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Can I Copy a PC Game to Another PC? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can copy a PC game to another PC, though the method and ease of doing so depend on several factors, including the game platform (e.g., Steam, Origin, GOG), the game itself, and whether or not you want to keep your save progress. Modern platforms offer built-in tools to facilitate this, while older games might just need a simple file transfer. Let’s dive into the various scenarios and methods to get your games up and running on your new rig!

Understanding Game Distribution Platforms

Before we begin, it’s important to understand how different game distribution platforms handle game installations and saves. Each platform has its own methods, and knowing them is crucial for a smooth transfer.

Steam: Offers built-in backup and restore features, as well as the ability to move installation folders. Steam Cloud also synchronizes save data for many games.
Origin (EA App): Similar to Steam, Origin allows you to move game files and typically utilizes cloud saves.
GOG Galaxy: GOG is known for its DRM-free games, making it relatively easy to copy game files. GOG Galaxy also offers cloud saves for supported games.
Microsoft Store: Games purchased through the Microsoft Store can be moved to different drives within the same PC, but transferring them to another PC often involves re-downloading.
Standalone Games: Games installed from physical media or downloaded directly from a developer’s website often require manual file transfers and might need registry entries copied over as well.

Methods for Copying Games

Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods for transferring your PC games:

1. Using Steam’s Backup and Restore Feature

Steam’s built-in backup and restore functionality is a reliable way to transfer games.

Backup Games: In Steam, go to “Steam” > “Backup and Restore Games…”. Select “Backup currently installed programs” and choose the games you want to back up. Steam will create backup files on your chosen drive.
Restore Games: On the new PC, go to “Steam” > “Backup and Restore Games…” and select “Restore a previous backup.” Point Steam to the backup files you created earlier. Steam will install the game from the backup.

2. Moving Steam Installation Folder

This method involves directly moving the game’s installation folder to your new PC.

Locate Game Folder: In Steam, right-click on the game, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Browse…” to open the game’s installation folder.
Copy Folder: Copy the entire game folder to an external drive.
Paste on New PC: On the new PC, paste the game folder into the steamapps/common directory (usually located in C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon).
Copy App Manifest: Locate the .acf file corresponding to the game in the steamapps directory. The filename usually starts with “appmanifest_” followed by the game’s App ID. Copy this file to the steamapps directory on the new PC.
Verify Game Files: Restart Steam and locate the game in your library. Click “Install.” Steam will discover the existing files and verify them, downloading any missing or corrupted data.

3. Manually Copying Game Files (For DRM-Free Games)

For DRM-free games (like those from GOG), copying the game files is often enough.

Locate Game Folder: Find the game’s installation directory.
Copy Folder: Copy the entire game folder to an external drive.
Paste on New PC: Paste the game folder to your desired location on the new PC.
Run Executable: In many cases, you can simply run the game’s executable file (.exe) to start playing. Some games might require additional steps like installing DirectX or other dependencies.

4. Cloud Storage Services

Utilize cloud storage services such as OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive to transfer game files.

Copy Game Files: Copy the game files into a folder in your cloud storage.
Sync on New PC: On the new PC, ensure your cloud storage is synced. The game files will be downloaded to the new PC.
Run Executable: Proceed to run the executable file to install the game.

5. External Hard Drive Transfer

This involves using an external hard drive to directly copy game files from one PC to another.

Connect External Hard Drive: Connect the external hard drive to the old PC.
Copy Game Files: Copy the game files to the external hard drive.
Connect to New PC: Connect the external hard drive to the new PC.
Paste Game Files: Paste the game files to the desired location on the new PC.
Run Executable: Run the executable to install the game.

