How To Delete Cloud Saves On Steam

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

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Steam's cloud saving feature is a lifesaver, automatically backing up your game progress. But sometimes, you might need to delete those cloud saves – perhaps due to corrupted data, a desire to start fresh, or simply to reclaim some storage space. This guide walks you through the process, offering clear steps for different scenarios.

Understanding Steam Cloud Saves

Before diving into deletion, it's crucial to understand what cloud saves are and how they work. Steam Cloud saves automatically store your game progress on Valve's servers. This means even if your local save files are lost or corrupted, you can restore your progress from the cloud. However, this also means deleting a cloud save is permanent; it cannot be easily recovered.

Methods for Deleting Steam Cloud Saves

There are two primary ways to delete your Steam cloud saves: directly through the Steam client or by manually deleting files within your system's file explorer.

Method 1: Deleting Cloud Saves Through the Steam Client

This is the recommended method as it's straightforward and avoids accidental deletion of important files.

1. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client and log into your account.
2. Navigate to Library: Go to your game library.
3. Locate the Game: Find the game whose cloud save you want to delete.
4. Right-Click: Right-click on the game's tile.
5. Properties: Select "Properties" from the context menu.
6. Cloud: Navigate to the "Updates" tab. You'll see an option related to cloud synchronization. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on the game, but it will generally be something like "Delete Cloud Saves," "Delete Local and Cloud Saves," or a similar option.
7. Confirm Deletion: Steam will prompt you to confirm the deletion. Click "Yes" or the equivalent to proceed. Remember, this action is irreversible.

Method 2: Manually Deleting Cloud Saves (Advanced Users)

This method involves locating and deleting the save files directly from your computer's file system. Use extreme caution as accidentally deleting the wrong files can cause problems. This method isn't always reliable because the location of Steam Cloud saves is not standardized across games. It's generally better to use Method 1 whenever possible.

• Locate the Game's Save Files: This step requires finding the game's local save files. The location differs depending on the game and operating system. Often, you might find hints in the game's settings or by searching online forums dedicated to that specific game.
• Delete the Files: Once located, delete the relevant save files. Again, proceed with extreme caution.
• Restart Steam: After deleting, restart the Steam client to ensure the changes take effect.

Important Considerations

• Irreversible Action: Deleting cloud saves is permanent. There's no undo button.
• Game-Specific Instructions: Some games may have unique ways of managing cloud saves. Refer to the game's documentation or online support for specific guidance.
• Backup Before Deletion: If you're unsure, consider backing up your cloud saves before deleting them. You can do this by copying your local save files to an external drive.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your Steam cloud saves, deleting unwanted data and ensuring a clean and efficient gaming experience. Remember always to proceed with caution and be certain of your actions before deleting any files.