Before uninstalling a Steam roguelike demo, quit normally, wait for any Cloud sync to finish, identify the demo’s appID and actual save folder, then copy the complete save and profile data to an independent location. Verify that copy before removing the game. Steam Cloud is controlled per game and by the developer, so a Cloud badge alone is not a guarantee that every save file—or progress between a demo and full release—will survive.
The safe order of operations
Use this sequence whenever you want to remove a roguelike demo without gambling on a run history, unlocks, settings or profile:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Finish a clean save and quit normally. Exit the game through its menu, let Steam return to the library, and wait until the Cloud synchronization indicator has finished.
- Check Cloud support for this specific demo. Look for the Cloud badge on the store page, then open Library > right-click the demo > Properties > General. Cloud can be enabled or disabled globally and per game.
- Record the demo’s appID. The Steam store URL or page identifies the application. Do not assume the demo and full game use the same appID.
- Find the developer’s save path. Check the demo’s official FAQ, community forum or developer documentation. The install directory is only one possible location.
- Copy the complete data. Copy the entire save folder and nearby profile or configuration files into a dated folder such as
RoguelikeDemo-save-backup-2026-10-19. Copy rather than move, and leave the original untouched. - Store the copy independently. Use another internal disk, a USB flash drive, an external SSD or encrypted cloud storage that you can read separately from the machine you are uninstalling.
- Verify the copy. Check that files have non-zero sizes, plausible timestamps and the expected names, then open the backup from its second location.
- Uninstall only after verification. Steam removes installed content. Preserve the relevant SteamApps data if you need installation files later.
- Restore cautiously. Reinstall, create the folders if necessary, quit Steam and the game before replacing files, resolve any Cloud conflict by comparing modification times, and test the restored profile in-game before deleting the backup.
Why Steam Cloud is not a complete safety net
Steam Cloud is a synchronization service, not a universal image of every file a game creates. The developer selects which files are synchronized, and some games do not use Cloud for saves at all. A Cloud badge therefore confirms that some Cloud functionality exists; it does not prove that a particular run file, configuration file or demo profile is included.
Cloud settings are layered. A global Steam setting can permit or block synchronization, while each game has its own setting in Library > right-click the demo > Properties > General. Check both levels before relying on Cloud. If the game was played offline or Steam was closed before an exit synchronized, the local copy may be newer than the Cloud copy.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Cloud also follows the application identity chosen by the developer. Steam identifies each release with an appID, and the Cloud-managed area normally appears beneath your Steam user ID and that appID. A demo and its commercial release can have different appIDs, separate save folders and separate Cloud manifests. Matching filenames do not establish compatibility.
Finish the last session and inspect synchronization
Quit through the game’s own menu
Make one final save from inside the demo, return to its title screen if the game provides that option, and use the normal quit command. Avoid terminating the process, powering off the computer or suspending the Steam Deck while a save is being written. A clean exit gives the game a chance to flush its data before Steam scans it for synchronization.
Wait for Steam to finish
After the game closes, remain in the Steam client until the library no longer shows an active synchronization state. If Steam reports that files could not be synchronized, do not uninstall. Keep the local installation intact, note the error, and make the manual copy first; Cloud troubleshooting can happen after you have a preserved local version.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check the demo’s Cloud setting
Open the store page and look for the Cloud badge, then check the per-game switch in the demo’s Properties window. If Cloud is disabled, your manual copy is the only dependable recovery path. If it is enabled, still continue with a manual copy because the developer may exclude the exact file that contains your run or unlocks.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Identify the appID before looking for files
The appID prevents a common mistake: backing up a similarly named folder belonging to another edition. Open the demo’s Steam store page or inspect its Steam URL and record the application number shown there. The Cloud cache uses that number as a directory name.
On a Windows installation using the default Steam location, a Cloud area is commonly under C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata[SteamID][appID]. On macOS it is commonly ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata/[SteamID]/[appID]/, and on Linux or SteamOS it is commonly ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata/[SteamID]/[appID]/. These are Cloud cache locations, not proof that the game’s authoritative local save lives there.
When comparing a demo with a full release, record both appIDs. Steamworks documentation describes shared Cloud storage between two appIDs as a common way to share demo and full-game saves, but that arrangement must be configured by the developer. Without that configuration, copying a demo file into the full game can do nothing or can create an unreadable profile.
Find the real save location on each platform
Use the developer’s documented filename and path whenever available. Developers sometimes store a profile in one directory and run history, screenshots or settings in another. Copy the complete documented folder rather than selecting only a file whose name contains “save.”
