Steam is an excellent platform for playing, discussing, sharing, and creating games. It allows you to play purchased games on any device by simply logging into your account. This saves you a lot of space on your computer when playing games. Furthermore, the app is completely free to download and use. There are even many offline games that you can enjoy without an internet connection. However, if you reinstall games on Steam, you may not be able to restore your game data, erased runs, and customization settings without a backup. Therefore, if you want to back up Steam games on your computer, continue reading to learn how to use Steam's backup and restore feature.
How to Backup Steam Games
Here are two simple ways to back up Steam games to your computer. One is using a built-in feature provided by the Steam client, and the other is by manually pasting the copy. You can use either method at your convenience.
Method 1: Use the game backup and restore feature
This is an easy backup method that restores Steam games whenever needed. All currently installed games will be backed up. All you have to do is choose a backup location and start the process.
Note: This method does not back up saved games, configuration files, and multiplayer maps.
1. Turn on Steam And register Log in Using your login credentials.
2. Click on the tab Steam in the upper left corner of the screen.
3. Next, select an option Backup And restore the games… as shown.
4. Select the option titled Backup currently installed programs, and click the button. Next>.
5. Now, select the programs you want to include in this. The backup copy And click Next> to follow.
Note: Only fully downloaded and up-to-date software will be available for backup. The required disk space will also be displayed on the screen.
6. Browse destination Backup To select a backup location, click Next> to follow.
Note: If necessary, your backup will be split into multiple files for easy storage on CD-R or DVD-R.
7. Edit File name Backup your data and click "the following" to follow.
Wait for the backup process to complete. You'll be able to view its progress in the Time Remaining field.
Finally, a successful confirmation prompt will appear. This means that the game(s) in question are now supported.
Method 2: Make a copy of the steamapps folder
You can manually back up your Steam games by copying the Steamapps folder to an alternative location on your computer as well.
- For games that belong to valve corporation All files will be stored in C Drive, Program Files folders, by default.
- For games that belong to Third-party developers Location may vary.
- If you changed the location during installation, go to this directory to locate the folder. steamapps.
Note: If you can't locate this folder or forgot the installation location for the game, read our guide Where are Steam Games installed? Here.
1. Press and hold the keys. Windows + E Together to open File Manager.
2. Now, navigate to either of these two locations to locate the folder. steamapps.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam C:\Program Files\Steam
3. Copy the folder steamapps By pressing the keys Ctrl + C together.
4. Go to a different location and paste it by pressing the keys. Ctrl + V.
This backup will be kept on your computer and you can use it whenever needed.
How to reinstall games on Steam
Unlike uninstalling, Steam games can only be installed within the Steam app. All you need to do to reinstall games is:
- Strong network connection,
- Correct login credentials, and
- Sufficient disk space on your device.
Here's how to reinstall games on Steam:
1. Log in to Steam By entering your account name and password.
2. Switch to the tab LIBRARY: As shown.
A list of games will be displayed on the home screen. You can install the game using any of these three options.
3a. Click the button. Download The explained.
3b. Double-click on the game and click the button. Installation As shown.
3c. Right-click on the game and select Installation option , as shown.
Note: Check the box marked Create a desktop shortcut and create a Start menu shortcut if necessary.
4. Choose a location Installation: Manually or use the default game location.
5. Once done, tap Next> to follow.
6. Click I agree To accept the terms and conditions of the End User License Agreement (EULA).
7. Finally, tap "ending" to start the installation.
Note: If the download is in the list Wait , then it will start Steam Download when other downloads in the queue are complete.
How to restore games on Steam
Since there are two ways to backup Steam games, there are two ways to restore games on Steam as well.
Option 1: Restore after executing backup method 1
If you backed up your Steam games using the first method, reinstall Steam first and then follow the steps outlined to restore your Steam games:
1. Open Steam PC Client And log in to your account.
2. Go to Steam > Backup and Restore Games...as shown.
3. This time, select the option called Restore a backup Previous and click on Next> As shown below.
4. Now, select the backup directory using the button. "review…" To add it in the field “Restore program from folder:”. Then, click on Next> to follow.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore games. Steam on your computer.
Option 2: Restore after executing backup method 2
If you followed the second method to back up your Steam games, you can simply paste the backed-up contents of the folder steamapps In a folder steamapps New one created after reinstalling Steam.
1. Press and hold the keys. Windows + E Together to open File Manager.
2. Go to Guide Where I made a backup of the folder steamapps In the second way.
3. Copy the folder steamapps By pressing the keys Ctrl + C together.
4. Go to the game installation location.
5. Paste the folder steamapps By pressing keys Ctrl + V , as shown.
Note: Select “Replace folder in destination” in the “Replace or skip files” confirmation prompt.
We hope you've learned how to back up Steam games and reinstall or restore them on Steam whenever needed. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this article, feel free to leave them in the comments section. We'd love to hear from you!
