The Tool Desk
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What to back up before updating Fallout 4
A modded setup has several parts that are not interchangeable. A copy of your save does not preserve your installed mods or their order, and a saved load order does not copy your PC save files.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fallout 4 Game of The Year Edition - Xbox One | $28.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Fallout 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $9.77 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Fallout 4 Game of The Year Edition - Xbox One | $33.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fallout 4 | Anniversary Edition | XBOX and Windows Digital | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fallout 4 GOTY (Xbox One) | $33.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| What you need to preserve | PC | Console |
|---|---|---|
| Save files | Copy the relevant files from the Fallout 4 saves folder. | Use the console’s available save options; the cited Bethesda notice specifically describes saving the load order, not backing up console save files. |
| Mods and load order | Back up the mod manager’s profile and configuration using its current instructions. For Mod Organizer 2, profile data can include enabled mods and their installation order, enabled plugins and plugin order, a game INI copy, and optionally profile-specific saves. | For the update covered by Bethesda’s notice, save the load order through the Creations menu to Bethesda.net. |
Back up Fallout 4 saves on PC
Bethesda Support says, “We strongly recommend you back up your Fallout 4 saves before installing a new mod.” Its stated default location is C:Usersuser.nameDocumentsMy GamesFallout4Saves. The actual Windows account name, redirected Documents folder, or profile setup may make your path different, so verify where your game is storing saves.
- Exit Fallout 4. This is a practical precaution to avoid copying a file while the game may be writing to it.
- Locate the saves. Check
DocumentsMy GamesFallout4Savesbeneath your Windows user folder, or the actual location used by your setup. - Copy the saves you need. Bethesda suggests creating a
Save backupsfolder insideSavesand copying the relevant files there. For an additional safeguard, you can also place a copy on separate storage, such as an external drive. - Leave the backup unchanged while testing. If you need to restore it, Bethesda says to move the copied files back to their home directory.
If a character or save seems to be missing
Fallout 4 can separate modded and non-modded saves into different profiles. If a character does not appear where expected, use the profile switch in the game’s load menu or choose the option to view all saves on the machine. Bethesda explains this behavior in its support article about saves after installing Fallout 4 mods.
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- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage
Preserve your PC mod list and load order
Save files alone are not enough to reconstruct a modded setup. Record the mod manager and profile name, then back up that manager’s profile and configuration using its current, version-appropriate instructions. Avoid assuming a single folder path or export format applies to every manager.
Mod Organizer 2 profiles
The Mod Organizer 2 project describes profile data as including the enabled-mod list and installation order, enabled plugins and their load order, and a copy of the game INI. Profiles can also use an optional save-game filter. Preserve the profile data that applies to your setup; do not assume a save copy contains these settings.
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- Next generation of open-world gaming
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- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Violence
Downloaded mod archives and setup notes
If you want to avoid downloading files again, back up your downloaded mod archives as well. The archive location depends on your manager and configuration, so use that manager’s current documentation rather than relying on a universal path. A dated note with the Fallout 4 version, manager and profile name, and essential dependencies can help you identify the setup later, but a note by itself cannot recreate missing mod files.
Archive a console load order when an update calls for it
Bethesda’s notice for the Fallout 4 console update announced for May 27, 2026 described a reset to console load orders. The notice said console players with saves older than November 10, 2025 were expected to be affected. For that specific update, Bethesda provided this archive route:
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- GOTY edition includes original game on disc and all available DLC as download codes.
- Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours.
- Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
- An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
- Open Creations.
- Open Load Order Menu.
- Select Load Order Archive.
- Choose Save Load Order to Bethesda.net and confirm.
- Wait for the success message and the data-file reload to finish.
The notice also said that creating a fresh save for an ongoing playthrough could preserve its load order. These details apply to the update described in Bethesda’s Fallout 4 Console Creations Storage Increase – Load Order Notice, published November 21, 2025. Check the current notice and the game’s menus before relying on the same behavior for a later patch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What a backup can and cannot restore
A backup gives you a copy of the files or settings you actually saved. It does not establish that every save will work after a mod is updated, changed, or removed. Bethesda’s guidance does not quantify save-loss rates, mod breakage, or backup success, so treat the backup as a recovery aid—not a guarantee of compatibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GOTY edition, includes original game on disc and all available DLC as download codes
- Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours
- Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
- An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
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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.
