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On Windows, close Cyberpunk 2077, open %userprofile%Saved GamesCD Projekt RedCyberpunk 2077, and copy the complete Cyberpunk 2077 folder to another location before changing the game. A second internal drive, external drive, or removable device is preferable. Keep that copy untouched while you install and test mods; if necessary, copy its save files back into a newly created folder at the same path.
This guide covers the documented Windows PC location and a conservative rollback workflow. It separates save protection from mod installation: a backup preserves your player data, but it cannot make an outdated or incompatible mod safe.
Find the Cyberpunk 2077 save folder on Windows
CD PROJEKT RED’s official save-location support identifies the Windows folder as %userprofile%Saved GamesCD Projekt RedCyberpunk 2077. The %userprofile% variable automatically points to the Windows account currently signed in, so you do not need to substitute your account name manually.
Open it with File Explorer
- Close Cyberpunk 2077 and your mod manager or launcher if it is actively running the game.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the address bar, paste
%userprofile%Saved GamesCD Projekt RedCyberpunk 2077, and press Enter. - Confirm that you are in the folder containing the game’s save files, not merely in
Saved GamesorCD Projekt Red.
Open it with the Run dialog
- Press Windows key + R.
- Paste the same path into the box.
- Press Enter to open the folder in File Explorer.
This documented path applies to a Windows PC installation. It is not evidence that Linux, macOS, or Steam Deck uses the same filesystem location.
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What you should see
The final directory should be the game’s save directory, not the installation directory containing the executable. Your backup job is to preserve the complete Cyberpunk 2077 save folder and its internal structure. If File Explorer takes you only to Saved Games, open CD Projekt Red, then Cyberpunk 2077 and verify that you are at the deepest folder in the documented path.
Create a pre-mod backup that you can trust
1. Make sure the game is not writing to the folder
Exit the game before copying anything. This is a practical file-handling precaution: copying while a game is saving can leave you with a mixture of old and newly written files. Wait until the game and launcher have finished closing, then open the save folder. Avoid creating a new save, changing settings, or starting another session between closing the game and making the copy.
2. Copy the complete folder
In File Explorer, select the entire Cyberpunk 2077 folder, choose Copy, and paste it into a destination outside the active save location. Copying the folder as a unit preserves its structure and makes restoration less error-prone than selecting individual files.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteDo not use Cut, drag the only copy to another location, or rename the live folder as a substitute for a backup. The original remains your working copy; the second folder is the recovery copy. A shortcut pointing to the original folder is not a backup either, because it does not create an independent copy of the files.
3. Give the backup a useful name
Add a date and a description to the copied folder, such as Cyberpunk 2077 - pre-mod - 2026-10-13. A label that says what the folder represents helps you distinguish a known-good pre-mod state from a later copy made after problems appeared. Keep the folder intact rather than editing files inside it.
If you make more than one backup, include the game version or a short mod note in each label, for example Cyberpunk 2077 - pre-mod - patch-version. The purpose is identification, not a special naming format; any clear label is acceptable.
4. Verify the copy before installing anything
Open the copied folder and confirm that it contains the save files and the same folder structure as the source. If the copy operation displayed errors, stop and make another copy to a different destination. Do not begin mod installation until you have one complete, readable backup that you can identify without relying on memory.
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What exactly is being protected?
The backup protects the local save files in the documented Windows save folder. It does not copy the entire game installation, REDmod tools, mod archives, launcher settings, or a mod manager’s database. Those items may require separate reinstall or documentation steps. The value of this copy is that it gives you a known-good player state to place back into a newly created save folder if you need to roll back.
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Choose a separate backup destination
CD PROJEKT RED’s clean-install instructions recommend using a different hard drive or an external device when possible, with an SD card given as an example. The purpose is separation: a backup on another device is less likely to be affected if you later remove, reinstall, or troubleshoot the game on the original drive.
- Another internal drive: suitable when your computer has a second drive and you already use it for personal files.
- External hard drive or SSD: useful for a durable offline copy that can be disconnected while you test mods.
- Removable storage: an SD card or other removable device can hold the backup if it has enough free space and remains readable.
- Another folder on the same drive: better than having no backup, but it provides less protection against drive failure or an accidental reinstall.
You do not need to buy a device if you already have suitable storage. The official instructions do not specify a required capacity, brand, speed, or model. Whichever destination you use, keep it outside the active save folder and avoid overwriting it with newer, untested saves.
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Do you need an external hard drive?
No. An external hard drive for a separate backup is an optional convenience, not a game requirement. Existing spare storage, a second internal drive, or suitable removable storage can serve the same basic purpose. Buying a device adds a hardware cost, while using storage you already own adds no new purchase; neither option has a required capacity or brand established by the official instructions.
If you use an external device, disconnect it after verification when practical. That makes accidental overwriting less likely while you experiment. If you use a same-drive folder because no other device is available, keep the folder clearly labeled and understand that it is weaker protection against a drive failure or a reinstall.
