Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To protect PC game progress before an update, close the game, check that its launcher cloud save has finished syncing, then copy the game’s actual save folder to a separate, dated location. After updating, verify the right character or save slot in-game before deleting that copy. Cloud saves are useful, but support and coverage vary by game, so keep an independent backup.
Back up your save before updating
- Save and exit normally. Use the game’s in-game save and exit flow. If the launcher shows sync status, wait until synchronization finishes. Avoid starting the game on another device while you are making the copy.
- Check cloud-save support for this game. On Steam, look for the Cloud indicator on the game’s store page; developers choose whether and which files to sync. On Epic Games Store, check the game’s Cloud Saves feature tag or use the library’s Cloud Saves filter. Eligibility does not guarantee that every save file is covered. Steam Cloud; Epic Games Store cloud-save eligibility.
- Find the specific game’s save folder. There is no single PC save location. Common Windows locations include Documents, Saved Games, AppData (Local, LocalLow, or Roaming), and sometimes the game’s installation folder. These are places to check, not a guarantee. Confirm the path in the game’s official support documentation or developer community before copying. Steam also notes that third-party game save locations vary. Steamworks Cloud documentation; Steam Backup Feature.
- Copy, don’t move, the save folder. With the game closed, copy the relevant folder and preserve its filenames and subfolders. Name the copy with the game and date, such as
GameName save backup 2026-10-07, and store it separately from the active save folder. An external drive or USB flash drive can hold an offline copy; the important part is copying the correct folder. - Check the copy. Open the destination and confirm that the expected files and folders are present. Keep this dated copy intact rather than overwriting it with an unverified restore. Steam recommends testing backups because interruptions or interference can prevent a successful copy. Steam Backup Feature.
- Update and verify in the game. Launch the game after the update and check that the expected character, save slot, or recent progress appears. Keep the backup until that check succeeds.
Where Steam and Epic cloud saves fit
Steam Cloud
Steam Cloud is configured by each game’s developer, so a Steam purchase alone does not establish that the game’s saves are synchronized. For supported integrations, Steamworks describes files syncing after the game exits and downloading to another computer before it launches. Steam’s default Windows local cloud-data directory is C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata, organized by account ID and game App ID; it is not a universal substitute for finding the game’s working save folder. Steam says it generally cannot recover lost cloud saves or resolve cloud conflicts for players. Steam Cloud; Steamworks Cloud documentation.
Epic Games Store Cloud Saves
Check the title’s Cloud Saves eligibility in the Epic Games Store library or on its store page, and confirm Cloud Saves are enabled in launcher settings. Epic warns that changing this setting while playing on multiple machines can lead to conflicts. A game’s eligibility is not a reason to skip a separate copy before an update. Epic Games Store cloud-save eligibility; Enable Cloud Saves in the Epic Games launcher.
Windows backup destinations
Microsoft’s Windows 10 and Windows 11 backup guidance describes external drives and cloud storage as possible places to keep copies of files. It is general file-backup advice, not a tool that finds game saves for you. Microsoft: Back up and restore with Windows.
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#1 Best Overall
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
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Xbox app and PC Game Pass
Save handling for Xbox app and PC Game Pass games is title- and platform-specific. Consult the game’s official support instructions and verify whether its saves are platform-managed or accessible as files before attempting a manual copy. Do not assume Steam’s userdata path or Epic’s conflict-resolution steps apply.
Restore a save or resolve a cloud conflict
Restore your manual copy
- Close the game before changing save files.
- Locate the dated backup and the game’s confirmed save location.
- Copy the saved files back, preserving the original folder structure. Keep the backup untouched in case the restore is not the version you need.
- Start the game and inspect the intended character, slot, or progress before continuing play.
Choose between local and cloud versions
If Steam or Epic presents a local-versus-cloud conflict, compare the dates and identify which version contains the progress you want. Do not choose based only on the word “cloud” or “local.” Make a separate copy of accessible files before resolving the prompt when possible. Epic says conflicts can occur when using more than one device, including after offline play, and advises selecting the newer file to keep the latest saves. Epic Games Store: Resolve cloud-save conflicts.
Rank #2
- 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.
Do not confuse Steam game backups with save backups
Steam’s Restore Game Backup feature restores supported installation backups; it does not necessarily restore a game’s saved progress. Valve-created game backups omit saved games and some custom files, and third-party save locations vary. If you restore an installation, you may still need to copy the separate save files into the game’s proper save folder. Steam Backup Feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose a backup location that suits your risk
| Option | Useful for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Launcher cloud saves | Syncing supported saves between devices. | Whether the specific game supports the feature, which files are included, and whether sync has completed. |
| Separate cloud storage | Keeping a copy apart from the active game folder and accessing it from another device. | That the correct folder uploaded and remains available independently of the game’s own sync process. |
| External drive or USB flash drive | Keeping an offline copy separate from the PC’s active save directory. | That the drive contains the complete dated folder and is readable when needed. |
No one option is best for every player. The essential safeguards are knowing the correct save path, keeping a dated copy outside the live folder, and checking that the copy exists before proceeding.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- 【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.）*
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Rank #3
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
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