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Platform | Typical Steam Cloud cache | Common local save roots | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata[SteamID][appID] |
%USERPROFILE%AppDataLocal, %USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLow, %APPDATA%, %USERPROFILE%Saved Games, %USERPROFILE%Documents, or the game’s installation directory |
The Cloud cache and local save can be different folders. Follow the demo’s documented path. |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata/[SteamID]/[appID]/ |
~/Library/Application Support/ or ~/Documents/ |
The Library folder is hidden by default in Finder. Steam’s SteamApps data can also contain local game data when retaining an installation. |
| Linux or SteamOS | ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata/[SteamID]/[appID]/ |
Native games may use XDG data directories or another home-directory path. | Do not assume a native Linux path for a Windows build running through Proton. |
| Steam Deck with Proton | The Steam userdata path above may still contain Cloud files. | A Windows-style save may be inside steamapps/compatdata/[appID]/pfx/, under the Proton prefix’s drive-user directories. |
The prefix is tied to the appID. Use the developer’s path and the demo’s appID, not a guessed folder. |
Use official documentation before broad searches
Search the demo’s official FAQ, developer documentation or support forum for the exact save filename and operating-system path. If no path is documented, close the game, make a note of the current time, then look for recently modified files in the platform roots above. Treat that search as a lead, not proof: a profile may be compressed, database-backed or stored under a neutral folder name.
Include profile and configuration data when the developer groups it
Roguelikes often keep unlocks, meta-progression and settings beside the active run. If the documented location contains several related files, copy the whole folder. Do not edit, rename or “clean up” files before the backup has been tested.
Make and verify a manual backup
Create a dated backup folder
- Quit the game and wait for Steam synchronization to finish or report its status.
- Navigate to the documented save directory. If it is hidden, enable hidden files in the operating system’s file browser or enter the path directly.
- Copy the entire save/profile directory and any adjacent files the developer identifies. Do not drag the original to a new location; use copy and paste so the installed version remains available for comparison.
- Place the copy in a clearly named folder, for example
RoguelikeDemo-save-backup-2026-10-19. Include the demo name, platform and, if useful, appID in the folder name.
Choose a destination that survives the uninstall
| Destination | Independence from the machine | Portability | Verification considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Another internal disk | Protects against deleting the game folder, but not against a failure affecting the computer. | Low; it remains in the same computer. | Open the copied folder from that disk and confirm file sizes and dates. |
| USB flash drive or external SSD | Separate from the system being uninstalled. | High; it can move to another computer or Steam Deck. | Safely eject it, reconnect it and read the backup before relying on it. |
| Encrypted cloud storage | Independent of local disk failure. | High, subject to account and network access. | Confirm that the files can be downloaded and opened from a second device or browser session. |
Steam does not require a particular brand, capacity or transfer speed for save backups. Any separate, readable destination is sufficient for a small save folder. Encryption is sensible if the folder contains personal information or you are using a shared computer.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Verify before uninstalling
- Compare the backup’s file names with the original and confirm that important files have non-zero sizes.
- Check that the copied timestamps are plausible and correspond to your final clean exit.
- Open the backup from the second destination and browse its contents without modifying it.
- Keep the original and the backup until you have launched the restored game and confirmed the expected profile.
Steam’s backup guidance notes that third-party save locations vary and must be copied back to their corresponding folders during restoration. A Steam installation backup is not a substitute for separately preserving saves that live outside the game’s managed files.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Can a demo save move to the full game?
Sometimes, but only when the developer made the two releases compatible. The strongest indication is explicit developer documentation describing a demo-to-full transfer or shared Cloud storage. Steamworks supports shared storage between appIDs, so a demo and full game can be designed to read the same data even when their appIDs differ.
