What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Before reinstalling Windows or moving to another PC, protect Steam saves in two ways: let Steam Cloud finish syncing when the game supports it, and make a separate copy of the game’s actual save files. Steam’s game-file Backup feature is a different thing and may not include saves. Because each game chooses where and how it stores progress, verify the save location and keep the original copy until the game loads your expected progress on the new system.
Know what each Steam backup method protects
| Method | What it does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Cloud | Synchronizes files selected for Cloud by the game’s developer. | Support is game-specific. A Steam Cloud logo on the Store page is a useful clue, not proof that every save, mode, or platform combination is covered. |
| Steam Backup feature | Creates a backup of compatible game installation files. | Do not assume it contains saves. Valve-game backups omit saved games and certain custom content; third-party save locations are set by their developers. |
| Separate save-file copy | Copies the actual save folder to another location, such as a separate drive. | First identify the game’s real save location. It may be outside Steam’s folders, and the folder structure should be preserved. |
These methods can complement one another, but none is a substitute for checking the specific game’s save coverage and location. Steam notes that some titles using third-party installers or downloaders are not compatible with its Backup feature.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Back up saves before reinstalling or switching PCs
- Check whether the game uses Steam Cloud. Open the game’s Steam Store page and look for the Steam Cloud logo. For exact coverage, consult the developer or the game’s community: developers choose which user files Cloud includes.
- Sync the old PC while online. Open Steam and allow the game to synchronize. If Steam reports a sync error, resolve it before launching the game; playing with an unresolved mismatch can create a conflict or lose progress. If you see a Cloud conflict, compare the displayed file dates with your recent play history and choose the version that matches the progress you intend to keep.
- Find the game’s actual save location. Start with the Steam
userdatafolder paths below, but do not assume they contain every live save. Check the game developer’s instructions if the location is unclear. On Windows,DocumentsMy Gamesis one possible location for some third-party games whose saves are not stored in Steam Cloud. - Copy the save folder separately. Copy the identified files or folder to another safe location, such as a separate drive, keeping the folder structure intact. Check dates before replacing an existing copy so you do not overwrite newer progress. A manual copy is useful only if it contains the game’s actual saves.
- Install or move Steam, then restore carefully. On the new installation, let Steam Cloud sync if the game supports it. If Cloud presents a conflict, compare dates against your play history before choosing a version. Restore your separate copy to the location specified by the developer, taking care not to overwrite a newer save without checking it.
- Verify before removing the old copy. Launch the game and confirm that the expected progress loads. Keep the original PC’s save files until you have verified the new installation. Steam recommends testing backups after creation because interruptions or other interference can leave them incomplete.
Steam Cloud file paths to check
Steam documents these default locations for local Steam Cloud files. Inside userdata, account-ID folders contain game folders identified by AppID.
| Operating system | Documented default path |
|---|---|
| Windows | C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata |
| Linux | ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata |
These paths are leads to local Cloud files, not universal locations for every game’s active saves. Some games store saves elsewhere, and developers determine where third-party games save their data.
#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.
If Steam shows a Cloud conflict or progress is missing
Resolve a conflict before continuing
Steam says a conflict can occur when local and Cloud files differ because files changed in two places without synchronization. Offline Mode can leave a game unsynchronized until the next online session. Compare the dates shown for the conflicting versions with where and when you last played; do not choose solely on the assumption that the Cloud copy is newer.
Check the old PC if a save appears lost
If progress is missing after a move, the original machine may still have the save and may be able to sync it. Steam Support says it generally cannot recover lost saves or resolve Cloud conflicts, and some non-Cloud saves may not be recoverable if the old machine is unavailable. That is why an independent copy and verification before wiping the old system matter.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of 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 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.
If you are moving the Steam installation too
Steam’s migration guidance discusses moving the steamapps folder and preserving userdata. That helps with the Steam installation and local Steam data, but it does not replace locating saves stored elsewhere by an individual game. Check the developer’s save-location instructions and copy those files separately when needed.
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 →Quick Recap
Best Value
- [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.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of 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
- 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 #3
- 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.
Official Steam guidance
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.
