Learn what Steam Cloud saves, how synchronisation works between PCs, how to enable it, resolve conflicts and avoid losing simulator data.
Steam Cloud is Steam’s per-game synchronisation service. For supported games, it uploads developer-selected save files, settings and other data, then downloads them when you use the same Steam account on another computer. It does not automatically back up every game file, add-on or simulator configuration.
What does Steam Cloud actually save?
The game developer, not the Steam client, decides which files Steam Cloud manages. A developer can include saved progress, control bindings, graphics settings or other small data files, but support and coverage vary from one title to another.
| Type of data | Is it normally stored in Steam Cloud? |
|---|---|
| Saved games and progress | Often, but only when the developer includes them |
| Graphics settings and key bindings | Sometimes; these may be deliberately kept local |
| Installed game files | No; Steam’s installation system downloads these separately |
| DLC and account entitlements | No; ownership records are separate from cloud saves |
| Aircraft, scenery, routes, rolling stock and third-party mods | Usually not, unless the game explicitly treats them as cloud data |
| Screenshots and Workshop subscriptions | No; those use separate Steam features |
There is no universal Steam Cloud folder containing a complete copy of every game. Some titles use files in their normal local save locations, while others communicate with Steam through its cloud-storage interface.
For flight and train simulators, purchasing through Steam does not mean every profile or add-on is stored by Steam Cloud. A simulator may use its publisher account for logbooks, settings or controller profiles while keeping downloaded aircraft and scenery locally. Our explanation of how MSFS controller-profile cloud storage differs from a file backup demonstrates this distinction.
How does Steam Cloud sync between computers?
Steam Cloud normally synchronises supported files before a game launches and again after the game closes.
- Before launch: Steam checks whether the computer and cloud have matching data and downloads a newer cloud copy when required.
- During play: the game updates its designated local files or writes data through Steam’s cloud interface.
- After exit: once the game process has fully closed, Steam uploads changed files.
- On another device: Steam downloads that uploaded state before the game starts, giving the second PC or Steam Deck the same supported data.
If you play offline, changes remain local until Steam reconnects. Using two devices offline can create competing versions. Cloud data is tied to the Steam account and the game’s application identity, so another account on the same PC does not automatically receive your saves. Synchronisation between Windows, macOS and Linux also depends on the developer configuring compatible cross-platform files.
How do I enable or disable Steam Cloud?
Enable Steam Cloud globally and for the individual game; both controls must permit synchronisation.
- Close the game and wait for any pending upload to finish.
- Open Steam’s Cloud settings and make sure the global Steam Cloud option is enabled.
- Open the game’s Properties from your Steam Library and check its per-game cloud option, usually found under General.
- Check the sync status in the Library before shutting down Steam or opening the game elsewhere.
If no per-game option appears, the title may not support Steam Cloud or may manage cloud data through its own account system. Disabling Steam Cloud usually stops future transfers without deleting the existing remote copy. Re-enabling it later can therefore bring back older data or trigger a conflict.
Is Steam Cloud a backup?
No: Steam Cloud is a synchronisation layer, not a complete or versioned backup. It can copy a mistaken deletion, corrupted save or unwanted settings change to every connected device, and you should not assume an earlier version will remain recoverable.
This matters particularly with simulators, where add-ons, custom scenery, configuration files and locally stored flights may sit outside the cloud-managed set. Before replacing a drive or reinstalling Windows, follow a proper flight simulator backup plan covering cloud and local data rather than treating the Steam status as proof that everything is protected.
What should I do if Steam Cloud finds a conflict?
A Steam Cloud conflict means Steam has two plausible versions and cannot safely decide which one should replace the other.
- Stop launching the game on either device until you identify the wanted version.
- Compare the device and timestamps shown by Steam, but remember that an incorrect system clock can make the newest-looking file misleading.
- Copy the local save folder somewhere safe before selecting either version, where its location is known.
- Choose the local copy when this computer definitely contains the progress or settings you want; choose the cloud copy when the other device’s uploaded state is the correct one.
- Leave Steam running until the resulting upload or download reports that it is up to date.
Do not delete cloud or local files merely to clear the warning. For persistent warnings, repeated conflicts or a stuck upload, use our staged fixes for Steam Cloud out-of-sync errors.
Will uninstalling a game delete its Steam Cloud saves?
Uninstalling normally does not remove data that successfully uploaded to Steam Cloud, so a reinstall should retrieve the supported files. Local-only saves, mods, simulator add-ons and unsynchronised changes may still be lost, however. Confirm that Steam reports the game as up to date and make an independent backup before uninstalling anything you cannot replace.