{"id":425639,"date":"2025-07-09T01:07:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T01:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=425639"},"modified":"2025-07-09T01:07:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T01:07:47","slug":"do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you keep your progress if you delete a game and redownload it?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Do_You_Keep_Your_Progress_if_You_Delete_a_Game_and_Redownload_It_The_Definitive_Guide\" title=\"Do You Keep Your Progress if You Delete a Game and Redownload It? The Definitive Guide\">Do You Keep Your Progress if You Delete a Game and Redownload It? The Definitive Guide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Understanding_Save_Data_Local_vs_Cloud\" title=\"Understanding Save Data: Local vs. Cloud\">Understanding Save Data: Local vs. Cloud<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Platform-Specific_Considerations\" title=\"Platform-Specific Considerations\">Platform-Specific Considerations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#PC_Windows_macOS\" title=\"PC (Windows, macOS)\">PC (Windows, macOS)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#PlayStation_PS4_PS5\" title=\"PlayStation (PS4, PS5)\">PlayStation (PS4, PS5)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Xbox_Xbox_One_Xbox_Series_XS\" title=\"Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X\/S)\">Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X\/S)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Nintendo_Switch\" title=\"Nintendo Switch\">Nintendo Switch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Mobile_Android_iOS\" title=\"Mobile (Android, iOS)\">Mobile (Android, iOS)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Safeguarding_Your_Progress_Best_Practices\" title=\"Safeguarding Your Progress: Best Practices\">Safeguarding Your Progress: Best Practices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Reinstalling_Add-ons_and_DLC\" title=\"Reinstalling Add-ons and DLC\">Reinstalling Add-ons and DLC<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#1_Will_I_lose_my_game_saves_if_I_uninstall_a_game_on_Steam\" title=\"1. Will I lose my game saves if I uninstall a game on Steam?\">1. Will I lose my game saves if I uninstall a game on Steam?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#2_Does_deleting_a_game_on_Xbox_delete_my_saves\" title=\"2. Does deleting a game on Xbox delete my saves?\">2. Does deleting a game on Xbox delete my saves?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#3_What_happens_if_I_uninstall_a_game_on_PlayStation_without_PlayStation_Plus\" title=\"3. What happens if I uninstall a game on PlayStation without PlayStation Plus?\">3. What happens if I uninstall a game on PlayStation without PlayStation Plus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#4_Will_I_lose_progress_in_a_mobile_game_if_I_delete_it\" title=\"4. Will I lose progress in a mobile game if I delete it?\">4. Will I lose progress in a mobile game if I delete it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#5_How_do_I_back_up_my_game_saves_on_PC\" title=\"5. How do I back up my game saves on PC?\">5. How do I back up my game saves on PC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#6_I_reinstalled_a_game_on_PC_but_my_saves_are_gone_What_can_I_do\" title=\"6. I reinstalled a game on PC, but my saves are gone. What can I do?\">6. I reinstalled a game on PC, but my saves are gone. What can I do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#7_Does_deleting_a_game_free_up_storage_space\" title=\"7. Does deleting a game free up storage space?\">7. Does deleting a game free up storage space?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#8_Can_I_redownload_a_game_I_purchased_if_I_delete_it\" title=\"8. Can I redownload a game I purchased if I delete it?\">8. Can I redownload a game I purchased if I delete it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#9_How_often_does_Xbox_save_to_the_cloud\" title=\"9. How often does Xbox save to the cloud?\">9. How often does Xbox save to the cloud?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#10_What_happens_to_my_DLC_when_I_delete_a_game\" title=\"10. What happens to my DLC when I delete a game?\">10. What happens to my DLC when I delete a game?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#11_I_deleted_a_game_on_Nintendo_Switch_Will_I_lose_my_progress\" title=\"11. I deleted a game on Nintendo Switch. Will I lose my progress?\">11. I deleted a game on Nintendo Switch. Will I lose my progress?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#12_Is_there_a_way_to_check_if_a_game_supports_cloud_saves_before_deleting_it\" title=\"12. Is there a way to check if a game supports cloud saves before deleting it?\">12. Is there a way to check if a game supports cloud saves before deleting it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#13_What_is_the_difference_between_%E2%80%9Cuninstalling%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9Cdeleting%E2%80%9D_a_game\" title=\"13. What is the difference between &#8220;uninstalling&#8221; and &#8220;deleting&#8221; a game?\">13. What is the difference between &#8220;uninstalling&#8221; and &#8220;deleting&#8221; a game?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#14_If_a_game_has_both_local_and_cloud_saves_which_one_takes_precedence\" title=\"14. If a game has both local and cloud saves, which one takes precedence?\">14. If a game has both local and cloud saves, which one takes precedence?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#15_Can_re-installing_the_game_help_to_fix_issues_Im_having\" title=\"15. Can re-installing the game help to fix issues I\u2019m having?\">15. Can re-installing the game help to fix issues I\u2019m having?