Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To preserve a PC game for future offline installation, keep more than its installed folder: save the installer or storefront backup, every required patch and DLC file, saves and configuration, dependency information, and instructions for restoring it. Then test the complete archive on a disconnected computer or installation before relying on it. GOG’s offline installers can install without its client once downloaded; Steam’s backup feature is convenient but remains client- and game-dependent.
What should a complete PC game backup contain?
A useful preservation set is the collection of files and notes needed to reinstall a particular edition of a game and recover the parts of your playthrough that matter to you. A copy of the game directory alone may omit the installer, separate content, saved games, settings, or files supplied by another launcher.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Build the archive around the exact version you want to keep. Record the edition, language, patch level, installed DLC, and any modifications. These details matter when you later need to distinguish a complete set from a folder that merely looks plausible.
- Install source: Keep the complete offline installer set or the storefront’s supported backup files.
- Patches and DLC: Save any separate installers or downloads needed for the version and content you intend to preserve.
- Saves and configuration: Identify and copy these separately when they are outside the game’s installation folder or not included by the backup tool.
- Mods and custom files: Preserve them separately from a clean copy of the game so you can tell which files belong to the original installation and which were added later.
- Dependencies and setup notes: Record required DirectX or Visual C++ redistributables, product keys, compatibility settings, launcher requirements, and the last operating system on which you know the game worked.
- Documentation: Keep a short inventory and restore notes with the files, including the install order and any errors encountered during testing.
Not every title needs every item. The inventory is how you establish what applies to this specific game rather than assuming that its folder contains everything.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Which backup method should I use: GOG offline installers or Steam Backup?
For standalone installation, GOG’s account-page offline installers are the more independent option: download all required installer parts and keep them together. Steam’s built-in backup is useful for moving or reinstalling supported games, but it depends on Steam and does not include every title or every user file.
| Method | What it preserves | What to check separately | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOG offline installer | Installer files for the game and, where provided, separate DLC, language files, and extras. | Every setup part, separate content, saves, configuration, dependencies, and any title-specific activation requirement. | You must download and retain the full set. The files do not preserve online services or features that depend on them. |
| Steam Backup | A Steam-supported backup set for a game that the feature supports. | Custom files, saves, configuration, mods, and any title-specific files the backup does not include. | It is client-dependent; some games using third-party installers or downloaders are excluded. |
| Copy of an installed game folder | The files present in that directory at the time of copying. | Installer, storefront or launcher requirements, saves, settings, registry or system dependencies, patches, and DLC located elsewhere. | It is not, by itself, evidence that the game can be reinstalled or launched on another system. |
The right choice depends on what is available for your edition. If you own a GOG version, use its offline installer route and retain the complete set. For a Steam title, use Steam’s Backup game files function when available, then preserve excluded user data independently. A directory copy can be an additional reference, but should not replace an installer or supported backup.
How do I download and organize GOG offline installers?
Use the game’s account page to download the offline backup installers. GOG labels the option “DOWNLOAD OFFLINE BACKUP GAME INSTALLERS.” If the page offers multiple setup parts, download every required part; an incomplete set may not install.
- Open the game in your GOG account. Find its offline backup installer downloads rather than relying only on a client-managed installation.
- Download the complete installer set. Include every numbered setup part and any separately offered DLC, language file, or extra you want to preserve.
- Keep related files together. Place the game installer and its associated files in one clearly named folder. Do not rename parts in a way that could obscure their order or relationship.
- Add an inventory note. Record the game edition, language, installer files present, separately downloaded content, and the date you made the archive.
- Test installation from the saved files. Use the archive itself as the source, not a still-installed copy or a fresh download, and verify the game starts without a network connection.
Offline installers make installation less dependent on a storefront client, but they do not imply that every feature is offline or that an account service can never be required for a particular title. Verify the behavior of the edition you have.
Rank #2
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
How do I make a Steam game backup?
Steam’s documented path is Library → select the game → Properties → Installed Files → Backup game files. Choose the game and follow Steam’s prompts to create the backup set, then copy or burn that set to separate storage.
- Start with the installed title. In Steam’s Library, open the game’s Properties and select Installed Files.
