How to Copy Steam Games to a USB Drive: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to move your precious Steam games to a USB drive? Maybe you’re upgrading your PC, backing up your collection, or sharing games with a friend (within Steam’s guidelines, of course!). No problem! This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods, ensuring you can transfer your Steam games safely and efficiently. Let’s dive in.

The most straightforward method is using Steam’s built-in backup and restore feature. This allows you to create a compressed backup of your game(s) that can then be restored on another computer or after a fresh install.

Here’s how to copy Steam games to a USB drive:

1. Plug in your USB drive: Ensure your USB drive has enough free space to accommodate the game(s) you intend to transfer. Format it to NTFS for best compatibility, especially for games larger than 4GB. (Right-click on the drive in File Explorer, select “Format,” choose “NTFS” from the “File system” dropdown, and click “Start.”)

2. Open Steam and navigate to your Library: Launch Steam and go to your game library.

3. Right-click on the game you want to copy: A context menu will appear.

4. Select “Backup Game Files…”: This option initiates the backup process.

5. Choose the game(s) you want to backup: You can select multiple games to backup at once.

6. Select your USB drive as the backup location: A window will prompt you to choose a location. Navigate to your USB drive and select it.

7. Choose the backup size (optional): Steam allows you to split the backup into smaller files. This is only necessary if your destination file system has limitations on file sizes (which is unlikely with NTFS). A “Custom” size option allows you to specify the size of each file. Leave this at the default unless you have a specific reason to change it.

8. Start the backup process: Click “Next” and Steam will begin creating the backup files on your USB drive. This may take some time depending on the size of the game and the speed of your USB drive.

9. Restore the game on another computer: To restore the game on another computer, connect the USB drive, open Steam, and go to “Steam” > “Backup and Restore Games…”. Select “Restore a previous backup” and navigate to the backup files on your USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.

Alternative Method: Copying the Game Folder Directly

While the backup method is the recommended approach, you can also try directly copying the game folder. However, this method is less reliable and may not always work perfectly, particularly with games that rely heavily on Steam’s DRM or have complex installation procedures.

1. Locate the game folder: Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Browse Local Files…”. This will open the folder containing the game’s files.

2. Copy the entire game folder to your USB drive: Simply copy and paste the entire folder to your USB drive.

3. Paste the game folder on the destination computer: Paste the folder into the SteamAppscommon directory in your Steam installation directory. (Usually, C:Program Files (x86)SteamSteamAppscommon).

4. Restart Steam and attempt to install the game: Steam should recognize the existing files and verify them. If it doesn’t, it may download some missing files.

Important Considerations:

• Steam’s DRM: Some games are heavily reliant on Steam’s Digital Rights Management (DRM). Directly copying the files may not allow you to play the game without Steam running or without performing additional steps to activate the game.
• Corrupted Files: Ensure your USB drive is functioning correctly. Corrupted files can lead to installation problems.
• Steam Cloud: Backups do not include your save games if your save games are saved on Steam Cloud. So ensure that Steam Cloud is either disabled, or your save games are synched on the old computer before you copy the game files. If Steam Cloud is enabled on the destination computer, the save games will be synched after restoring the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further assistance and clarity regarding copying Steam games to a USB drive:

Can I play the game directly from the USB drive?

No, you cannot typically play Steam games directly from a USB drive. Steam requires the game files to be installed within its library folder for proper functionality and DRM management. You need to install or restore the game from the USB drive onto your computer’s hard drive or SSD.

What file system should my USB drive use?

NTFS (New Technology File System) is recommended, especially for games larger than 4GB. FAT32 has a file size limit of 4GB, which can be problematic for many modern games.

How much space do I need on my USB drive?

Ensure your USB drive has enough free space to accommodate the entire game folder or the backup files. Check the game’s size in your Steam library or on its store page. It’s always wise to have a bit of extra space.

Why is the backup process so slow?

The speed of the backup process depends on the size of the game, the speed of your hard drive or SSD, and the transfer speed of your USB drive. A USB 3.0 drive will be significantly faster than a USB 2.0 drive.

Can I backup multiple games at once?

Yes, when using Steam’s backup feature, you can select multiple games to include in the backup.

How do I know if the backup was successful?

Steam will display a completion message upon successful completion of the backup process. You can also verify that the backup files are present on your USB drive.

What if the game doesn’t restore properly?

Try verifying the game files after restoring. Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify integrity of game files…”.

Can I use this method to share games with friends?

While technically possible, sharing games this way violates Steam’s terms of service unless you are sharing with family members through Steam Family Sharing. Each user needs their own license to play the game legally. Steam Family Sharing enables you to share eligible games with family members.

What if the “Backup Game Files…” option is missing?

This usually indicates that the game is either already backed up or that the game does not support the Steam backup system. Try the direct folder copy method as a workaround.

Will this method transfer my game saves?

The backup feature does not include your game saves if your save games are saved on Steam Cloud. Steam Cloud Saves are stored on Steam’s servers and are automatically synchronized between computers. If Steam Cloud is enabled on the destination computer, the save games will be synched after restoring the game.

What if I get an error message during the backup or restore process?

The error message often provides clues about the problem. Common causes include insufficient disk space, corrupted files, or problems with the USB drive. Search the error message online for potential solutions.

How often should I backup my Steam games?

This depends on how frequently you install new games and how important your game data is to you. A regular backup schedule is recommended, especially before making significant changes to your system.

Is there any risk of losing my games during this process?

There is always a small risk of data loss, especially if your USB drive is unreliable or if there is a power outage during the transfer. It’s good practice to verify the integrity of the backup files after the process is complete.

Can I use an external hard drive instead of a USB drive?

Yes, an external hard drive works just as well as a USB drive. In fact, an external hard drive is preferable for large game collections due to its typically larger capacity and faster transfer speeds.

Where can I learn more about game preservation and digital libraries?

Exploring organizations like the Games Learning Society can provide valuable insights into the educational aspects of gaming and the importance of preservation. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

By following these steps and considering these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to copy your Steam games to a USB drive for backup, transfer, or archival purposes. Remember to always respect Steam’s terms of service and enjoy your gaming adventures!