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/#The_Future_of_Save_Data\" title=\"The Future of Save Data\">The Future of Save Data<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_You_Keep_Your_Progress_if_You_Delete_a_Game_and_Redownload_It_The_Definitive_Guide\"><\/span>Do You Keep Your Progress if You Delete a Game and Redownload It? The Definitive Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>Yes, generally, <strong>you <em>do<\/em> keep your progress if you delete a game and redownload it<\/strong>, but there are crucial nuances to understand depending on the <strong>platform, the game itself, and your online connectivity<\/strong>. This isn&#8217;t always a simple yes or no answer, so let&#8217;s dive into the specifics. The key is understanding where your <strong>save data<\/strong> resides \u2013 locally, in the cloud, or a combination of both. Let&#8217;s break down the intricacies of game saves and reinstalls.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Save_Data_Local_vs_Cloud\"><\/span>Understanding Save Data: Local vs. Cloud<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The location of your game save data is the single most important factor in determining whether you&#8217;ll retain your progress after a deletion and reinstallation. Historically, game saves were stored exclusively <strong>locally on your device<\/strong> \u2013 your PC&#8217;s hard drive, your console&#8217;s internal storage, or even a physical memory card. While some older games might still utilize this method, modern gaming largely relies on or incorporates <strong>cloud saves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Local Saves:<\/strong> If your game <em>only<\/em> saves data <strong>locally<\/strong>, deleting the game <em>might<\/em> delete the save data as well, particularly on PC or mobile devices. It&#8217;s crucial to check if the game offers an option to <strong>back up your save files<\/strong> manually.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cloud Saves:<\/strong> The advent of <strong>cloud gaming services<\/strong> like Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Plus has made it increasingly likely that your game saves are <strong>automatically backed up to the cloud<\/strong>. This means even if you delete the game from your device, your progress is safely stored and will be <strong>resynced when you reinstall and launch the game<\/strong>, assuming you are logged into the same account.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hybrid Saves:<\/strong> Some games use a <strong>hybrid approach<\/strong>, storing some data locally for quick access while periodically backing up to the cloud. This provides a balance of performance and security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Platform-Specific_Considerations\"><\/span>Platform-Specific Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The behavior of save data retention can vary considerably depending on the <strong>platform<\/strong> you&#8217;re using:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PC_Windows_macOS\"><\/span>PC (Windows, macOS)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On PC, things are the most variable. <strong>Some games store saves within the game&#8217;s installation folder, while others put them in separate folders<\/strong> (like Documents, AppData, or the Steam cloud save directory). Deleting the game might remove these saves depending on whether the uninstaller is designed to delete this information or if it is just uninstalling the application.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Steam:<\/strong> Steam has a <strong>robust cloud save system<\/strong>. Most games on Steam automatically back up to the cloud. You can check if a game supports Steam Cloud by looking for the &#8220;Steam Cloud&#8221; icon on its store page or in your library.<\/li>\n<li><strong>GOG Galaxy:<\/strong> GOG Galaxy also offers cloud saves for many games.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other Platforms (Epic Games Store, EA App, Ubisoft Connect):<\/strong> These platforms generally also offer cloud saves, but it&#8217;s still wise to verify on a per-game basis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Standalone Games:<\/strong> For games installed outside of these platforms, it&#8217;s vital to <strong>manually back up your save files<\/strong> if you&#8217;re concerned about losing them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PlayStation_PS4_PS5\"><\/span>PlayStation (PS4, PS5)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>PlayStation consoles heavily rely on <strong>cloud saves for PlayStation Plus subscribers<\/strong>. If you have an active PS Plus subscription, your save data is likely being automatically uploaded to the cloud. Even without PS Plus, you can <strong>manually back up your saves to a USB drive<\/strong>. When you delete a game, your save data is generally kept separate, but it&#8217;s always wise to have a backup.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Xbox_Xbox_One_Xbox_Series_XS\"><\/span>Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X\/S)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Xbox consoles <strong>automatically save game data to the cloud<\/strong> as long as you are connected to the Xbox network. This means that deleting a game from your console should <em>not<\/em> result in data loss. When you reinstall the game and sign in with the same profile, your progress will be resynced.