The safest way to move a PC game save between Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG GALAXY, or another launcher is to make an independent copy before changing anything, identify the exact save folder used by the game and destination build, restore only after the game is closed, and verify the save in the new installation before deleting the original. Cloud synchronization helps only when that specific game has configured it, and no launcher guarantees that a save from another storefront will be accepted.
What you can and cannot assume about a cross-launcher save transfer
A save file belongs to a game, but the way it is stored and synchronized is chosen by the game’s developer. One title may use a folder under Documents; another may use AppData, a launcher-specific directory, a registry entry, or several files in different locations. The Steam, Epic, and GOG launchers do not impose one universal save format or one universal folder.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Moving a save between two installations is therefore a compatibility question, not just a copy-and-paste operation. The destination build must be able to read the file, and some games distinguish between storefront editions, account identifiers, downloadable-content ownership, or game versions. Official platform documentation does not provide a general guarantee that a Steam save will work in an Epic build, or that a GOG save will work in another storefront’s build.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- Usually transferable: an ordinary file-based save when the developer documents the same format and migration path for both builds.
- Potentially troublesome: saves tied to a platform account, encrypted or signed files, cloud-only data, version-specific formats, or progress that depends on downloadable content absent from the destination.
- Not the same thing: backing up installation files, synchronizing a cloud copy, and creating a portable save archive are three separate tasks.
Keep the original files untouched until the destination game has loaded the expected profile and you have checked recent progress, inventory, settings, and any other data that matters.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
The backup-first workflow
Use this sequence for a move to another launcher or another computer. A title-specific developer guide takes priority if it gives different instructions.
- Check support and synchronization. Look up whether the game uses Steam Cloud, Epic cloud saves, GOG GALAXY cloud saves, or its own account service. Let pending synchronization finish. If a conflict appears, stop and determine which copy is newer instead of accepting a prompt automatically.
- Exit the game completely. Close the game, then wait for its process to disappear from Task Manager, Activity Monitor, or the equivalent system monitor. A running game can rewrite or lock a save while you are copying it.
- Find the source save. Follow the game’s developer support instructions first. Search the common folders listed below only as a way to locate the documented files, not as proof that every game uses them.
- Create an independent backup. Copy the entire save folder, including subfolders and companion files, to a location outside the working save directory. Use a second internal drive, external drive, network storage, or a USB flash drive. Add the game name, launcher, platform, and date to the folder name.
- Record the source state. Note the game version, launcher, operating system, downloadable content, and the save slot you intend to move. If the game has an in-game backup or export command, use it as an additional copy.
- Install or update the destination build. Launch it once, reach its main menu, and exit. This often creates the destination’s expected directory and configuration files.
- Identify the destination path and format. Use the developer’s instructions for that storefront build. Do not assume that a folder with the same game name is the right one, and do not overwrite a newly created destination save without first copying that file elsewhere.
- Restore a copy, not your only original. Place the backed-up files into the destination folder exactly as documented. If the developer specifies a rename, conversion utility, account folder, or import command, follow that instruction precisely.
- Test before cleaning up. Start the destination game, load the transferred profile, and check the newest progress. Play briefly, save in a new slot if possible, exit normally, and confirm that the file timestamp changes.
- Keep the archive. Retain the original backup until you have completed at least one successful save-and-reload cycle in the destination build. If anything is missing, restore the untouched copy and investigate before trying another conversion.
Where can I find my local game saves?
Use the game’s support page first
The developer’s instructions are the authoritative source for a particular title. They may identify a folder, a file extension, a profile ID, or a required export process. A launcher support page can tell you where its own cloud cache is stored, but that cache is not necessarily the game’s only working save location.
Common Windows locations
Epic lists these examples when explaining where local saves may be found:
%USERPROFILE%DocumentsMy Games%USERPROFILE%Documents%USERPROFILE%Saved Games%USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalLow%APPDATA%%LOCALAPPDATA%- Folders named
savegamesin a game’s installation or user-data directory
These are examples, not a universal checklist. Searching by the game’s executable name, developer name, or a distinctive save-file extension can help, but avoid copying unrelated configuration or cache folders unless the game’s instructions include them.
