Transferring your Steam games from one computer to another or from one storage drive to another might seem like a complicated task, especially if you don't want to download everything again from scratch. But the good news is that it's entirely possible to move your games without losing any data , save files, or important settings. With the right methods, you can save time, avoid mistakes, and keep all your games ready to play in their new location.
In this article we explain in detail all the possible ways to transfer Steam games without reinstalling them.
Transfer Steam games between PCs using specific tools
When you buy a new computer and want to transfer your Steam library to it, the best option is to use a reliable tool like EaseUS Todo PCTrans . This application allows you to transfer both the Steam platform and your installed games without needing to reinstall.
These are the basic steps:
- Install EaseUS Todo PCTrans on both computers.
- Go to the “PC to PC” section.
- Select Steam and the games you want to transfer.
- Choose the destination location and begin the transfer.
This method allows you to move multiple games and programs at once, as long as you have enough space available on both computers. It's ideal for those looking to perform a hassle-free mass migration.
Backing up and restoring with Steam
Steam offers a built-in feature for backing up games , allowing you to move them from one PC to another without additional downloads.
This process is also useful if you don't want to use external tools. Here are the steps:
- Log into Steam on your old PC.
- Go to the top menu and select “Steam” > “Backup and Restore Games.”
- Choose the games you want to back up.
- Select the destination location, preferably a external hard drive.
- Complete the copy and disconnect the device.
- Connect the hard drive to the new computer and restore the games from that backup.
The result will be a clean transfer, with no corrupted files or need to reinstall Steam.
Manually copy game folders
Another functional method is to copy game folders directly from the old PC to the new one, or from one drive to another. For this to work properly, there are a few key steps to follow:
Default game location: C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common
You'll need to copy all your game folders to that location. Then, paste them into the same location on your new computer (make sure Steam is installed).
Once copied:
- Open Steam on the new computer.
- Click “Install” on each game.
- Steam will detect existing files, will verify the integrity and will prevent full download.
This process also requires installing DirectX, C++, or other plugins that come with the game. These are usually located in the game's original folder.
Transfer Steam Games to an SSD
When you install a new SSD in your PC and want to move your games there to take advantage of faster loading times, you have several options. One of the simplest is to use Steam's "Create New Library Locations" feature from the program's settings.
Basic steps:
- Open Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
- Add a new location on your SSD.
- Right-click on a game > Properties > Local Files > Move Installation Folder.
Another, more comprehensive alternative is to use EaseUS Todo PCTrans to directly move all game data between drives, without errors or missing files.
How to troubleshoot errors after migration
Sometimes, after moving games, you might encounter problems such as corrupted files or the game not launching correctly. Steam offers a solution for this through the option to verify the integrity of game files.
Steps:
- Open Steam and go to your library.
- Right click on the problematic game.
- Select Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files.
This process will compare your local files with those on the Steam server and download only what is missing or corrupted.
What about other platforms like Epic, Origin, or Uplay?
Many gamers don't just use Steam; they also have games on Epic Games, Origin, or Uplay . The good news is that their games can also be transferred without needing to reinstall them from scratch.
Epic Games:
- Locate the games folder (C:\Program Files\Epic Games).
- Copy it to the external drive.
- On the new PC, install the Epic Launcher.
- Click Install, pause the installation immediately, and close the launcher.
- Paste the game files into the destination folder and restart the launcher.
Origin:
- Copy the games folder from C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games.
- Install Origin on the new PC and start downloading a game.
- Stop the download, replace files, and click “Repair.”
Upplay:
- Find the folder in C:\Program Files\Ubisoft.
- Repeat the same process as with Epic and Origin: copy, paste, pause the download, and verify the files.
This approach is very practical when you change PCs and don't want to waste time and bandwidth.
Knowing the different methods for transferring games without losing data saves you a lot of headaches, especially if you have a large library. Whether you prefer to use Steam's built-in backup feature, tools like EaseUS, or manually copy folders, the important thing is to follow all the steps correctly. If you do it carefully, you'll have all your games ready to play without any extra hassle.