- Choose “Backup game files.” Complete the client’s backup flow for that game.
- Move the resulting set off the computer. Keep it on separate storage rather than treating the original PC’s drive as the only copy. Steam documents moving or burning backups.
- Copy user-created data separately. Steam warns that some custom files and saves may need to be copied independently. Include configuration and mod files you want to retain.
- Restore and test the set. Steam recommends testing backup media after creation to check file integrity before future reinstallation.
Steam Backup is not a universal export of every component needed by every game. Steam says some titles that use third-party installers or downloaders are not supported by the feature. Even for a supported title, do not assume that saves or custom files are included; check the restored game and your own inventory.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow can I preserve saves, settings, and mods?
Treat player data as its own preservation task. A game’s installer and a storefront backup may not include saves, configuration, or modifications, so identify those locations for each title and copy the files you want to keep.
- Find the game’s documented save and configuration locations. Check the game’s own support information or settings rather than assuming data is stored in the installation directory.
- Preserve the state you need. If you want to retain progress, copy the saves. If a configuration makes the game usable on your hardware, record it or retain the relevant files.
- Keep mods distinct from originals. Save mod files and installation notes in a separate folder. Maintain an unmodified archive as well as any compatibility-modified version.
- Label versions clearly. Note which save, configuration, or mod set goes with which game edition and patch level, so you do not accidentally combine mismatched files.
- Test data restoration. After installing the game, restore the copied user data and check that the game can load it. Keep an untouched copy in case a test changes or overwrites files.
Cloud synchronization can be convenient while a service is available, but an archive intended for long-term preservation should not depend on being able to retrieve data from that service later.
Rank #3
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
What dependencies and setup details should I write down?
Record requirements that may be easy to forget after the original PC is gone. The goal is not to predict every future compatibility problem; it is to preserve what you know about the working installation and the files it needed.
- Required DirectX or Visual C++ redistributables, including any installer files you are lawfully able to retain.
- Whether the game needs a storefront client, an external launcher, a product key, or an account sign-in to install or start.
- Compatibility settings you applied and the operating system on which you last confirmed the game worked.
- The order for installing the base game, patches, and DLC, if separate files are involved.
- Any error messages or special steps observed during a successful restore test.
A note such as “worked on this PC” is less useful than a record of the title and edition, the operating system, the configuration changes, and the exact content installed. Keep the notes with the archive so they survive a computer replacement.
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 →How do I test that my archive really works offline?
Restore the archive on a separate directory or spare computer, disconnect it from the network, and test a complete launch-and-save cycle. Steam recommends testing backups, and The Strong National Museum of Play’s Digital Preservation Handbook also recommends offline testing.
- Choose a clean test environment. Use a separate directory or spare computer so the test does not overwrite your working installation or original archive.
- Disconnect the network. This checks whether the files you retained are enough for the installation and launch you are trying to preserve, rather than silently relying on an online download.
- Install the files in order. Use the saved installer or restore the Steam backup, then apply the preserved patches and DLC as appropriate.
- Apply documented requirements. Use the compatibility settings and dependencies recorded in your notes.
- Launch, save, quit, and relaunch. Confirm that the game starts and that a saved game can be written and loaded again.
- Record the result. Note the environment, what worked, and any error or missing component. Update the inventory, but do not alter the clean original archive to conceal a problem.
A successful test establishes that the archived files worked in that test environment; it does not guarantee compatibility with every future operating system or hardware configuration. If the test fails, determine whether the missing requirement is an installer part, user file, dependency, launcher, or online service before changing the clean copy.
Rank #4
- 【Plug-and-Play Expandability】 With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use in Windows（For Mac，first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
- 【Fast Data Transfers 】The external hard drives with the USB 3.0 cable to provide super fast transfer speed. The theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s, and the write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- 【High capacity in a small enclosure 】The small, lightweight design offers up to 500GB capacity, offering ample space for storing large files, multimedia content, and backups with ease. Weighing only 0.35 Lbs, it's easy to carry "
- 【Wide Compatibility】Supports PS4 5/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac and other operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with game consoles,various laptops and desktops .