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nintendo_Switch\"><\/span>Nintendo Switch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Nintendo Switch offers <strong>cloud saves through Nintendo Switch Online<\/strong>. If you have a subscription, your save data will be backed up for most games. However, some games do <em>not<\/em> support cloud saves (often due to competitive aspects), so it&#8217;s crucial to check the compatibility for each game. Without a subscription, you can back up saves locally to the system memory.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mobile_Android_iOS\"><\/span>Mobile (Android, iOS)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mobile games often use a mix of <strong>local saves and cloud saves (through Google Play Games or Game Center)<\/strong>. Some games also tie your progress to your account (like Facebook or the game developer&#8217;s own system). <strong>Clearing an app&#8217;s data or uninstalling it can potentially delete local saves<\/strong>. Check the game&#8217;s settings to see if cloud saves are enabled and consider linking your account if possible.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safeguarding_Your_Progress_Best_Practices\"><\/span>Safeguarding Your Progress: Best Practices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While cloud saves are increasingly common, it&#8217;s always a good idea to be proactive about protecting your game progress:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Check Cloud Save Status:<\/strong> Before deleting a game, verify if it supports cloud saves on your platform.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Manual Backups:<\/strong> For PC games, locate your save files (usually in the game&#8217;s installation folder or in the Documents folder) and copy them to a safe location.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Platform-Specific Backups:<\/strong> Utilize the built-in backup features on PlayStation and Xbox consoles (e.g., backing up to a USB drive).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Account Linking:<\/strong> Link your game progress to an account (like Google Play Games, Game Center, Facebook, or a dedicated game account) whenever possible, especially on mobile.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular Backups:<\/strong> Make backing up your saves a routine, especially for games you&#8217;re heavily invested in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reinstalling_Add-ons_and_DLC\"><\/span>Reinstalling Add-ons and DLC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you uninstall a game, <strong>add-ons and DLC<\/strong> are also typically uninstalled. However, you do <em>not<\/em> lose your purchase. On platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store, you can easily <strong>redownload and reinstall your DLC<\/strong> after reinstalling the base game. The process usually involves going to the game&#8217;s page in the store or library and managing the add-ons.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns about deleting and reinstalling games:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Will_I_lose_my_game_saves_if_I_uninstall_a_game_on_Steam\"><\/span>1. Will I lose my game saves if I uninstall a game on Steam?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most games on Steam support <strong>Steam Cloud<\/strong>, so your save data is likely backed up. Check the game&#8217;s store page to confirm. If it does support Steam Cloud, you generally won&#8217;t lose your saves.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Does_deleting_a_game_on_Xbox_delete_my_saves\"><\/span>2. Does deleting a game on Xbox delete my saves?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. <strong>Xbox automatically saves game data to the cloud<\/strong> (as long as you are connected to the Xbox network). Deleting the game only removes it from your console, your progress remains in the cloud.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_What_happens_if_I_uninstall_a_game_on_PlayStation_without_PlayStation_Plus\"><\/span>3. What happens if I uninstall a game on PlayStation without PlayStation Plus?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Without PS Plus, your saves are <em>not<\/em> automatically backed up to the cloud. You can <strong>manually back up your saves to a USB drive<\/strong> via the PlayStation&#8217;s settings menu.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Will_I_lose_progress_in_a_mobile_game_if_I_delete_it\"><\/span>4. Will I lose progress in a mobile game if I delete it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It depends. If the game uses <strong>cloud saves (via Google Play Games or Game Center)<\/strong> and you&#8217;re signed in, your progress should be safe. If it only uses local saves, deleting the app <em>will<\/em> likely erase your progress. Link your account (if possible) and check cloud save settings.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_How_do_I_back_up_my_game_saves_on_PC\"><\/span>5. How do I back up my game saves on PC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Locate your game save files (usually in the game&#8217;s installation folder or the Documents folder) and copy them to an external drive, cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox), or another safe location.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_I_reinstalled_a_game_on_PC_but_my_saves_are_gone_What_can_I_do\"><\/span>6. I reinstalled a game on PC, but my saves are gone. What can I do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>First, <strong>check if Steam Cloud is enabled for the game<\/strong>. If not, look for any manual backups you might have made. If neither of those options work, you may have unfortunately lost your save data. In the future, make manual backups.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Does_deleting_a_game_free_up_storage_space\"><\/span>7. Does deleting a game free up storage space?