The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The save location depends on which PC release you own: Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) saves to a profile file in Documents, while Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) uses a separate folder under Documents. Steam Play on Linux stores the 2012 Windows game’s data inside its Proton prefix.
Find the right location for your release
Check the game’s release year before searching. The 2005 and 2012 PC games use different paths.
| Game and platform | Save location | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Most Wanted (2005), Windows | %USERPROFILE%DocumentsNFS Most Wanted<PlayerName> |
A single file named for the in-game profile, with no extension. Source |
| Most Wanted (2012), Windows | DocumentsCriterion GamesNeed For Speed(TM) Most WantedSave |
The game’s Save folder. Source Source |
| Most Wanted (2012), Steam Play on Linux | Inside the relevant Steam library’s steamapps/compatdata directory, in the game’s Proton prefix |
The exact library path and compatibility-data ID depend on the installation. Source |
| Console editions | Not established as a PC filesystem path | Manage saved data through the console’s storage interface. Source |
Locate the 2005 PC profile
- Open the current Windows user’s Documents folder.
- Open
NFS Most Wanted. - Find the file named after your in-game profile. The path pattern is
%USERPROFILE%DocumentsNFS Most Wanted<PlayerName>; replace<PlayerName>with the profile name. The save reference describes the profile as a single extensionless file.
Why the file has no extension
The 2005 game stores the profile as a binary file named after the player, rather than as a collection of human-readable documents. Its contents include career progress, cars, unlocks, milestones, race wins, bounty, and settings. The save reference and technical analysis describe the file structure.
Locate the 2012 PC save
On Windows, open Documents and follow Criterion GamesNeed For Speed(TM) Most WantedSave. The EA forum reply refers to files within the game folder, and PCGamingWiki lists this Windows save path. PCGamingWiki EA forum
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Steam Play on Linux
Find the Steam library used to install the game, then look under steamapps/compatdata for its Proton prefix. The exact location varies with the library and installation, so there is no single path that applies to every setup. PCGamingWiki
If the Documents folder or save directory is missing
- Check the actual Documents location. In File Explorer, open the Documents folder you use. Windows Documents may be redirected to OneDrive or another location, so the path may not begin with
C:Users<name>. A reported redirected path is an example, not a universal Windows setup. Forum report - Launch the game once. If the expected 2005 folder has not been created, starting the game and initializing a profile can create its save directory. The save reference documents directory creation during profile initialization.
- Recheck the release year and platform. The 2005 and 2012 paths differ, and the Linux Proton prefix is not the same as a Windows Documents path.
Back up or edit a save safely
Before replacing or moving a save, copy the relevant file or folder to a separate location. For the 2005 profile, the game checks a digest and may reject a modified file if that digest is invalid. The save reference and technical analysis document this integrity check. Avoid editing binary fields unless you have a tool or procedure you trust.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
The available sources do not establish whether a particular current EA launcher setup synchronizes this progress, or whether a PC save can be transferred to a console. A local file copy should not be assumed to override cloud data or move progress between platforms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Console save data
The available information does not establish an ordinary filesystem path for Xbox or PlayStation save files. Use the saved-data management interface on the relevant console rather than searching the PC directories. The Xbox listing identifies the 2012 title as an EA-published, Criterion-developed game, but does not provide a console save path. Xbox listing
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Best Value
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Rank #4
- Up to 6TB[1] that can hold up to 150 games[3], so that you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles.
- Portable form factor with sleek metal top covering that provides fast access to your growing game library
- Speeds up to 130MB/s[2] to push your console or PC to new levels
- Compatible with Xbox Series X|S (play and store Xbox One games / archive Xbox Series X|S games) and PlayStation 5 (play and store PS4 games/archive PS5 games) consoles
- Premium HDD with 3-year limited warranty, purpose-built for gamers based on WD_BLACK quality and reliability
Rank #3
- MASSIVE SPACE Up to 8TB of capacity builds the ultimate gaming library without sacrificing titles
- LIGHT IT UP Create an epic gaming atmosphere with customizable RGB LED lighting
- BILLIANT DESIGN A bold and refined design, crafted to compliment gaming battlestations
- DUAL FRONT-FACING PORTS Connect and power your peripherals with front-facing USB-C and USB-A ports
- WARRANTY Enjoy peace of mind with the included Rescue Data Recovery Services and 1-year limited warranty
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.