Install mods without confusing the backup
A save backup protects your player data; it does not make every mod compatible with every game version. Follow each mod’s own installation instructions, because Cyberpunk 2077 mods do not all use the same directory or loading method.
REDmod-compatible mods
CD PROJEKT RED’s modding documentation states: “New, REDmod compatible mods should be placed in the Cyberpunk 2077mods folder.” REDmod-compatible content can be enabled or disabled through supported launcher controls in REDlauncher or GOG Galaxy.
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Use the game’s installation directory specified by the mod documentation when locating the mods folder. Do not put REDmod content in the save directory. Save files and mod files serve different purposes and live in different locations.
Older archive-folder mods
Older mods installed in the archive folder can continue to load, but they do not appear in the REDmod menu. Their absence from that menu does not necessarily mean the installation failed; it reflects the different loading method.
| Mod type | Documented location | Launcher or menu behavior | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| REDmod-compatible | Cyberpunk 2077mods |
Can be enabled or disabled through REDlauncher or GOG Galaxy and can appear in the REDmod controls | Use the mod author’s REDmod instructions and confirm that the installed game version is supported |
| Legacy archive-folder mod | The game’s archive folder, as specified by the mod | Can still load but does not appear in the REDmod menu | Follow the mod’s archive installation instructions rather than looking for a REDmod toggle |
Install one change at a time when practical and keep notes about what you added. Record the mod name, version, installation method, and date. If a problem appears, those notes and the untouched save backup make it easier to separate a mod-loading issue from a save issue.
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Do not replace a backup after every test simply because the game launched once. A copy made after a modded session may reflect a state you are trying to avoid. Keep the original pre-mod folder as the baseline and create any later test copies under different names.
Check game-version compatibility after updates
Mods are version-dependent. GOG’s Cyberpunk 2077 support guidance advises waiting for the modding community to update mods after a new game version is released. Before launching a heavily modded setup after an update, check the mod page or included documentation for compatibility with the exact game version installed on your PC.
- Record the game version before you begin changing files.
- Read each mod’s compatibility note, required framework, and installation order.
- Do not assume that a mod working on one patch will work unchanged after an update.
- If a new patch has just released, consider leaving the known-good backup untouched and waiting for confirmed mod updates.
A backup lets you restore your previous saves; it does not guarantee that an outdated mod will run safely or that a mod-related crash is caused by corrupted saves. Restoring an older save can help establish a clean test state, but it cannot repair a mod whose files or dependencies no longer match the game version.
Restore a backup after a mod problem or clean install
CD PROJEKT RED’s clean-install instructions say to copy the backed-up save files into the newly created Cyberpunk 2077 save folder. Use the following sequence so that you preserve both the recovery copy and any newer files you may want to examine.
- Close the game and wait for the launcher to finish any active file operation.
- Locate the current Windows save folder using the path in the first section.
- Preserve the current folder before replacing anything. If you may need its newer saves for troubleshooting, copy it to a separately named folder rather than deleting it.
- Open your dated pre-mod backup and select the save files inside it.
- Copy those files into the newly created
Cyberpunk 2077folder at the same user-profile path. - Start the game and check whether the expected character and save entries appear.
- Keep the original dated backup until you have confirmed that the restored state works and that you no longer need the intervening saves.
Copy the files into the game’s save folder itself, not into an extra nested folder such as Cyberpunk 2077Cyberpunk 2077. A nested copy can leave the game looking in the correct path while the actual files sit one level deeper.
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A rollback can discard newer progress if you overwrite the only current folder. Making a temporary copy before restoration gives you two choices: return to the pre-mod state or inspect the newer state later. Use separate names for the current-state copy and the dated pre-mod copy so the folders cannot be confused during a stressful troubleshooting session.
Cloud-save considerations
For its clean-install procedure, CD PROJEKT RED instructs users to disable cloud saves during the process and re-enable them afterward if desired. A routine pre-mod backup is not governed by one universal cloud-conflict procedure: launchers can handle synchronization differently. Check the cloud-sync controls for the launcher you use, and do not allow a cloud copy of uncertain state to overwrite a known-good local backup. If you follow the clean-install procedure, use the cloud-save steps specified by CD PROJEKT RED rather than improvising a merge.
Cloud synchronization is not a substitute for a separately labeled local copy. Before launching after a restore, identify which local folder is authoritative and review the launcher’s prompt if it reports a conflict. If the launcher offers no clear way to preserve both versions, stop and keep the external or removable backup untouched until you understand the choice.
Troubleshoot common backup and restore mistakes
The folder does not open
Paste the path exactly into File Explorer or the Run dialog. Check that you are signed into the Windows profile that owns the saves and that you did not omit the CD Projekt Red or Cyberpunk 2077 folder. If you use another operating system, do not treat the Windows path as a substitute for platform-specific documentation.
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The restored saves do not appear
- Confirm that the files were copied into the newly created save folder at the user-profile path, not into the game-install directory.
- Check for an extra nested folder created during the copy.
- Make sure you restored the intended dated backup, rather than a later folder that was already affected by the modded setup.
