How to Back Up Your Steam Games to Another Computer [Step-by-Step Guide]

Steam is the most popular and comprehensive digital distribution platform, where users can purchase, download, and discuss games.

Many gamers have a ton of Steam games downloaded on their computers, and the question of how to back up Steam games to another computer comes up when they want to switch to a new device or play their Steam games on another PC without redownloading everything.

Don't miss this article, where we'll introduce you to three solutions that will help you achieve this easily. But before we get started, let's first learn how to identify the type of game files you want to back up.

[[1\] Types of Game Files](#1) Game files come in various types, each containing different data and resources required for the game to function. Here are some common game file formats: 1. **.exe** - Executable File: The main program of the game on Windows systems that initiates and runs the game. 2. **.dll** - Dynamic Link Library: These files hold shared functions and code needed during game runtime. 3. **.pak** or **.zip** - Archive Files: Frequently used to store game assets like textures, models, and audio, which can be unpacked and accessed by the game engine. 4. **.cfg** - Configuration Files: Save player settings and options, such as resolution and control schemes. 5. **.sav** - Game Save: Records a player's progress, allowing the game to be resumed from a specific point. 6. **.map** - Map Files: Contain layout information for game levels and environments. 7. **.dat** - Data Files: Can hold various game data, like character attributes and item information. 8. **.xml** - Structured Data Files: Used for storing organized game data that is easily parsed and edited. 9. **.dds** / **.tga** / **.png** - Image Files: Common formats for storing textures and images within games. 10. **.wav** / **.mp3** / **.ogg** - Audio Files: Include sound effects and music for the game. 11. **.script** or **.lua** - Script Files: Used to write game logic and interactions. 12. **.model** - 3D Model Files: Describe the 3D shapes of characters, objects, etc., within the game. 13. **.anim** - Animation Files: Contain sequences of animations for characters or objects. 14. **.json** - JSON Data Files: A lightweight data interchange format for storing various configurations or structured game data. Keep in mind that different games may use different file formats, and this list only provides some typical examples.

Game files can come in many different types, and the type you need will vary based on what you're trying to do.

The first are the game's local files, which are responsible for running the game. If you want to save time by not having to redownload the game on a new computer, backing these up is necessary.

However, these local files do not contain your save games and other personal data. In other words, you'll have to back up a different type of file to load previous progress on a new device.

Here's a breakdown of the files that make up a Steam game with custom content, which Steam also separates into its own folder.

• Saves - Game saves.
• Cfg - Configuration files and scripts.
• Materials - Custom skins or textures.
• Downloads - Custom content for multiplayer games.
• Maps - Installed custom maps for multiplayer games.

You can usually find such game files in the following locations:

## 3 Ways to Backup Steam Games to Another Computer

With that in mind, you should now have an idea of what types of files you need to back up to another computer. Choose your preferred method from the three options we've provided to back up your game files.

```html
1. Method 1: Search in File Explorer
2. Method 2: Backup with Steam's Built-in Features
3. Method 3: Use Specialist Backup Software
``` Note: The HTML tags have been retained, and the Chinese content has been translated into English.

Method 1: Search in File Explorer

The first method involves manually locating the files you want to back up through the Windows File Explorer, copying them, and then pasting them to an external hard drive or uploading them to cloud storage.

We'll go through the entire process using an example – backing up Cyberpunk 2077 saves, in this case.

Step 1. Launch File Explorer and navigate to where it's saved.

Step 2 . Right-click the entire folder and copy it to your external HDD.

The speed of this process will depend on the size of the files you're backing up. If you're backing up game local files this way, be prepared for it to take a while.

Method 2: Backing Up Through Built-in Steam Functions

Steam has a built-in tool that can help you back up or restore your game files, but it only backs up the local game files, not your saves or other custom data.

Here's how to back up your game files to another computer using Steam:

Start up Steam.

Step 1: Go to Steam > Backup and Restore Games.

Step 2. Choose the Backup installed programs option, and click Next.

Step 3: Here, you'll see the games or programs installed on your old computer. Select the game you want to back up and click “Next.”

Step 4: Click on Browse to choose the backup location, then click on Next.

Choose the backup destination location

Step 5: Follow the Steam prompts to begin the backup process.

While this won't back up game saves or other personal settings, some games support Steam Cloud Syncing. This automatically uploads your save files to servers provided by Steam. When you download the game on your new computer, Steam will sync your progress up to where it was last auto-saved.

However, the Steam Cloud service might be unstable at the moment. Many Steam users have reported the same issue - the Steam Cloud not working. So, I recommend backing up your important game saves individually or your Steam Cloud data. You can read the following article for more information.

How to Backup Steam Cloud Saves in 2023

This article provides a detailed guide on how to back up your Steam cloud saves.

Method 3: Use a Backup Program

Both are simple enough, but they have their limitations. Manual backups are tedious and time-consuming; Steam only backs up your game's local files.

For Steam gamers, we recommend you to backup games with more professional tools. Let's get to know about Todo Backup Home.

Tools Todo Backup Home is an automatic backup software that provides the best backup features for gamers. Whether it's local game files, save files, or other custom data, Tools can back it up to another location in no time.

If no USB device is available, you can also save all your backup data to the free cloud space provided by tools, and recover your data anytime, anywhere.

In addition to helping you back up your game files to a new computer, Tools can do so much more. You can use Tools TBH to create a scheduled backup plan for your game. Whenever there are changes to your game data, Tools can automatically create an updated copy of your game files using incremental backup mode.

Of course, tools can also back up and migrate your system, automatically clone a hard drive, providing the most secure protection for all your data.

Here are the steps to back up game files to another computer using Todo Backup Home:

Step 1. Tap “Select Backup” to start the backup process.

There are four backup types: File, Disk, System, and Email; click on File.

Step 3: This displays the files on your computer and network. Expand the directories to choose the files you want to back up.

File Backup

Step 4. Choose where you want to save your backup, following the on-screen instructions.

Click “Options,” and set a password for encrypted backups under “Backup Options.” You can also set backup times and events under “Backup Schedule.” There are many other options you can customize during the backup process.

Step 5: You can save the backup to your local drive, to TOOLS' online service, or to a NAS.

Step 6: Todo Backup lets you back up your data to third-party cloud storage and your own cloud storage.

To back up to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Disk, scroll down, and add a Cloud Device, then sign in to your account.

You can also save the backup to the YiDu cloud storage service. After tapping YiDu Cloud, sign up for and log in to your YiDu account.

7. Click Back Up Now to start the backup. When it's done, it'll appear in a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click it to manage the backup job.

Conclusions

If you're wondering how to back up your Steam games to another computer, look no further. This article will teach you three simple ways to do it.

Of course, we recommend tools Todo Backup Home, which can back up PC game saves, local game files, and all custom content, as well as being a great tool for everyday data protection.

For more on saving your game, see .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I move a Steam game to another computer without downloading it again?

You can move your Steam games to another computer without having to redownload them by using a built-in Steam feature. Here's how:

Step 1: Open Steam and navigate to Steam > Games > Backup and Restore.

Second, choose “Backup installed programs,” and click “Next.”

Step 3: Choose the game you want to move, then tap “Next.”

4. Now click on the “Browse” button to choose a backup location, and then click “Next.”

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the backup process.

Step 6 On the other PC, restore the backup.

How to recover Steam games from another drive?

You can restore your Steam games from another drive by following these steps.

Step 1: Open Steam and navigate to Steam > Backup and Restore Games.

Step 2: Tap on “Restore from this backup” and then tap on “Next”.

Step 3: Restore the program from the hard drive folder.