- Important Notes for PS/Xbox Gaming Devices: You can play last-gen games (PS4 / Xbox One) directly from an external hard drive. However, to play current-gen games (PS5 / Xbox Series X|S), you must copy them to the console's internal SSD first. The external drive is great for keeping your library on hand, but it can't run the new games.
How should I store and verify multiple copies?
Keep at least two copies on separate storage media, rather than leaving the only archive on the PC that holds the game. An external hard drive is a practical working copy; recordable optical media can be an additional offline copy, consistent with Steam’s documented option to move or burn backups.
Keep a clean original installer or backup set separate from any copy you modify for compatibility. Checksums or hashes can help detect silent corruption: record a hash for each archived file or package, then compare it with the retained record when you later verify the archive. A matching hash indicates the file has not changed relative to that record; it does not prove the game will install or run.
Use clear names and an inventory that identifies the game, edition, version or patch level, language, included DLC, and location of saves and notes. Do not assume a single archive captures every update: a frequently updated game may have changed since the files were made, so the backup represents the particular historical version you saved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can a game archive not preserve?
An archive preserves files, not the services or rights needed to use every feature. Online multiplayer, cloud services, leaderboards, account systems, and other server-dependent features can remain unavailable even when the base game launches offline.
Best Value
- High-capacity external hard drive with up to 2TB of storage The ModusTech Facet portable external hard drive gives you dependable HDD storage in a slim 2.5-inch design. Multiple capacities available up to 2TB — back up photos, videos, music, documents, and game libraries with room to grow. A trusted external storage solution for everyday backup, media archives, and creative work.
- USB-C and USB 3.1 connectivity with included 2-in-1 cable The Facet ships with a USB-C to USB-C cable and tethered USB-A adapter, so this external hard drive connects to modern laptops, USB-C iPhones, tablets, and older USB-A computers without buying an extra cable. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) interface delivers real-world transfer speeds up to 100MB/s — fast enough to back up 50GB of files in about 8 minutes.
- Plug-and-play external hard drive for PC, Mac, and laptops Preformatted in exFAT and ready to use the moment you plug it in. The Facet works out of the box with Windows PCs, macOS Macs, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and laptops — no drivers, no software, no setup required. A true plug-and-play external hard drive built for everyday use across every major operating system.
- External hard drive for PS4, Xbox One, and Smart TV gaming The Facet is compatible with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Smart TVs with USB support. PS4 and Xbox One games run directly from the drive — plug it in, format through the console, and add to your storage. Also works with Smart TVs that support USB recording or external media playback.
- Slim, shock-resistant portable external hard drive — 160g At 2.5 inches and just 160g, this portable external hard drive is bus-powered through a single USB-C cable — no separate power adapter, no extra cables. Slim enough for a laptop bag, jacket pocket, or camera bag, with a shockresistant casing and faceted diamond-texture top panel that resists fingerprints and everyday wear. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty from ModusTech, a consumer electronics brand specializing in external storage.
Steam Offline Mode is not a guarantee that every Steam game works without a connection. Titles that require an active connection or rely on some external launchers may fail offline. Test the specific game and edition; do not infer offline support from the presence of an installed copy.
Preserve only files you lawfully acquired and follow the license and law that apply in your jurisdiction. Keeping a backup does not grant permission to redistribute it or bypass an activation mechanism. GOG’s developer guidance describes its approach as “DRM-free” and “copy protection is a NO,” but that statement is not a universal description of other storefronts or individual games.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall a GOG game if I lose access to the internet?
Only if you already have the complete offline installer set stored locally. The account page is where the downloads are offered, so it cannot supply files to a disconnected computer that were never downloaded.
Will a preserved game still work after its publisher shuts down?
It may, if its installation and launch do not require an unavailable account or server service. An archive cannot recreate a server, authentication system, or online-only feature that has gone away.
Does keeping an old game backup let me share it with a friend?
No. A preserved copy is for safeguarding files you lawfully acquired; it does not itself grant redistribution rights. Check the applicable license and law before transferring copies.
What does a checksum prove about my game backup?
It can show whether a file still matches the version for which you recorded the checksum. It cannot establish that the archive includes every required file or that the game will run on a particular system.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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.
