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You can move an installed game between Steam library folders without uninstalling it: open Steam > Settings > Storage, select the game, and choose Move. Before uninstalling—or moving the entire Steam installation—check that the game’s Steam Cloud sync has completed and back up local saves if Cloud coverage is absent or uncertain. Saves are not handled the same way for every game.
Choose the right Steam workflow
Installing a game, moving one game, moving the Steam client, and uninstalling a game are separate tasks. Use the workflow that matches what you want to change:
| Goal | Steam workflow | Save-file consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Set where future games install | Create or select a library location in Settings > Storage. | Installing to another library does not itself establish where that game’s saves are stored. |
| Move one or more installed games | In Settings > Storage, select the current drive, select the game, then choose Move. | This moves the installed game files; check Cloud sync and preserve local saves separately if needed. |
| Move the entire Steam installation | Follow Steam’s folder-move procedure, which involves exiting Steam and handling folders such as steamapps and userdata. |
Back up first; this is not the same as moving a single game. |
| Remove a game from the computer | Uninstall it through Steam. | Do not assume the uninstall will either preserve or delete every save; the outcome depends on the game and its save locations. |
Check saves before moving or uninstalling
Steam Cloud can store saves and other user data, but developers decide whether a game uses Cloud and which files it syncs. A game’s Steam Store page indicates Cloud support; it may not specify every file or feature covered, so check the game’s documentation or ask its developer or publisher if you need certainty. Steam Cloud can also be enabled or disabled globally or for an individual game. If Cloud is disabled for that game, progress that would otherwise sync is stored locally on that computer. Steam’s Cloud documentation explains the feature and sync behavior.
Confirm sync status and handle conflicts carefully
- Connect to Steam and confirm the game has finished syncing before making changes. If Steam reports a sync failure, address it before launching the game; continuing could create a conflict or risk progress.
- If Steam presents a choice between local and Cloud files, compare timestamps and your recent progress before choosing. Do not select a copy reflexively.
- If you played offline, allow Steam to reconnect and sync before removing files. Offline progress may not have synced yet.
Find and copy local saves when Cloud is missing or uncertain
There is no universal save folder. Steam Support notes that many third-party games that do not use Cloud store saves or profiles under Windows DocumentsMy Games, but the developer chooses the location. Check the specific game’s documentation or contact its developer or publisher, then copy the relevant files to a safe location before uninstalling or deleting folders if Cloud coverage is unavailable or unclear. Steam’s guidance puts it plainly: “Each game developer is able to decide how and where to store save files.” Steam Support: Moving a Steam Installation and Games.
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Install a game or choose where future games go
Steam installs games in a library location. To create another location—for example, on a different drive—open Steam > Settings > Storage and use the plus button to add a library path. Choose that library when installing a future game. The destination drive must be compatible with your computer and have enough free space for the games you intend to install.
Steam documents C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon as a default Windows game-folder example. Your actual library path can differ if you chose another location or changed your setup. Steam’s instructions for creating libraries and moving games are at Moving a Steam Installation and Games.
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- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
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Move an installed game to another library
Use Steam’s Storage move for an individual game; there is no need to uninstall it first. Create the destination library path before starting if it does not already exist.
- Open Steam > Settings > Storage.
- Select the drive or library containing the game.
- Select the game or games you want to relocate.
- Choose Move, then select the destination library and confirm.
- Wait for Steam to finish moving the files before launching the game.
This process relocates installed game files between Steam libraries. It does not guarantee that every save, configuration file, or custom file is included in the moved installation; use the save checks above for anything you cannot afford to lose.
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Move the entire Steam installation
Moving the Steam client folder is a different, more involved operation than moving one game through Storage. Steam advises having your account login available and backing up steamapps first. Its simple Windows procedure is to exit Steam, retain steamapps, userdata, and steam.exe, move the Steam folder, then launch Steam and log in. Follow Steam’s current instructions at Moving a Steam Installation and Games before handling folders. If you are unsure, use the per-game Storage move instead.
Steam does not recommend an external hard drive for this purpose because it may cause performance issues or disconnect unexpectedly. For a failed move, Steam’s support page also provides a more thorough reinstall-and-restore procedure.
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Verify game files after a full installation move
After moving the full Steam installation, Steam advises verifying the game files. Open Library > right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. Let the check finish before troubleshooting a game that will not launch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Uninstall a game after protecting saves
Steam does not promise one universal uninstall outcome for save files. Cloud-backed data may sync separately, while local saves and custom files can live in locations chosen by the game developer. Complete the sync checks, identify local save locations where necessary, and copy important files to a safe location before removing the game if you are uncertain about what is protected.
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Steam Backup is not a universal save backup. It supports games that completely download, install, and patch through Steam; some games using third-party installers or downloaders are not compatible. For Valve-created games, a Steam Backup omits saved games, custom multiplayer maps, and configuration files. For third-party titles, save locations vary and may need to be copied back to the corresponding folder after a restore. Steam’s backup steps are Library > right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Backup game files; Steam recommends testing backups after creating them. See Steam’s Backup and Restore guidance.
If Steam shows a moved game as uninstalled
A game appearing as uninstalled does not prove its files have been erased. If its game folder is still in the expected location, starting the install can prompt Steam to recognize existing files. If the game was in an alternate library, add that existing library folder through Settings > Storage. If Steam still cannot recognize the files, its recommended fallback is to reinstall. See Steam’s guidance for games that appear uninstalled.
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