Epic’s launcher cloud-save location
Epic Support gives %LOCALAPPDATA%EpicGamesLauncherSavedSaves[EpicGamesAccountID][Yourgamefolder] as a place where a user can make a copy of a local save. The bracketed parts are variables: use the account ID and game folder shown on your system. Epic also warns that some games store saves elsewhere, so this path must not be treated as the location for every title.
Rank #2
- 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.
Steam’s local cloud-file folders
Steam lists these default locations for files in its local Cloud cache:
| Operating system | Steam Cloud local folder |
|---|---|
| Windows | C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata |
| Linux | ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata |
Steam groups entries beneath account and application identifiers. These folders describe Steam’s local cloud files; they do not prove that every game’s active save exists only there. A developer may store the working save in Documents, a hidden user directory, or another location while Steam Cloud synchronizes selected files.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Cloud saves: useful protection with important limits
Steam Cloud
Steam Cloud can synchronize save games and other user-specific data for games that have enabled and configured the feature. Steam’s documentation says many games do not use Steam Cloud for saves. For configured games, Steamworks Auto-Cloud or API-written files are synchronized after the game exits and downloaded before launch on another computer; the developer controls path settings and which operating systems participate.
That configuration matters when moving between Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it matters even more when changing storefronts. The words “Steam Cloud” alone do not establish cross-platform or cross-launcher compatibility. Steam Support also states: “Steam Support can provide further clarification on how the Cloud system works, but they cannot recover lost saves or assist in resolving cloud conflicts.” An independent archive remains necessary.
Epic Games Store
Epic cloud conflicts can occur when a game is played offline on one device and then played through Epic on another. The launcher presents two versions. Epic’s support guidance says to choose the newer file to retain the latest save. Check the timestamps or other details shown by the prompt and make a separate copy before selecting anything if you are unsure.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
GOG GALAXY
GOG’s developer documentation describes directory-based synchronization for supported games: GALAXY can upload and download files in a local directory when the game launches or closes. It also documents an SDK storage interface for games that need more complex handling. This is developer integration documentation, not a statement that every GOG title has cloud saves enabled.
Recommended Free Tools
Cloud is not a substitute for a portable archive
Cloud synchronization can propagate a deletion, an older offline file, or a corrupted save. It may also synchronize only the files the developer configured. Before a launcher change, copy the local files to an independent location and leave that archive untouched while testing.
Steam: what its backup tools do and do not cover
Steam “Backup game files” is an installation backup
Steam’s Backup game files feature is designed primarily for installation files. Valve-created backups exclude saved games, custom multiplayer maps, and configuration files. Steam also notes that many third-party games store saves in developer-selected locations and that games using third-party installers may not work with the feature.
After restoring an installation, you may need to copy the save files into the corresponding user-data folders yourself. Make that save copy separately before uninstalling, moving a library, or changing storefronts.
Steam Cloud is game-dependent
When a title supports Steam Cloud, its configured files may appear under the userdata paths above, but the working save can still be elsewhere. If Steam does not show a cloud status or the developer says the title lacks support, use a manual archive.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Epic Games Store: local copies and conflict prompts
Make the local copy before changing launchers
With the game closed, navigate to the Epic launcher save path or the title-specific path supplied by the developer. Copy the entire relevant folder to an independent location. If more than one profile or account folder exists, preserve the folder names rather than merging them.
Handle a cloud conflict deliberately
A conflict prompt is evidence that two versions differ; it is not a routine confirmation dialog. Compare the displayed timestamps and the device on which each version was created. Epic’s documented choice is the newer file. If the dates do not match your playing history, cancel if possible, preserve both copies, and resolve the discrepancy using the game’s support instructions.
GOG GALAXY and other launchers
For a launcher not covered by the paths above, start with the game’s developer support page. The same title can use different folders for different storefronts, as illustrated by developer documentation for some games. That documentation may require copying from one named folder to another, changing a profile identifier, or moving files only while the game is not running.
Do not infer behavior from the launcher name. A store may provide no cloud service, may synchronize only selected files, or may rely on the game’s own account system. Confirm whether the destination build creates a local save after its first launch and use that newly created structure as a guide.
