How to Transfer Steam Games Without Redownloading: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve upgraded your PC, got a shiny new SSD, or just want to move your Steam games to another location without enduring the agonizing wait of redownloading everything? Fear not, fellow gamer! There are several methods to achieve this, each with its pros and cons. The core principle is bypassing the standard download process by directly transferring the game files. Here’s how to do it:

The most common and reliable methods involve using Steam’s built-in features, local network transfers, or manually copying the game files. Let’s dive into each method.

Using Steam’s Backup and Restore Feature

This method is ideal if you have an external hard drive or a network location to temporarily store the game files.

Backing Up Your Games

1. Open Steam and go to Steam > Backup and Restore Games.
2. Select Backup Currently Installed Programs.
3. Choose the games you want to transfer from the list. You can select multiple games.
4. Click Next and select the location to save the backup files. This could be an external hard drive, a USB drive, or a folder on your network.
5. You’ll be given the option to split the backup into multiple files if the storage location has file size limitations (like some older external drives). Choose an appropriate size based on your destination drive.
6. Click Next again and then click Backup.
7. Wait for the backup process to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of the games.

Restoring Your Games

1. On the new computer, open Steam and go to Steam > Backup and Restore Games.
2. Select Restore a Previous Backup.
3. Click Next and then Browse to locate the backup files you created.
4. Select the .simk file within the backup folder, then click Next.
5. Steam will ask you where to install the game. Select your desired installation location.
6. Click Next to start the restore process. Steam will extract the game files and install the game.
7. Once the restore process is complete, Steam will verify the installation and download any necessary updates.

Copying Game Files Manually

This method is straightforward but requires you to know where your Steam games are stored.

Locating Game Files

By default, Steam games are usually located in:

C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappscommon

However, if you have multiple Steam library folders, you’ll need to check each one. You can find your Steam library folders by:

1. Open Steam and go to Steam > Settings.
2. Click on Downloads and then Steam Library Folders.
3. Note the locations of all your Steam library folders.

Copying the Game Folders

1. Navigate to the Steam library folder where the game you want to transfer is located.
2. Copy the entire game folder to your external hard drive or USB drive.
3. On the new computer, navigate to the Steam library folder where you want to install the game. If the folder does not exist, create a folder on the destination drive.
4. Paste the game folder into the Steam library folder on the new computer.

Installing the Game

1. Open Steam on the new computer and go to your Library.
2. Find the game you transferred in your list of games. It should appear as uninstalled.
3. Click Install.
4. Steam will discover the existing files and verify them. This is much faster than downloading the entire game.
5. After verification, Steam will download any necessary updates or missing files.

Using Steam’s Local Network Game Transfer

This feature lets you transfer game files from one PC to another over your local network, making it significantly faster than downloading from the internet.

Enabling Local Network Transfers

1. Ensure both computers are on the same local network.
2. On the computer with the installed game, make sure Steam is running.
3. On the new computer, start downloading the game you want to transfer. Steam will begin to allocate space and create the necessary folders.
4. Pause the download on the new computer.
5. Steam should automatically detect the other computer on the network and start transferring the game files. If it doesn’t, make sure both computers are logged into the same Steam account or accounts that have Family Sharing enabled.
6. Once the transfer is complete, Steam will verify the files and download any updates.

Choosing the Right Method

Each of these methods has its strengths and weaknesses. The backup and restore method is reliable but requires enough storage space for the backup. The manual copy method is straightforward but relies on you knowing where the game files are located. Local network transfer is the fastest if both computers are on the same network and Steam detects them properly.

Remember to always keep your Steam client updated to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features. Understanding how games promote learning, regardless of transfer method, can further enrich the overall gaming experience. To learn more about how games facilitate learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I transfer multiple Steam games at once?

Yes, using Steam’s backup feature, you can select multiple games to backup and restore. When manually copying, you can copy multiple game folders to the external drive and then paste them on the new computer.

2. Will I lose my save data when transferring games?

Most Steam games use Steam Cloud to store save data. If a game supports Steam Cloud, your save data will automatically sync to your account and be available on the new computer once you log in and launch the game. If a game doesn’t support Steam Cloud, you’ll need to manually copy the save files, which are usually located in the game’s installation folder or in the Documents folder.

3. How do I find where a game’s save files are stored?

The location of save files varies from game to game. A quick Google search for “[Game Name] save file location” will usually provide the answer. Common locations include the game’s installation folder, the Documents folder, or the %AppData% folder.

4. What if the game doesn’t appear in my Steam library after transferring files?

Ensure you’ve copied the game folder to the correct Steam library folder. Then, restart Steam. If the game still doesn’t appear, try verifying the game files by right-clicking on the game in your library and selecting Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files….

5. Is transferring games faster than redownloading?

In most cases, yes. Transferring game files from an external drive or over a local network is typically much faster than downloading them from Steam’s servers, especially if you have a slow internet connection.

6. Can I transfer Steam games to an external hard drive to play them directly from there?

Yes, you can. You need to create a Steam library folder on your external hard drive through Steam Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders. Then, when installing a game, select the external hard drive as the installation location. Keep in mind that performance might be slightly slower than playing from an internal drive, especially if using a slower USB connection.

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

You can use a USB drive or transfer the files over your network to another computer and then to your new computer. You could also use cloud storage services like Google Drive or OneDrive, but this will be limited by your upload and download speeds and the available storage space.

8. Does this work with non-Steam games?

No, these methods are specifically for Steam games. For non-Steam games, you’ll need to manually copy the game files and any associated save data.

9. Will uninstalling Steam delete my games?

Uninstalling Steam will remove the Steam client but will usually leave your game files intact in your Steam library folders. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your games before uninstalling Steam just in case.

10. How do I move Steam games to an SSD without reinstalling?

Follow the same steps as copying game files manually. Create a Steam library folder on your SSD, copy the game folder from your HDD to the SSD, and then verify the game files in Steam.

11. Can I use this method to share games with friends?

While technically you can copy the game files, you can’t legally play the game on multiple accounts simultaneously unless using Steam Family Sharing. If you’re not using Family Sharing, the game will require activation, and only one account can play it at a time.

12. What is Steam Family Sharing?

Steam Family Sharing allows you to share your Steam library with up to five other accounts on authorized computers. This allows family members or close friends to play your games without having to purchase them again. However, only one person can play a game from the shared library at a time.

13. Why is Steam library sharing not working?

There can be several reasons why Steam library sharing isn’t working. Make sure that both accounts are in good standing with Steam, that Family Sharing is enabled on both accounts, and that the computer is authorized for Family Sharing. Also, try restarting Steam and your computer. Disable Antivirus and Verify Game Files Integrity.

14. Are my game saves saved on Steam?

For single-player/offline games, when Cloud Saves are enabled and active for a game, it can do both. A copy of the save file is created locally and pushed to Steam Cloud. For server-based online games, the save states are stored on the server you connect to.

15. How does an SSD improve gaming performance?

SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). This results in faster game loading times, quicker level transitions, and smoother gameplay, especially in games that stream assets from storage.