Where are game saves in Windows 11? Detailed guide

Save your game saves in Windows 11 It may seem like a simple task, but in reality, the system offers a variety of locations where these valuable files are archived depending on the game, distribution platform, and personal settings you use. Know and master the routes of storage It is a great advantage when making backups, migrating equipment or recovering games after a failure.

In this article we bring you a detailed, complete and easy-to-understand guide about the different places where the game saves are stored in Windows 11. If you frequently install games from Steam, other platforms like Ubisoft, EA, or Rockstar, or if you just want to make sure you never lose your progress, you'll find the most up-to-date and helpful information here.

Where do games store their save files in Windows 11?

One of the fundamental aspects for any gamer is to know where are the files that contain your game progress. Windows 11, although it inherits much of its architecture from previous systems, incorporates some particular routes and options. The The location of saved games depends on several factors.: the game itself, the platform from which it was installed, and the configuration preferences during installation.

Typically, most titles use one of these main routes:

• Documents folder User: This is the most common and preferred by many developers for convenience and standardization.
• Folder AppData (Local or Roaming): Quite common for modern games that require storing user data without it being easily visible or accidentally erasable.
• Subfolders within the same game installation directory, especially on older titles or those that don't use external launchers.
• Platform-specific folders, such as steamapps o user data in the case of Steam, or particular routes for Ubisoft, EA or Rockstar.

Knowing how to identify these routes is vital. to make backup copies and avoid losing your progress when you format your computer or change computers.

Steam on Windows 11: Save Game Paths and Management

Steam is undoubtedly the most widely used digital platform for managing PC games. On Windows 11, Games installed from Steam usually follow predetermined paths, although the user can modify them as desired. Below, we'll tell you everything you need to know about key folders:

Steamapps\common folder

By default, Steam installs game files to the following path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common
Inside of common You'll find folders with the names of each game. Although the installation files are mainly stored here, Some titles save progress or settings in subfolders named SAVE, cfg or similar, sometimes within these same folders.

• cfg: Custom configuration files and scripts.
• downloads: Extra content downloaded, usually for multiplayer.
• maps: Custom maps installed or downloaded in online matches.
• materials: Custom textures and skins.
• SAVE: Saved game files from campaign or single player mode games.

Steam\userdata folder

Another relevant location is:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata
Steam stores data linked to each user account here. If there are multiple profiles on your computer, different numerical folders will appear identifying each one. “Userdata” stores progress, settings, and data linked to your Steam account. and is very useful for restoring or transferring games between computers.

Steam Cloud and Cloud Management

Many games automatically back up save files to the cloud (Steam Cloud), making it easy to recover after formatting or changing devices. However, not all titles support this feature., and in some cases it may be advisable to disable it to manage files locally.

To adjust sync, go to your Steam library, right-click on the game, select Properties and tab General admission activates or deactivates the option of Steam Cloud Sync.

Change the installation location of Steam games

If you want to avoid filling up the C: drive, you can select a custom folder to install new games. You just have to go to the settings of Downloads on Steam, search Steam Libraries and add new paths. Although game files usually remain in the above paths, you can install games anywhere you like.

Other platforms: Ubisoft, EA, Rockstar and specifics

Some titles on Steam, such as those from Ubisoft, EA (Origin/EA App), or Rockstar, use their own launchers and store games in specific, different paths:

• Ubisoft: Normally, in C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Ubisoft Game Launcher\savegames\
• EA: En Documents\EA Games
• Rockstar: En C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Local\Rockstar Games\

Therefore, if you manage multiple platforms, it's a good idea to check the save paths for each launcher, as they may vary depending on the system or configuration.

Windows system folders used to save games

Save files are often stored in specific folders within the operating system itself. These include:

Documents Folder

This is the most common and accessible location for most games. The typical route is:
C:\Users\[Your User]\Documents\

Inside, there is usually a folder with the name of the game or developer, where the progress data is stored.

It's very easy to access from File Explorer, in "This PC" and then in the Documents folder.

Saved Games Folder

For some newer titles, save files are located in Saved GamesThe usual route is:
C:\Users\[Your User]\Saved Games\

Within this, subfolders appear by game or developer, being a less common but very useful option in certain AAA titles.

AppData folder

Alternatively AppData, where some games store settings, saves, or bug reports in paths like:
C:\Users\[Your User]\AppData\Local\ o C:\Users\[Your User]\AppData\Roaming\

These files can accumulate with There and take up space, so it's a good idea to check them periodically, especially if you're short on storage.