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, <strong>deleting a game removes its files from your device<\/strong>, which frees up storage space. This is the primary reason to delete a game.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Can_I_redownload_a_game_I_purchased_if_I_delete_it\"><\/span>8. Can I redownload a game I purchased if I delete it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, on platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Google Play Store, <strong>your purchase is tied to your account<\/strong>. You can redownload the game at any time without repurchasing it, as long as you use the same account.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_How_often_does_Xbox_save_to_the_cloud\"><\/span>9. How often does Xbox save to the cloud?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your Xbox will sync your save to the cloud whenever you exit a game.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_What_happens_to_my_DLC_when_I_delete_a_game\"><\/span>10. What happens to my DLC when I delete a game?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>DLC is also uninstalled<\/strong> when you delete the base game. However, your purchase remains. You can redownload and reinstall the DLC after reinstalling the game.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_I_deleted_a_game_on_Nintendo_Switch_Will_I_lose_my_progress\"><\/span>11. I deleted a game on Nintendo Switch. Will I lose my progress?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you have a <strong>Nintendo Switch Online subscription<\/strong>, your save data is likely backed up to the cloud (for supported games). However, some games do <em>not<\/em> support cloud saves. Check the compatibility for each game. Without a subscription, you will need to have backed up your saves locally to the system memory.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Is_there_a_way_to_check_if_a_game_supports_cloud_saves_before_deleting_it\"><\/span>12. Is there a way to check if a game supports cloud saves before deleting it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Steam:<\/strong> Look for the &#8220;Steam Cloud&#8221; icon on the game&#8217;s store page or in your library.<\/li>\n<li><strong>PlayStation:<\/strong> Check the PlayStation Plus cloud storage settings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Xbox:<\/strong> Most Xbox games automatically use cloud saves.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nintendo Switch:<\/strong> Check the game&#8217;s details on the Nintendo eShop or the Nintendo website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_What_is_the_difference_between_%E2%80%9Cuninstalling%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9Cdeleting%E2%80%9D_a_game\"><\/span>13. What is the difference between &#8220;uninstalling&#8221; and &#8220;deleting&#8221; a game?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On most platforms, <strong>&#8220;uninstalling&#8221; and &#8220;deleting&#8221; are the same thing<\/strong>. They both remove the game&#8217;s files from your device.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_If_a_game_has_both_local_and_cloud_saves_which_one_takes_precedence\"><\/span>14. If a game has both local and cloud saves, which one takes precedence?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Generally, the <strong>cloud save takes precedence<\/strong>. When you launch a game, it will typically sync with the cloud and download the latest save data.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Can_re-installing_the_game_help_to_fix_issues_Im_having\"><\/span>15. Can re-installing the game help to fix issues I\u2019m having?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, reinstalling the game can sometimes fix bugs or corrupted files.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Future_of_Save_Data\"><\/span>The Future of Save Data<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As cloud gaming and game streaming become more prevalent, the reliance on local saves will continue to diminish. The future likely holds a seamless experience where your progress is <strong>automatically and continuously backed up to the cloud<\/strong>, regardless of the platform or device you&#8217;re using. This will provide greater convenience and peace of mind for gamers, ensuring that their hard-earned progress is always safe and accessible. To further explore the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> website at <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In short, exercise caution, check your settings, and when in doubt, back up your save data. Happy gaming!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do You Keep Your Progress if You Delete a Game and Redownload It? The Definitive Guide Yes, generally, you do keep your progress if you delete a game and redownload it, but there are crucial nuances to understand depending on the platform, the game itself, and your online connectivity. This isn&#8217;t always a simple yes &#8230; <a title=\"Do you keep your progress if you delete a game and redownload it?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/do-you-keep-your-progress-if-you-delete-a-game-and-redownload-it\/\" aria-label=\"More on Do you keep your progress if you delete a game and redownload it?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-425639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/425639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=425639"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/425639\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=425639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=425639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=425639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}