Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBefore uninstalling Steam or switching computers, confirm the game’s Steam Cloud sync is current, identify where that game stores its saves, then copy those files to a separate location and verify the copy. Steam Cloud coverage varies by game, and Steam’s game-backup feature does not universally include save files. A separate copy protects local saves and gives you another recovery option.
What to check before you remove Steam or change computers
- Steam Cloud is game-specific. Developers decide which files a game syncs. The Cloud indicator on a game’s Steam store page is a useful first check, but it does not confirm that every save file is covered. Check the developer’s support instructions for the game’s save locations and Cloud coverage. Steam Cloud
- A Cloud copy may not be the latest copy. Offline play can delay syncing, and Steam can show a conflict if the local and cloud files differ. Check Steam’s sync status before uninstalling or selecting a version in a conflict prompt. Steam Cloud
- Steam’s game backup is not a save-file guarantee. Valve says backups of Valve-created games do not include saved games. For third-party games, save locations vary because developers choose them. Using the Steam Backup Feature
Back up saves before uninstalling or moving Steam
1. Identify the game’s save files
Check the game’s Steam store page for a Steam Cloud indicator, then consult the developer’s support page or instructions to learn which files are saves and where they are stored. There is no universal save folder for all Steam games. Some local Cloud files may be in Steam’s userdata directory, while other saves may be elsewhere on the computer. Steam Cloud Using the Steam Backup Feature
2. Check sync status while the old computer is available
Connect to the internet and check Steam for a sync error before closing the game or uninstalling Steam. If you have played offline, allow Steam to sync before proceeding where possible. If a conflict prompt appears, compare the timestamps it shows with your play history and select the version containing the progress you want to keep; do not choose solely because one copy is labeled “local” or “cloud.” Steam Cloud
3. Check Steam’s local Cloud files, if relevant
Steam lists these default locations for local Cloud files:
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- Windows:
C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata - Linux:
~/.local/share/Steam/userdata
Inside userdata, account folders and game folders use numeric IDs; game folders are keyed by AppID. These paths are a starting point for local Cloud files, not a guarantee that a game stores its complete save set there. For games that do not use Steam Cloud, developers determine the save location. Steam Cloud Using the Steam Backup Feature
4. Copy the identified saves somewhere outside Steam
Copy the game’s save folder or files to a separate destination, such as another drive. An external hard drive or SSD is one option; any suitable storage you already have can work. Do not leave the only backup inside the Steam installation if you plan to remove that installation.
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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.
5. Verify the copy
After copying, confirm that the expected folders and files exist at the destination and that the copy operation completed without errors. Steam recommends testing backups after creating them; the appropriate restoration check depends on the game and its save format. Using the Steam Backup Feature
Keep game installation files separately if needed
If you want to preserve installed game content as well as saves, Steam’s uninstall guidance says to move the steamapps folder out of the Steam directory before uninstalling. Steam’s installation-move guidance discusses preserving steamapps and userdata. These folders are not a substitute for locating and copying saves stored elsewhere by a game. Uninstall Steam Moving a Steam Installation and Games
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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.
Restore saves on the new computer
- Install Steam and sign in to the account that owns the game.
- Install or launch the game and allow Steam Cloud to sync, if the game uses it. Check for a sync conflict before continuing.
- For a manual backup, follow the developer’s instructions to place the copied saves in the correct location for the game. Avoid overwriting a newer save unless you have confirmed which version you want.
- Start the game and check that the expected progress appears before deleting the backup copy.
Steam’s Backup Feature can restore compatible game files, but saved games may need to be handled separately. Using the Steam Backup Feature
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the latest save is missing
Check the old computer first, especially if it was used offline or showed a sync error. A save that failed to sync may still be on that machine; if it is, connect it to the internet and check whether Steam can sync it. Steam Support says it cannot recover lost saves or resolve Cloud conflicts, so keeping the separate copy is important. Steam Cloud
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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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