The Tool Desk
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First confirm that the game saves to Steam Cloud
Open the game’s Steam store page and look for the Steam Cloud indicator. That confirms the game supports the feature, but it does not guarantee that every save, setting, or file is included. Developers choose how Cloud is implemented, and some games do not use it for saved games. For coverage details, check the game’s documentation or ask its developer or publisher. Steam’s Cloud FAQ
Cloud transfers between operating systems also depend on the individual game supporting that use. Do not assume a Windows save will appear on macOS or Linux without checking the game’s documentation.
If you still have the old computer, check it before proceeding
A save that failed to upload—or an older version that was uploaded instead—may still be on the computer where you played. Open Steam on that machine and check whether the game can sync. Avoid launching the game on both machines and accepting prompts without reviewing which copy is newer; doing so can replace the progress you want to keep. Steam’s Cloud FAQ
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Resolve a Steam Cloud conflict by comparing the copies
A conflict means the local files and Steam Cloud files differ. Neither “local” nor “cloud” is automatically the right choice. Compare the modification times in Steam’s prompt with when you played, then choose the copy that reflects the progress you want. Offline play can delay a sync and leave different versions in the two places.
If Steam reports a sync error, address it before launching the game. Steam says temporary service or network problems can prevent syncing; its troubleshooting guidance also covers network hardware, firewalls, antivirus software, and other programs that monitor or alter disk or network activity. Do not treat disabling security software as a routine fix; seek expert help for advanced troubleshooting. Steam warns that ignoring a sync message and playing anyway can create a conflict and result in lost progress. Steam’s Cloud FAQ
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Check Steam’s local files and Cloud log
Steam stores Cloud-related userdata in account and game folders. The folder names include your Steam account ID and the game’s appID; Steam gives 570 as the appID for Dota 2. These default locations can help you check whether local data or transfer activity exists, but finding a folder does not prove it contains a usable save.
- Windows userdata:
C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata - macOS userdata:
~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata - Linux userdata:
~/.local/share/Steam/userdata
For Cloud transfer activity, look for cloud_log.txt in Steam’s logs directory:
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- Windows logs:
C:Program Files (x86)Steamlogs - macOS logs:
~/Library/Application Support/Steam/logs - Linux logs:
~/.local/share/Steam/logs
The log records activity when files are written to or retrieved from Steam Cloud. Steam client settings are stored separately under appID 7. Steam’s Cloud FAQ
If the game does not use Steam Cloud for saves
Save locations vary by game because developers decide where files are stored. On Windows, Steam suggests checking C:Users[Windows user name]DocumentsMy Games as one possible location—not a universal save folder. If the save is elsewhere or you cannot identify it, ask the game’s developer or publisher for the correct location. Copy a found save to the new computer only according to that game’s instructions. Steam’s guide to moving an installation and games Steam’s Cloud FAQ
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Steam game backups do not include saved games
Steam’s Restore Game Backup feature restores compatible game files; Valve-created backups omit saved games, custom maps, and configuration files. Restoring the game itself therefore does not necessarily restore your progress. Any separately backed-up save files must be copied to the game’s corresponding folder.
- In Steam, choose Steam > Restore Game Backup…
- Browse to the backup and follow the prompts to restore the game files.
- Copy any separate save backup to the location specified by the game.
The Backup feature works for games downloaded, installed, and patched through Steam; many games installed or downloaded through third-party tools are unsupported. Steam recommends testing backups to check their integrity, but that advice cannot recover a save that was never backed up. Steam’s Backup Feature FAQ
When a save cannot be recovered
Steam Support says it can clarify how Cloud works, but cannot retrieve lost saves or resolve Cloud conflicts. If the only copy was stored locally on an unavailable computer and there is no separate backup, recovery may not be possible. Steam’s Cloud FAQ
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