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You can move an installed game between Steam library folders without uninstalling it. Save safety is a separate issue: Steam Cloud syncs only the games and files their developers support, and local save locations vary by game. Before uninstalling or moving the entire Steam installation, confirm the game’s sync status and make a separate copy of any saves you cannot afford to lose.
Choose the right Steam workflow
| What you want to do | Use this method | Save-file consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Install a game on another drive | Create or select a Steam library location on that drive when installing. | Installing to another library does not itself establish where the game stores saves. |
| Move one or more installed games on this computer | Settings > Storage, then select the current drive, choose the game, and click Move. | Steam’s move action relocates game files; check Cloud sync and local saves separately. |
| Move the Steam client and its installation folder | Follow Steam’s separate installation-move procedure, preserving the specified folders. | Back up saves and other irreplaceable user files first; this is more involved than moving a game. |
| Remove a game | Use the game’s Steam uninstall option only after checking save coverage and preserving local saves as needed. | Do not assume uninstalling either always keeps or always deletes saves. |
Protect saves before you move or uninstall
Steam Cloud is optional on a per-game basis. Developers decide whether a game uses it and which files it syncs. A Steam store page can indicate Cloud support, but check the game’s documentation or ask its developer or publisher if you need to know exactly what is covered. Steam Cloud settings can be changed globally or for an individual game; if Cloud is disabled for a game, progress that would otherwise sync remains on that computer.
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Check sync status before proceeding
- Make sure Steam is online and the game has finished syncing before you remove files or uninstall.
- If Steam reports a sync failure, resolve it before launching the game. Starting it anyway can create a conflict or risk losing progress.
- If Steam presents a choice between local and cloud copies, compare their timestamps and progress before choosing. Do not select one reflexively.
- If you played offline, reconnect and allow Steam to sync before changing or removing the installation.
Find and copy local saves when Cloud coverage is uncertain
There is no universal save folder. Steam says many third-party games that do not use Cloud store saves or profiles under Windows DocumentsMy Games, but each developer chooses where its game saves files. Check that particular game’s documentation or support information, then copy the relevant save files to a safe location before uninstalling or deleting folders.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSteam Backup is not a substitute for a separate save copy. Valve-created-game backups omit saved games and custom files, and third-party save locations vary.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch 1 (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2), smartphones, and tablets
- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
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Install a game to a different drive
Steam installs games to the default library unless you create another library location. In Steam, open Settings > Storage and use the plus button to add a library path on a compatible drive with enough free space. Choose that library as the destination when installing a game.
Steam’s documentation gives C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon as an example of the default Windows game folder; your actual path can differ. Steam cautions that external hard drives may cause performance problems or disconnect unexpectedly. It does not prescribe a particular drive model or capacity.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch 1 (NOT compatible with Nintendo-Switch 2), smartphones, and tablets
- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
- Built to endure with temperature resistance, waterproofing, x-ray protection, and more
Move an installed game using Steam Storage
For a single game or a selection of games on the same computer, use Steam’s supported library move rather than uninstalling and reinstalling:
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 →- If the destination drive does not already have a Steam library, open Steam > Settings > Storage and use the plus button to create one.
- In Storage, select the drive that currently contains the game.
- Select the game or games you want to relocate and click Move.
- Choose the destination library and let Steam finish moving the files before launching the game.
This relocates installed game files between libraries; it is not a whole-client move and does not replace the save precautions above.
Rank #3
- Note: NOT compatible with Switch2 Please note that this product is not a microSD Express card and is not compatible with Switch2 for game storage or save data. If used in the Switch2, it may only support limited functions such as storing screenshots or videos, but will not allow game installation or save file access.
- Designed for dependable storage on portable gaming consoles
- Steam Deck users: For optimal gaming performance, including the ability to store and load video games, we suggest using a Gen4x4 2230 SSD.
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
- SmartPhones: S20, S20+, S20 ultra 5G, S10 lite, S10, S10+ A22, A22 5G, A52 5G, A32 5G, A52, A72, A32, A02s, A12, A21, A71 5G, A51 5G, A20s, Note 10+, J4 Core, J8, J7 Star, J7, Note 10 Plus. SAMSUNG TABLETS: Tab S7 FE 5G, Tab S7 FE, Tab A7 Lite, Tab A7 10.4 (2020), Tab Active 3, Tab S7, Tab S7+, Tab S6 Lite, Tab S6, Tab A 8.0 (2017), Book S and 10th Generation Fire Tablets.
Move the entire Steam installation
Moving the Steam client folder is a separate process from moving one game. Steam’s simple Windows procedure requires you to exit Steam, preserve steamapps, userdata, and steam.exe, move the Steam folder, then launch Steam from its new location and log in. Have your account login available and make a copy of steamapps before starting. If you are unsure about handling folders, use the per-game Storage move instead.
Steam does not recommend an external hard drive for this move because of possible performance issues. If the simple move fails, Steam provides a more thorough reinstall-and-restore procedure. After a successful full-installation move, verify game files: open Library > right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
Rank #4
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
If Steam shows a moved game as uninstalled
A game appearing as uninstalled does not prove its files have been erased. If its game folder is still in the correct location, start the install process; Steam may recognize the existing files. If it was in an alternate library, add that existing library folder through Settings > Storage. If Steam still cannot recognize the files, Steam’s guidance is to reinstall the game.
What Steam Backup does—and does not—cover
Steam Backup is intended for games that download, install, and patch completely through Steam. Some titles that rely on third-party installers or downloaders are not compatible. To create a backup, open Library > right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Backup game files. Steam recommends testing backups after creating them.
Best Value
- CAPTURE LARGER THAN LIFE. Unlock startling 5K[3] point-of-view and pristine high-res stills with video speed class ratings of U3 and V30[4].
- SPEED BARRIERS SHATTERED. Save precious moments with rapid read speeds up to 245MB/s[2] and write speeds up to 170MB/s[2] [256GB-1TB capacities[1]].
- MAXIMIZE WITH MASSIVE CAPACITY. Record longer and store more with up to 2TB[1] of storage.
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON. SANDISK microSD cards are temperature proof, humidity proof, waterproof, shock proof, drop proof, magnet proof, X-ray proof and wear-out proof[7].
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[10].
For Valve-created games, the backup omits saved games, custom multiplayer maps, and configuration files. For third-party games, save locations depend on the developer, and those files may need to be copied back to their corresponding folders after restoring. Keep a separate copy of important saves and custom content.
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