How to Delete Game Saves on Steam
Are you tired of having multiple game saves taking up valuable storage space on your computer? Or maybe you want to start fresh with a new character in your favorite game? Whatever the reason, deleting game saves on Steam can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of deleting game saves on Steam, step by step.
How to Delete Game Saves on Steam
Deleting game saves on Steam is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the general steps:
- Open Steam: First, open Steam on your computer and log in to your account.
- Go to the Library: Once you’re logged in, click on the "Library" tab at the top of the Steam window.
- Find the Game: Scroll through your game library and find the game for which you want to delete the saves.
- Right-Click the Game: Right-click on the game icon and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu.
- Delete the Save Folder: In the Properties window, click on the "Local Files" tab and then click on the "Browse Local Files" button.
- Delete the Save Folder: Navigate to the save folder and delete the files manually or select all and delete them at once.
Deleting Game Saves from the Steam Client
Alternatively, you can also delete game saves directly from the Steam client without having to go into the game’s properties. Here’s how:
- Open Steam: Open Steam on your computer and log in to your account.
- Go to the Library: Click on the "Library" tab at the top of the Steam window.
- Find the Game: Scroll through your game library and find the game for which you want to delete the saves.
- Right-Click the Game: Right-click on the game icon and select "Manage" from the drop-down menu.
- Delete the Save Folder: In the Manage window, click on the "Local Files" tab and then click on the "Delete Local Game Content" button.
Why You Might Want to Delete Game Saves
Before we move on to the next section, it’s worth noting why you might want to delete game saves in the first place. Here are a few reasons:
- Save Space: Deleting game saves can help free up valuable storage space on your computer, especially if you have multiple games installed.
- Start Fresh: Sometimes, you might want to start fresh with a new character or a new save game. Deleting the existing saves can help you do just that.
- Troubleshooting: In some cases, deleting game saves can help troubleshoot issues with the game, such as corrupt saves or save files that won’t load.
How to Backup Game Saves
Before you delete any game saves, it’s a good idea to back them up. Here’s how:
- Use Steam’s Cloud Saves: Many games on Steam offer cloud saves, which means that your saves are automatically backed up to the cloud. To check if a game offers cloud saves, go to the game’s properties and click on the "Cloud" tab.
- Use an External Hard Drive: If the game doesn’t offer cloud saves, you can use an external hard drive to back up your saves. Simply copy the save files to the external hard drive and then delete them from your computer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
As with any process, deleting game saves on Steam can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Game Won’t Launch After Deleting Saves | Try re-installing the game or verifying the integrity of the game files. |
| Save Files Won’t Delete | Try deleting the save files manually or using a third-party utility. |
| Game Corrupts After Deleting Saves | Try re-installing the game or restoring a previous save game. |
Conclusion
Deleting game saves on Steam can be a bit daunting, but with these steps, you should be able to do it with ease. Remember to always back up your saves before deleting them, and be careful when deleting save files to avoid any issues with the game. Happy gaming!