Using a multi-launcher backup utility
Ludusavi is a cross-platform backup and restore utility that supports libraries associated with Steam, GOG, Epic, Heroic, Lutris, and other sources. Its project documentation describes support for ordinary files and Windows registry saves. It uses a manifest that records what to back up, with information primarily sourced from PCGamingWiki.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
This can reduce manual path-hunting when you manage many games, but manifest coverage is not a guarantee that every title, launcher-specific profile, mod, or unusual save location is detected. Review the files selected for backup, add missing paths manually when the utility permits it, and keep an independent archive. Treat the utility as a convenience layer, not as proof that a destination storefront will accept a save.
A removable drive, including a USB flash drive, is a practical destination for a separate archive. It carries the files between computers but does not locate, convert, or synchronize them. Eject it safely and keep at least one copy disconnected from the game while experimenting.
Comparing transfer methods
| Method | Independent copy? | Path discovery | Restore effort | Portable to another PC? | Destination compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual copy using developer instructions | Yes, if you copy to a separate location | Usually manual | Manual but precise | Yes | Depends on the game’s format and storefront build |
| Launcher cloud saves | Not necessarily; synchronization can replace files | Low when supported | Usually automatic | Often, within the configured service | Only for games that support and configure the feature; cross-launcher acceptance is not established |
| Steam “Backup game files” | Not for saved games by itself | Low for installation files, separate for saves | Installation restore plus manual save restore | Installation files are portable; saves require their own copy | Does not convert or guarantee save compatibility |
| Ludusavi or a similar manifest-based utility | Yes, when the selected archive is independent | Reduced, but review is required | Often streamlined | Yes, subject to the archive and destination paths | Manifest coverage and game compatibility vary |
Troubleshooting a failed transfer
The destination game shows no save
- Exit the game and verify that you copied the files into the destination build’s documented folder, not only the install directory.
- Check whether the destination created a profile-specific subfolder or a different account identifier.
- Confirm that hidden folders and file extensions were preserved.
- Temporarily disable cloud synchronization only if the game’s instructions support doing so; otherwise it may overwrite your restored copy.
- Restore the untouched archive and test one change at a time.
The game reports a corrupt or incompatible save
- Confirm the destination build is the same or a compatible version and has the required downloadable content.
- Look for a developer-provided migration tool or title-specific instructions.
- Do not edit binary save files or rename extensions unless the developer explicitly instructs it.
- Try a newly created destination save first, then compare its folder structure and companion files with the transferred copy.
A cloud conflict appears after restoration
Stop launching repeatedly. Preserve both local versions, note which device created each one, and use the game’s documented conflict process. In Epic’s documented prompt, select the newer file; if the displayed dates do not fit your activity, keep both copies and resolve the mismatch before choosing.
Progress loads but settings or achievements are missing
Some games store settings, profiles, screenshots, or achievement metadata separately from the main save. Recheck the developer’s list of files to transfer. Platform achievements may also be tied to the account service rather than the local save and therefore may not move with it.
The original save was overwritten
Stop the game and pause cloud synchronization if the platform provides a supported way to do so. Check the independent archive, recycle bin, previous-version feature, or another computer that has not launched the game since the overwrite. If no separate copy exists, the launcher may not be able to recover it; Steam Support explicitly says it cannot recover lost saves.
A pre-transfer checklist
- Game and destination launcher identified, including version and operating system.
- Developer save-location and migration instructions checked.
- Cloud support and current synchronization state confirmed.
- Game fully closed before copying.
- Entire save folder and companion files copied outside the working directory.
- Backup labeled with game, launcher, account or profile, and date.
- Destination launched once to create its expected folder.
- Original destination files preserved before replacement.
- Restored save loaded and recent progress verified.
- At least one new save created and reloaded successfully.
- Original archive retained until the transfer is stable.
Bottom line
Back up the files yourself before relying on any launcher. Cloud services are helpful when a game has configured them, but they do not cover every title and do not promise cross-store compatibility. The dependable transfer method is to close the game, follow the developer’s exact source and destination paths, preserve an independent copy, restore cautiously, and verify the result before deleting anything.
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.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
