How do I move where Steam saves games?

Moving Where Steam Saves Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms, allowing users to purchase, download, and play a vast array of games. By default, Steam saves games in its local directory, which may be inconvenient for users with multiple storage drives or preferences for organizing their game collections. In this article, we will guide you through the process of moving Steam games to a different location.

Why Move Steam Games?

There are several reasons why you may want to move your Steam games to a different location. These include:

• Free up space on your C drive
• Organize your game collection across multiple drives
• Back up your games on an external hard drive
• Clean up your C drive of clutter and excess data

Method 1: Move Games Using Steam Library

1. Create a New Steam Library Folder
   Go to the Steam Client > Settings > Downloads, and click on "Steam Library Folders". Then, click the "plus" symbol (+) at the top right corner and create a new folder to move your games to.

New Steam Library Folder

1. Select the Game(s) to Move
   From the Steam Library folder list, select the game(s) you want to move.

Select Games

1. Choose the New Location
   Navigate to the new Steam Library folder you created in Step 1, and click the "Move" button to move the selected games to the new location.

Move Games

Method 2: Move Games Manually

1. Create a New Folder
   Create a new folder on the location you want to move your Steam games to.

New Folder

1. Copy Steam Folder
   Copy the Steam folder (C:Program Files (x86)Steam) to the new location.

Copy Steam Folder

1. Edit Steam Shortcut
   Right-click on the Steam shortcut and select "Properties". Update the target directory to point to the new location.

Update Steam Shortcut

1. Update Steam Games

For each game you moved, update the installation path in the Steam Properties by right-clicking on the game in the Library list and selecting "Properties" > "Local Files" > "Move to". Then, navigate to the new location and confirm the move.

Update Steam Games

Troubleshooting and Considerations

• Make sure the new location has sufficient free space to accommodate your Steam games.
• You can move individual games, game folders, or all of your Steam games to a new location.
• Note: Moving your Steam games will not change any game saves, preferences, or settings. All your game data will be retained.
• If you are experiencing issues with games after moving, try re-setting the game’s permissions and restarting the game.
• Tip: For additional security, consider encrypting your external hard drive and backing up your game saves regularly.

Conclusion

Moving Steam games is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps. Whether you’re looking to free up space on your C drive, organize your game collection, or clean up your Steam library, following the methods outlined above will help you achieve your goal. Remember to carefully follow the steps, considering troubleshooting and potential issues before you begin.