How to move Steam games to another PC without losing anything

If you've recently switched computers or are planning to 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's entirely possible to move your Steam games to another PC without reinstalling them . In this guide, we'll explain all the viable ways to do this, step by step, with practical recommendations for each situation.

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 the Steam transfer and its games work correctly:

• 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 for creating full backups of your games. This method is ideal if you want to save your 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 it doesn't save custom configurations or mods (unless they're inside the game folder). Files saved to the cloud 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 steamapps folder from your old computer to a new one. It's a simple solution that allows you to preserve even custom files in many cases, such as save files or local configurations.

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 reopen Steam, it will automatically detect the games without needing to reinstall them. It's recommended to then verify the game's integrity to ensure everything is working correctly. This is done by going to Properties > Installed Files > Verify Integrity.

If Steam does not recognize the 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 to move your Steam library to an external hard drive . This allows you to easily move games between computers without needing to copy or reinstall them.

How to do it from your current PC:

1. Go to Steam > Settings > Downloads > Library Folders.
2. Balance 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're looking for a more automated solution to move the entire Steam suite and its games to another PC , a good option is to use EaseUS Todo PCTrans . This software allows you to transfer applications, files, and even settings directly from one computer to another.

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 transfer your Steam games to another computer . Whether using the official backup, manually copying folders, using external drives, or tools like EaseUS, the options are there. Each has its advantages depending on your technical skills, available time, and specific situation. With a little organization and by following these steps correctly, you can avoid tedious downloads and enjoy your games on any PC quickly and efficiently.

Related articles:

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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