- Review the launcher’s cloud behavior before launching repeatedly, because synchronization can change which local or cloud state is presented.
- Close the game again before making another replacement copy; repeated launches can create additional files and make the state harder to identify.
The game crashes after installing a mod
Remove or disable the suspect mod according to its installation method, then test with the known-good save while keeping the backup untouched. A crash alone does not prove that the save is corrupt. Check the mod’s required game version and dependencies, especially if the game updated recently.
A legacy mod is missing from REDmod’s menu
That is expected for older archive-folder mods. CD PROJEKT RED says those mods can still load but do not appear in the REDmod menu. Use the mod’s own documentation to verify its archive placement and activation method.
You overwrote the wrong folder
Stop making further changes and locate the dated backup on the separate destination. Do not rename, edit, or overwrite that copy. If a second current-state folder exists, preserve it as well so you can compare states or recover newer saves later.
The copy operation reports an error
Do not assume a partially copied folder is usable. Leave the original untouched, choose another destination, and repeat the copy after confirming that the destination is connected and writable. Verify the resulting folder before installing any mod. The goal is one complete, readable copy, not merely a folder with the right name.
Platform limitations
The documented path and restoration procedure above are for Windows PC. The official support material does not verify an equivalent save-folder path for Linux, macOS, or Steam Deck installations. Those platforms may place Windows games inside compatibility-layer or launcher-specific directories, so consult the platform’s current support documentation before copying anything. Do not paste the Windows variable into another operating system and assume it points to the correct files.
The Cyberpunk 2077 game-directory documentation can help explain launcher directory layouts, but it does not turn the Windows save path into a universal cross-platform location. Keep a platform-specific backup procedure separate from the Windows instructions in this guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Pre-mod backup checklist
- Close Cyberpunk 2077 before copying saves.
- Open the official Windows save location with File Explorer or the Run dialog.
- Copy the complete
Cyberpunk 2077folder; do not move the only copy. - Store the copy outside the active save folder, preferably on another drive or removable device.
- Label it with a date and “pre-mod” description.
- Open the copy to verify that the save files and folder structure are present.
- Read each mod’s installation instructions and identify whether it uses REDmod or an archive folder.
- Check that every mod supports the installed game version, particularly after an update.
- Keep the backup untouched while testing.
- Preserve a copy of the current state before restoring an older backup.
- If you need to roll back, copy the backed-up save files into the newly created save folder and account for launcher cloud synchronization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Cyberpunk 2077 saves located on Windows?
Open %userprofile%Saved GamesCD Projekt RedCyberpunk 2077 in File Explorer or the Windows Run dialog. This is the documented Windows PC path from CD PROJEKT RED Support.
Should I copy individual save files or the whole folder?
Copy the complete Cyberpunk 2077 folder. Keeping the folder structure intact makes verification and restoration less error-prone than selecting files one at a time.
Do I have to buy an external hard drive?
No. A second internal drive, an external drive, an SD card, or other suitable removable storage can work. Using storage you already own avoids a new purchase; the official instructions do not require a particular capacity, brand, or speed.
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Can I store the backup in another folder on the same drive?
Yes, and it is better than having no copy, but it offers less protection against drive failure or an accidental reinstall. Another drive or removable device provides better separation when available.
Where do REDmod-compatible mods go?
CD PROJEKT RED says new REDmod-compatible mods belong in the game’s Cyberpunk 2077mods folder. They can be enabled or disabled through supported controls in REDlauncher or GOG Galaxy. Follow each mod’s own instructions for the exact installation.
Why does an older mod not appear in the REDmod menu?
Legacy archive-folder mods can still load but do not appear in the REDmod menu. Check the mod’s archive installation instructions instead of looking for a REDmod toggle.
What should I do after a game update?
Check every mod against the exact installed game version. GOG advises waiting for the modding community to update mods after a new version is released. Keep the untouched pre-mod backup while you wait.
How do I restore the backup?
Close the game, preserve the current save folder if you may need its newer files, then copy the backed-up save files into the newly created Cyberpunk 2077 folder at the same user-profile path. Avoid creating an extra nested folder.
Can cloud saves overwrite my restored files?
They can affect which state a launcher presents, and procedures differ by launcher. Review the launcher’s cloud controls, avoid overwriting a known-good local copy, and follow CD PROJEKT RED’s instruction to disable cloud saves during its clean-install procedure if you are following that procedure.
Does a backup guarantee that every mod will work?
No. It preserves your save state, but compatibility, dependencies, installation method, and game version still determine whether a mod runs correctly. A crash does not by itself prove that the save is corrupt.
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Does this Windows path apply to Steam Deck or Linux?
Do not assume so. The documented path here is for Windows PC; verify the platform-specific compatibility-layer or launcher location before copying saves.
The Bottom Line
Make one dated, untouched copy of the entire Windows save folder before installing mods, keep it on separate storage when possible, and restore its files only into the correctly recreated save folder if you need to roll back. Check each mod’s installation method and game-version support, and treat cloud synchronization as a separate launcher-specific concern.
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