How to move Steam games to another PC without losing anything

If you have changed your computer or are going to do so soon, one of the first concerns that arises is What happens to your Steam games?Redownloading them can be a nightmare, especially if you have a lot of titles or a slow internet connection. But don't worry, because It is entirely possible to move your Steam games to another PC without having to reinstall them.In this guide, we'll explain all the viable ways to do this, step by step, with practical recommendations for each case.

Steam offers several alternatives, both its own and through third-party tools, that allow you to transfer your library safely and securely. We'll show you how to do it correctly, without complications, and while keeping your saved games whenever possible. Get ready to move your collection to another computer without any problems.

What should you keep in mind before moving games?

Before you start copying files from one place to another, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your Steam and game transfer works properly:

• Install Steam on the new PCIt's essential to have the Steam client fully installed before attempting to transfer games. Without it, you won't be able to validate ownership.
• Check your disk space. Make sure the destination has enough capacity to accommodate all the games you plan to copy.
• Use the same Steam username on the new computer. If you use a different account, even if the games are copied, you won't be able to run them.
• Remember Some games save files to the cloud, while others do it locally. You can lose settings or games if you don't take this into account.

Method 1: Backup with Steam Tool

Steam offers a built-in feature to make full backups of your games. This method is ideal if you want to save games as compressed files and restore them later on another computer.

Steps to create a backup:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right click on the game you want to save and select Properties.
3. In the section of Installed files, press Back up your game.
4. Choose a location (ideally an external hard drive) and click on Create backup.

Steam will create files with the .csd and .csm extensions. These represent the compressed game data, ready to be restored later.

To restore games on your new PC:

1. Install Steam, log in, and go to the main menu at the top.
2. Click on Steam > Restore a backup.
3. Select the location where you saved the files and follow the wizard.

This method is reliable, but does not save custom settings or mods (unless they're inside the game folder). Cloud save files are retained if the game supports them.

Method 2: Copy the “steamapps” folder manually

One of the most direct and effective methods is to manually copy the folder steamapps from your old computer to a new one. It's a simple solution that allows you to keep even customized files in many cases, such as local saves or settings.

Steps to follow:

1. Go to the folder where you have Steam installed, usually in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.
2. Inside, locate the subfolder steamapps.
3. Copy that entire folder to an external drive.
4. On the new computer, install Steam and close it completely.
5. Paste the folder steamapps in the same location as the new Steam installation, overwriting if necessary.

When you open Steam again, will automatically detect games without the need to reinstall them. It is recommended after verify the integrity of the game to make sure everything is correct. This is done in Properties > Installed Files > Verify Integrity.

If Steam doesn't recognize copied games, make sure they are in the correct path within the “steamapps/common” folder.

Method 3: Create a new library on an external drive

Another very useful option is Move your Steam library to an external hard driveThis allows you to easily move games between computers without the need for copies or reinstallations.

How to do it from your current PC:

1. Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Library Folders.
2. press Add library folder and choose an external hard drive.
3. Once the folder is created, go to the list of installed games.
4. Right click on any game, choose Properties, and then on Move installation.
5. Select the new library created on the external drive and confirm.

Then, on the new computer, simply:

1. Install Steam and log in.
2. Connect the external drive and add the folder as a library from Library Folders.
3. Steam will automatically recognize games without any additional downloads.

Method 4: Use EaseUS Todo PCTrans for complete migrations

If you are looking for a more automated solution for Move Steam and its games to another PC, a good option is to use the program EaseUS All PCTransThis software allows you to transfer applications, files, and even settings from one computer to another directly.

How Does It Work?

1. Install EaseUS Todo PCTrans on both computers.
2. Select “PC to PC” mode and connect both computers.
3. Choose to transfer Steam along with the selected games.

It's a useful tool if you want to avoid technical steps and want to move more than just games. Ideal for complete migrations to a new computer.

Common problems and solutions

• Steam does not recognize copied games: Make sure you paste them into the correct path. Verify they're in the "steamapps/common" folder.
• Missing saved gamesSome titles save data outside of their folder. Check in "My Documents" or in the cloud.
• Errors when opening the game: Verify the integrity of the game or reinstall only necessary add-ons such as DirectX or C++.

There are multiple ways to bring your Steam games to another computer.Whether using the official backup, manually copying folders, using external drives, or using tools like EaseUS, the options are there. Each has its advantages depending on your knowledge, available time, and specific situation. With a little organization and these steps properly implemented, you can avoid tedious downloads and enjoy your games on any PC quickly and effectively.

Related article:

How to move Steam games to another PC or hard drive easily

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.

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