not show Open file location.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Taskbar shortcut
- Hold Shift and right-click the game’s taskbar icon.
- Select Properties, if available.
- Inspect Target and Start in.
For some pinned programs, right-click the taskbar icon once, then right-click the program name in the small menu and select Properties.
Recognize a launcher URI
If the shortcut target begins with something like this:
steam://rungameid/413150it is a Steam URI, not a filesystem path. It contains an app ID that tells Steam which game to launch. Similar targets may begin with com.epicgames.launcher:// or another custom protocol.
When you see a custom protocol instead of a drive letter and folder path, return to Method 1 and use the launcher’s own file-location command. Open file location does not always open the actual game directory; it may open a shortcut folder, launcher folder, or Start-menu entry location.
Method 3: Find the folder manually with File Explorer or Task Manager
Check likely installation folders
- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Select This PC.
- Open the likely drive, commonly Local Disk (C:).
- Check the folders below, including secondary drives.
| Possible location | Typical use |
|---|---|
C:Program Files |
Many 64-bit applications and games |
C:Program Files (x86) |
Many 32-bit applications and older launcher installations |
C:Games |
Custom game folder |
C:XboxGames |
Common newer Xbox-app location |
C:Program FilesEpic Games |
Possible Epic Games location |
C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon |
Possible default Steam library |
C:Program Files (x86)GOG GalaxyGames |
Possible GOG location |
C:Program FilesEA Games |
Possible EA location |
C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launchergames |
Possible Ubisoft location |
D:Games or D:SteamLibrarysteamappscommon |
Examples of secondary-drive locations |
These are possibilities, not guaranteed defaults. Check other drives such as D: or E: if you use a secondary game drive.
Search for the game name
- Open File Explorer.
- Select This PC for a comprehensive search, or select a likely drive or folder for a faster search.
- Enter the game name in the search box in the upper-right corner.
- Press Enter.
- Prefer folders containing the game executable and expected game files.
- Right-click a likely result and select Open file location.
For example, search for Stardew or Baldur rather than a generic word such as game. Searching This PC can take several minutes. Searching a likely folder such as Program Files, SteamLibrary, or a dedicated games drive is usually faster.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Search for the executable
If searching by the game name produces too many results, search for its executable filename:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
GameName.exe
*GameName*.exe
*.exe
*elden*.exe
*stardew*.exeRight-click the executable you recognize and select Open file location. Confirm that the surrounding folder contains the game’s files rather than only an installer, screenshot, save file, or unrelated program with a similar name.
Show extensions and hidden items
To make executable names and hidden folders easier to identify in Windows 11, use:
File Explorer > View > Show > File name extensions
File Explorer > View > Show > Hidden itemsIn Windows 10, both commands are on the View tab or ribbon:
View > File name extensions
View > Hidden itemsUse Task Manager while the game is running
- Launch the game.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Select More details if Task Manager opens in compact mode.
- Open the Processes tab.
- Find the game process.
- Right-click it and select Open file location.
If the process is hard to identify, check the Details tab. Task Manager may open the folder of a launcher, anti-cheat component, or helper process instead of the main game. If that happens, identify the main game executable or move upward one or more folders.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallInstallation folder versus save-folder location
The game directory is where the program files are installed. It is not necessarily where your saves, screenshots, configuration files, or mods are stored. User data commonly appears in one of these locations:
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
C:Users<username>DocumentsMy Games
C:Users<username>Saved Games
C:Users<username>AppDataLocal
C:Users<username>AppDataLocalLow
C:Users<username>AppDataRoamingIf you are looking for a save file rather than the executable, searching the installation directory may lead to the wrong place. You may need to enable Hidden items before checking AppData.
Which method should you use?
| Situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| The game is installed through Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox, or Battle.net | Use the launcher’s file-location command |
| You have a normal desktop shortcut | Use Open file location, then verify the executable |
| The shortcut opens a launcher or contains a URI | Use the launcher method |
| The game is running but its installation path is unknown | Use Task Manager |
| You cannot access the launcher or shortcut | Search likely drives and folders in File Explorer |
| You need saves or settings, not program files | Check Documents, Saved Games, and AppData |
FAQ
Why can’t I find my game in the default Steam folder?
The default path is only one possible location. Steam libraries can be installed on another drive or in a custom folder. Open Steam, go to Library, right-click the game, select Manage, and choose Browse local files.
Does Open file location always open the game’s installation folder?
No. It may open a folder containing another shortcut, a Start-menu entry, or a launcher. Check the shortcut’s Target and Start in fields, or use the relevant launcher’s file-location command.
Can I open a game installed in WindowsApps?
WindowsApps is protected by Windows permissions. You may be able to see the folder without being able to freely open or modify its contents. Do not change its permissions unless you understand the possible effect on updates and app integrity.
Where are PC game saves stored?
They may be in DocumentsMy Games, Saved Games, AppDataLocal, AppDataLocalLow, or AppDataRoaming. The save location depends on the game and is often separate from the installation directory.
Why does Task Manager show a launcher instead of my game?
The visible process may be a launcher, anti-cheat component, or helper executable. Use the Details tab to identify the primary game process, then open its file location or move upward through its parent folders.
The Bottom Line
Use the launcher first: Steam’s Manage > Browse local files, GOG Galaxy’s Manage installation > Show folder, or the equivalent command in your launcher is more reliable than guessing a default path. If that is unavailable, inspect a shortcut or use Task Manager while the game is running. Finally, confirm whether you need the installation directory or a separate save-data folder.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
