Before installing downloadable content (DLC), make sure you have a current copy of the game’s save—not just a backup of the game installation. The right method depends on the platform and title: check cloud-save status and timestamps, use a manual copy only if the game and system support it, and avoid choosing an upload, download, or restore option until you know which copy it will replace.
Before you start: identify the save you need to protect
- Confirm the exact game, edition, platform, and account or profile that owns the save. Save handling can differ between games and systems.
- Close the game normally so it has a chance to finish writing the latest progress. Check the game or platform’s save status and timestamp before making a backup.
- Keep the backup separate and untouched while installing the DLC. Afterward, reopen the game and verify that the expected profile and save are present before deleting or replacing anything.
Installing DLC is not established as a general cause of save loss. These precautions are useful because cloud sync, restoring a backup, or copying the wrong save can create overwrite problems.
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Choose a backup method your game supports
| Method | What to check | Main risk or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud save | Whether the game uses the platform’s cloud service, whether it has synced, and which copy has the newer timestamp. | An upload, download, or restore may replace another copy; cloud saves are not automatically a versioned archive. |
| Manual save copy | Whether the platform and game permit copying or exporting the save, and the documented save location or procedure. | Procedures vary. A backup of installation files may not include the save. |
| Game-specific backup | Whether the title has its own documented backup or restoration feature and what it restores. | Restoring saved data may not install or restore DLC itself. |
Back up on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Save Data Cloud requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo’s instructions allow cloud backups to be downloaded from a game’s software menu or from System Settings; automatic downloads are also available when enabled. See Nintendo’s instructions for downloading Save Data Cloud backups.
Before choosing an upload or download, compare the most recent console and cloud save timestamps. Nintendo advises uploading the console copy if it is newer, or downloading the cloud copy if that is newer. Downloading is an overwrite, not a harmless check: Nintendo warns, “Save data downloaded from the backup will replace the existing save data on the console for that game. The overwritten data cannot be recovered.” Follow Nintendo’s guidance for missing cloud backup files and timestamps before selecting which copy to keep.
#1 Best Overall
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Nintendo states that if a membership expires, users can regain access to cloud backups by starting a new membership within 180 days. This is the policy described in Nintendo’s support guidance, not a guarantee covering every account circumstance.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons uses a separate island backup
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a game-specific island backup and restoration process. Nintendo says DLC must be downloaded on a replacement console to access that content after island data is restored. The example shows why restoring a save and installing add-on content are separate tasks; it should not be assumed to describe every game. See Nintendo’s island save backup and restoration instructions.
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Back up on Steam or another PC storefront
Steam Cloud applies to games that use the feature. Steam says offline play delays syncing until the game is back online and can lead to a sync conflict. Check the game’s sync status before proceeding, and read Steam’s Steam Cloud guidance if it reports a conflict. Steam also says it is unlikely that support can recover lost saves.
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Do not treat Steam’s Backup Feature as a save backup. Valve says backups of Valve-created games do not include saved games, and third-party games may store saves in different locations. Find the specific game’s documented save location or export method, then copy the save itself to separate storage if supported. See Valve’s explanation of the Steam Backup Feature.
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Use a manual or USB backup only when supported
A USB storage device can be useful if your platform and game allow individual save data to be copied. Activision recommends backing up saved game data to online or USB storage before deleting it, but that does not establish a universal USB procedure for every console or title. Follow the instructions for your exact system and game; do not assume that copying installation files also copies saves. Activision’s support guidance on clearing cache and deleting files describes its recommendation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the save is missing after installation
- Stop before repeatedly opening and saving the game across multiple devices. A newer sync could replace the copy you are trying to preserve.
- Check the platform’s cloud-sync or conflict status and compare the cloud and local timestamps, where available. Do not select an overwrite, restore, or download option until you know which copy it will replace.
- Use the game’s or platform’s documented recovery steps for that title and system. If the game has a special backup feature, follow its own instructions rather than assuming a general cloud-save procedure applies.
This cautious approach follows the documented overwrite warning for Nintendo Switch cloud saves and Steam’s notice that offline play can contribute to cloud conflicts; exact recovery options depend on the game and platform.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #4
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
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