Transferring Save Data

Transferring your game progress is just as important as transferring the game itself. Here’s how to handle save data:

Steam Cloud: Many Steam games use Steam Cloud to automatically synchronize save data. Ensure Steam Cloud is enabled for the game in its properties.
Manual Save Transfer: For games that don’t use cloud saves, you’ll need to manually copy the save files. The save file location varies from game to game, but it’s often found in:
- DocumentsMy Games
- AppDataLocal or AppDataRoaming
- The game’s installation folder
Cloud Storage: Copy the save files to a cloud storage service and then download them to the same location on the new PC.
Game-Specific Cloud Services: Some games may offer their own cloud save solutions that require you to create an account within the game.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Game Not Recognizing Files: Verify the game files through the platform (e.g., Steam) to ensure all files are present and correct.
Missing Dependencies: Install any required dependencies, such as DirectX, Visual C++ Redistributables, or .NET Framework.
Registry Entries: Some older games require registry entries to be copied over. This is more complex and should only be attempted if you’re comfortable editing the registry.
Driver Issues: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.

Understanding the Educational Aspects of Games

Games are not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful tool for education and learning. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and education. They conduct research and develop resources to help educators and game designers use games to improve learning outcomes. To learn more about the educational potential of games, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about copying PC games:

1. Can I copy a game from one Steam account to another?

No, you cannot directly copy a game from one Steam account to another. Each game is tied to the specific Steam account that purchased it. You would need to purchase the game again on the other account.

2. Will I lose my game progress if I copy a game to another PC?

Not necessarily. If the game uses Steam Cloud (or a similar cloud save feature from another platform), your progress will automatically sync to the new PC. If not, you’ll need to manually transfer the save files.

3. How do I find where my game saves are located?

Game saves are typically located in DocumentsMy Games, AppDataLocal, AppDataRoaming, or within the game’s installation folder. A quick Google search for “[Game Name] save file location” usually provides the answer.

4. Is it legal to copy game files to another PC that I own?

Yes, it is legal to copy game files to another PC that you own, provided you have legally purchased the game and are not distributing it to others.

5. Can I copy a game installed from a physical disc?

Yes, you can copy the game files from the installation directory. However, you might also need to copy registry entries and install any necessary dependencies.

6. How do I transfer a game purchased from the Microsoft Store?

Games from the Microsoft Store can be moved to different drives on the same PC using the “Apps & features” settings. Transferring them to a different PC typically requires re-downloading the game.

7. What is the fastest way to transfer game files?

Using an external SSD with a fast USB connection (USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt) is generally the fastest way to transfer large game files.

8. Can I use a USB cable to directly transfer files between PCs?

While possible with special cables and software, it’s usually faster and easier to use an external hard drive or network transfer.

9. What happens if I copy a game and it doesn’t work on the new PC?

Ensure you’ve copied all necessary files, installed required dependencies (like DirectX), and updated your graphics drivers. Verify the game files through the platform if applicable.

10. Can I play a game on two PCs simultaneously if I copied the files?

No, most game platforms (like Steam) prevent you from playing the same game on multiple PCs at the same time using the same account.

11. How do I move an Origin (EA App) game to another PC?

Similar to Steam, you can move the game’s installation folder and then repair the game within the Origin client. Cloud saves should also sync automatically.

12. Do GOG games require any special steps to transfer?

GOG games are typically DRM-free, so you can simply copy the game folder to the new PC and run the executable. GOG Galaxy can also manage cloud saves for supported games.

13. What if I don’t have an external hard drive?

You can use a network transfer (copying files over your local network) or cloud storage services, although these might be slower for large game files.

14. Why does Steam re-download some files even after I copy the game folder?

Steam needs to verify the integrity of the game files and download any missing or updated content. This ensures the game runs correctly on the new PC.

15. How do I move save data for games that don’t use cloud saves?

Locate the save files (usually in DocumentsMy Games, AppDataLocal, or AppDataRoaming) and copy them to the same location on the new PC.

Conclusion

Transferring PC games to another computer can be a straightforward process if you understand the different methods and potential issues involved. Whether you’re using Steam’s built-in features, manually copying files, or leveraging cloud storage, you can get your favorite games up and running on your new system in no time. And remember, understanding the Games Learning Society and the educational aspects of the games can enrich your experience even more.

Can I copy a PC game to another PC?