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Before reinstalling Windows or moving to a new PC, protect Steam saves in two ways: let Steam Cloud finish syncing for games that support it, and make a separate copy of each game’s actual save files. Steam’s game-installation Backup feature is a third, different thing; it does not automatically preserve saves. Because each developer chooses where saves are stored and what Steam Cloud syncs, check each game individually and keep the old copy until you have confirmed your progress on the new installation.
Understand the three different kinds of backup
| Method | What it can preserve | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Cloud | Files a particular game is configured to sync through Steam. | Support and coverage are game-specific. The Cloud icon is a clue, not proof that every save, setting, or platform combination is covered. Steam explains Cloud support and sync issues. |
| Steam Backup feature | Compatible game installation files. | It is not automatically a save backup. Valve-game backups omit saved games and certain custom content; third-party save locations are set by the developer. Some games using third-party installers or downloaders may not be compatible. Steam’s Backup instructions describe these limits. |
| Separate copy of save files | The save folder or files you identify for a particular game. | You must find the actual location and restore the files where that game expects them. The location may be outside Steam’s folders. |
For a reinstall or PC move, treat Steam Cloud as convenient synchronization, not your only safety copy. The separate copy is the part you control and can retain until you have verified the result.
Back up saves before reinstalling or changing PCs
- Check the game’s Steam Store page. Look for the Steam Cloud logo. If coverage is unclear, ask the game’s developer or consult its community; the logo does not establish exactly which files are synchronized.
- Bring the old PC online and let Steam sync. Wait for the game’s sync status to complete before proceeding. If Steam reports an error, resolve it before launching or removing anything: Steam warns that continuing with a sync problem can produce a conflict or lost progress. If you have been playing in Offline Mode, connect to Steam and allow synchronization before moving on. Steam’s Cloud guidance covers sync errors and conflicts.
- Find the game’s actual save location. Start with the developer’s instructions or support page. Steam’s default local Cloud folders are useful places to check, but they are not universal locations for live saves. Some third-party games on Windows may store saves in
DocumentsMy Games; developers decide where their games save data. Steam lists its Cloud paths, and its migration guidance notes that save data may need separate handling. - Copy the identified save folder somewhere separate. Use another drive or another safe location, and preserve the folder structure. Check dates before replacing any existing copy so you do not overwrite newer progress. Copy only the game-specific files you have identified; save formats and folder requirements vary.
- Keep the copy and old PC intact while setting up the destination. Install Steam and the game, let Cloud sync if supported, and inspect any conflict prompt before choosing a version. If you made a separate copy, restore it to the location specified by the developer when needed.
- Open the game and verify your progress. Confirm that the expected save appears and loads on the new installation. Do not delete the old PC’s files or your separate copy until you have checked this.
Where to look for Steam Cloud files
Steam documents these default locations for local Steam Cloud files:
| Operating system | Default path |
|---|---|
| Windows | C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata |
| Linux | ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata |
Within userdata, account-ID folders contain game folders identified by AppID. These paths concern Steam’s local Cloud files. They should not be treated as the location of every game’s active saves; a game may store saves elsewhere or use a different arrangement.
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- 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.
Choose the right version if Steam shows a Cloud conflict
A conflict means the local and Cloud files differ, commonly because changes were made in two places before synchronization. Steam advises comparing the displayed timestamps with your recent play history and choosing the version that represents the progress you intend to keep. Do not select a copy based on the word “Cloud” or “local” alone; consider when and where you last played.
If a sync error remains unresolved, avoid launching the game until you understand which copy is current. Steam says playing with a sync problem can create a conflict and lose progress. If the old machine still has the expected save, it may still be possible to sync that copy. Steam Support states that it generally cannot recover lost saves or resolve Cloud conflicts, and some non-Cloud saves may not be recoverable if the original machine is unavailable.
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- Easily store and access 5TB of 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 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.
If you are moving the Steam installation, not just the saves
Steam’s migration instructions cover moving the steamapps folder and preserving userdata. That can help transfer the Steam installation and its local Cloud files, but it does not eliminate the need to identify saves stored in game-specific locations outside those folders. Follow the steps in Steam’s installation-migration guidance, and handle external save folders separately.
Verify your backup before removing the original
Steam recommends testing backups after creating them because interruptions or interference from other applications can leave a backup incomplete. For saves, the practical check is to keep the old files, restore or sync on the destination PC, and confirm the game opens with the expected progress before wiping or uninstalling the old system. A copied folder is not verified merely because the copy operation finished.
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- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- 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.
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- 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.
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