| Situation | What to expect | Safe action |
|---|---|---|
| Developer documents shared Cloud storage or a transfer process | The full game may import the demo profile automatically or after a documented step. | Keep the manual backup anyway, then follow the developer’s instructions exactly. |
| The demo and full game use compatible paths but no transfer is documented | Some files may be recognized, but compatibility is unconfirmed. | Test only on a copy. Never overwrite your sole backup. |
| The releases have separate appIDs and unrelated save formats | The full game may ignore the demo files or reject them. | Assume no supported transfer unless the developer says otherwise. |
| Only the filename appears to match | A matching name does not prove that the internal format or profile identifiers match. | Do not treat a filename match as evidence of portability. |
After installing the full game, launch it once and exit if you need it to create its directories. Restore the demo data only to the path documented for the full release, and test with a disposable copy first. If the full game offers an import command, use that instead of manually replacing files.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Uninstall without deleting the evidence
Steam’s uninstall command removes the installed content. It does not replace a separately verified backup, so do not rely on the hope that a local save directory will remain. Some games leave user data behind, while others remove or reset it during an uninstall or reinstall.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Windows
If you may need the installation files later, preserve the relevant steamapps data as Steam Support describes. The save backup should still be outside that library, because a library repair, drive cleanup or replacement can remove both the game and its local data.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
macOS
Steam documents SteamApps as containing game downloads and local save files when retaining game data. Keep the separately copied save folder even if you retain SteamApps; the copy gives you a known-good version and makes restoration to another Mac or Steam Deck possible.
Steam Deck and Linux
Before uninstalling a Proton demo, verify whether its files are inside the appID-specific Proton prefix. A prefix can disappear with a compatibility-data cleanup even when you expected only the game payload to be removed. Copy the documented save directory outside the Steam library first.
Restore a save after reinstalling
- Install the same demo or the documented compatible full release. If the game needs to create its folders, launch it once, reach the title screen and exit normally.
- Quit the game and Steam. Do not replace files while either process may be writing them.
- Preserve the backup. Work from a duplicate of the dated backup so the original remains a recovery point.
- Open the destination path documented for this release. Confirm the appID, operating system and edition before copying.
- Copy the saved folder and files into place. Merge only when the developer’s instructions require it; otherwise replace the newly created empty profile with the preserved copy.
- Control Cloud before the first test. If Steam may immediately overwrite the restored files, temporarily disable Cloud for this game in Properties > General or otherwise prevent synchronization until you have compared the local and Cloud versions.
- Restart Steam and watch for a conflict. If Steam presents local and Cloud choices, compare the displayed modification times. Choose the copy that represents the desired progress; offline play and an unsynchronized exit can make either side newer.
- Launch and test in-game. Confirm the profile name, unlocks, settings and expected run state. Do not begin a new run until you know the restored data loaded.
- Re-enable Cloud only after validation. Once the local copy is correct, allow synchronization and confirm that Steam reports completion.
Troubleshooting when the save is missing
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The demo starts with a blank profile. | The files were copied to the installation folder instead of the documented user-data path. | Quit without making progress, check the developer’s path and restore the untouched backup there. |
| Steam immediately replaces the restored files. | Cloud synchronization selected an older or empty version. | Stop the game, compare local and Cloud timestamps, temporarily disable Cloud, restore the desired copy and test again. |
| The expected appID folder is empty. | The game stores saves outside the Cloud cache, or the wrong edition’s appID was used. | Check Windows, macOS or Linux local roots and verify the appID from the demo’s store page. |
| The full game ignores the demo profile. | The developer did not configure shared storage or the formats are incompatible. | Look for an official import procedure. Do not repeatedly overwrite the full game’s files with the demo copy. |
| Files show zero bytes or implausible dates. | The copy happened during a write, or the destination failed. | Return to the original installation, quit cleanly, copy again and verify from a second location. |
| A Steam Deck restore fails for a Proton game. | The save is inside a different appID’s Proton prefix or a Windows-style subdirectory. | Use the documented prefix path under steamapps/compatdata/[appID]/pfx/ and confirm the demo’s appID. |
| The game loads settings but not unlocks or runs. | Related data is split across multiple files or folders. | Restore the complete documented profile directory, not only the obvious save filename. |
If a restored save is still absent, quit before creating new progress. Re-check the release, appID, platform path and backup contents in that order. Trying a second backup or Cloud version is safer after the first restored copy has been preserved.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11A practical backup routine for future demo runs
For a short demo you may need only one dated copy, but a roguelike with valuable unlocks benefits from versioned snapshots. Make a new folder after a meaningful milestone, such as completing a challenge or unlocking a character, instead of overwriting the previous backup. Keep at least one copy disconnected from the computer.
- Use a name that records the demo and date, and add a short milestone note outside the save files if that helps you identify the desired state.
- Retain the oldest known-good copy until the newest one has been tested.
- Do not edit save files to force a demo-to-full transfer unless the developer documents the format and procedure.
- Before changing operating systems, moving to Steam Deck or reinstalling Steam, repeat the clean-exit, copy and verification sequence.
This approach gives you two separate recovery options: Steam Cloud when the developer has configured it correctly, and a manual copy whose contents and location you have verified yourself.
Quick Recap
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.
