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Origin has shut down, so you now install and manage former Origin games through the EA app. To restore a game, sign in with the EA Account that owns it, open Library, select the game, choose an install location, and download it. Saved progress is separate from the game installation: enabled cloud saves transfer automatically for supported PC games, while some saves—and saves moved from Mac—may need manual transfer.
What changed when Origin shut down?
Electronic Arts says Origin has shut down and directs players to the EA app. Games and other content transfer when you move to the EA app; sign in with the EA Account associated with the purchases. A game folder copied from an old computer is not a substitute for access to the account and its game library.
The old Origin instructions for moving or locating game files are historical. Use the EA app for current installation and follow EA’s current troubleshooting guidance if you need to work with an existing folder.
Game installation and saved progress are separate
Installing a game restores its program files, not necessarily your previous progress. EA says supported PC games can transfer cloud saves automatically when cloud saving is enabled. Not every game supports cloud saves, and saves being moved from Mac need manual transfer. Check the specific game’s support information for its save-file location; EA’s general guidance does not establish one folder or copy procedure that works for every title.
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#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.
Back up progress before changing computers
- Confirm account access. Sign into the EA Account that owns the game and check that the title appears in Library.
- Check cloud-save support and settings. Before changing devices, determine whether the particular game supports cloud saves and whether cloud saving is enabled.
- Copy local saves when needed. For a game without cloud saves, or when moving saves from Mac, preserve the save files manually before wiping the old device or removing files. Use the game’s own support information to find the correct files.
- Keep a separate backup copy if useful. An external drive can hold game files or manually copied saves, but EA does not require or specify a particular storage device.
Install a former Origin game in the EA app
- Install or open the EA app and sign in with the EA Account used for the Origin purchases.
- Open Library, select the game, choose or confirm the install location, and select Download. Once installation finishes, the title appears under installed games.
- Launch the game and check that the expected progress is present before deleting any separate backup. Save availability depends on the game’s cloud-save support and settings, or on whether required local saves were transferred.
If the game or its files are missing
The game is not in Library
First verify that the EA app is signed into the EA Account that owns the purchase. If the account is correct and the game is still missing, use EA’s EA app account and library guidance. A local folder by itself does not establish that the account owns or can access the game.
An old game folder is still on the computer
Do not delete or rearrange it on the assumption that the EA app will recognize it automatically. EA’s current installation troubleshooting guidance describes a recovery path that temporarily moves the old folder aside, starts a new installation, copies the old folder’s contents into the new folder, and resumes the installation. This is a troubleshooting procedure, not a universal restore guarantee; follow EA’s current steps for the specific problem.
Rank #2
- World’s First 6TB 2.5” Portable Hard Drive
- 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
The download or installation fails
Use EA’s current troubleshooting article for installer errors and folder-location problems rather than deleting files at random. If no usable game folder remains, install a fresh copy from Library.
What the old Origin move and locate options did
EA’s archived Origin guide described a PC-only Move game option: in Game Library, right-click a game tile, choose Move game, select a destination folder, and let Origin move and check the files. The guide advised moving one game at a time; the game could not be running or downloading, Origin had to remain online, and some third-party games could not be moved this way. It did not offer this feature on Mac.
Rank #3
- 【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 archived guide also described Locate game for an existing installation Origin no longer recognized. Those menu paths belong to the discontinued Origin app, not the current EA app workflow. EA’s archived guide is at Back up and restore your games with Origin.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.EA app device limit and requirements
EA’s current download guidance says a game can be installed on up to five computers in a 24-hour period. Changing hardware or using a virtual machine can count as a new computer; after exceeding the limit, EA says it may take up to 24 hours before you can launch the game again. Check EA’s current download and play guidance for applicable requirements and details, since compatibility can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- 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.
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.
