– Steam Cloud –
The Steam Cloud enables games and the platform to use Steam’s cloud storage. Steam Cloud may store a variety of data in games, including game settings, save games, profile metrics, and other user-specific information.
Steam Cloud
Many Steam client settings, including collections, buddy nicknames, and anything altered via the Steam client Settings menu, are stored to the cloud.
Because they fetch the settings from the cloud upon login, they will remain on an account regardless of which system they enter it.
Before we continue, let’s establish some understanding.
Steam Cloud Issues & Troubleshooting
Steam Support has limited capacity to handle cloud synchronization difficulties because of the automated nature of the process. It is unlikely that we will retrieve any saves or other data that has been lost.
As a result, we advise users to familiarize themselves with cloud-related behaviors, so that data loss may be avoided when they occur.
How to Tell if a Game Uses Steam Cloud
Developers have total control over how their games use the Steam Cloud, including which user files they upload.
If a game supports the Steam Cloud, a Steam Cloud emblem will appear in the top right corner of the Steam Store page. However, you may need to consult the developer or the community to figure out whether files or settings are included.
How to Enable Steam Cloud
Individual games Can You Use Ps5 Controller on Ps4 without Issues?can use the Steam Cloud, or they can use it as an universal Steam option for all games. When a game’s Steam Cloud capability is deactivated, it saves only locally all progress that would usually be stored through the cloud on the PC where it was generated.
a. Right-click any game in the Steam Library and choose Properties.
b. It may toggle the Cloud Synchronization setting under the General tab.
c. Navigate to the Cloud tab in the Steam client Settings box.
d. The toggle next to Enable Steam Cloud Sync for programs that support it may enable or disable the cloud.
Steam Cloud Files Local Storage
Default stores locally cloud files in the following locations:
It will store unique Steam IDs in the userdata folder, which relate to Steam accounts that have signed in on that system.
The games connected with such Steam accounts are listed by appID under the Steam ID folders. For Dota 2 (appID 570), here’s an example: Steam\userdata\[Steamin]\570\
Changes to your Steam client settings are saved both locally and in the cloud in the following folder: Steam\userdata\[steamID]\7\
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Steam Cloud Activity Log
When files are written to or retrieved from the cloud, Steam writes a log record.
These are logged in the cloud log.txt file, which is saved by default at the following location:
How to Download Saved Games From Steam Cloud
They synchronize many save files to Steam’s servers. They’re downloaded automatically when you install a game on Steam, but that’s not the only method to receive them.
You may also download them in your browser directly from Valve’s website.
1. Enable Steam Cloud Sync in Steam
If Steam does not immediately download your old save games when you install a game, make sure Steam Cloud is turned on for that game.
To do so, go to your Steam library, right-click the game, and choose “Properties.” Make sure the “Keep games saves in the Steam Cloud for Game” option is checked for the game under the “General” page.
Steam will not automatically download or upload fresh cloud saves if this option is not selected.
If a game doesn’t have a Steam Cloud option, it isn’t compatible with Steam Cloud. Not all Steam games do; it is up to the game creator.
2. Download the Files in Your Web Browser
You may also download your Steam cloud save files via a web browser, according to Valve. You can just download your save data rather than the complete game.
Visit Valve’s View Steam Cloud page in your web browser and login in with your Steam account to find your save files.
A list of titles that are using your Steam Cloud storage will appear. To see all the files for a game, find it in the list and click “Show Files.”
Tip: To use your browser’s built-in search feature, press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on a Mac) and search for the game’s name.
Each game includes a page that lists all the files it has in Steam Cloud, as well as when they were last edited. Click “Download” to save a file. You’ll have a copy of your game’s save games if you download all the save files for it.
This is especially handy for multi-platform games that don’t automatically sync save files between platforms.
More Tips on How to Download Files in Your Web Browser
Borderlands 2, for example, is accessible to both PC and Mac. It uses Steam Cloud to synchronize its save data, but the PC and Mac versions do it separately.
To transfer your Borderlands 2 save games across platforms, you may download the Mac (or PC) versions from Steam’s website and manually import them into the folder.
This would entail downloading Borderlands 2 on one device, extracting your save games, and then downloading the game on a second platform if you didn’t use the website!
This is a recognized issue with other games as well—it appears to be necessary when transferring save games from Torchlight for Windows to Torchlight for Linux, for example.
How to Share Games on Steam
Do you have any Steam games that you’d want to share with your friends and family? Using Steam’s “Family Sharing” feature, you may do so. It provides free access to and play of games from your collection to others.
Steam Cloud’s Sharing Feature
Let’s have a look at how the sharing tool works before we use it. Steam’s Family Sharing function, as the name implies, allows others to enjoy games from your Steam collection without having to pay for them.
All the titles in your library will appear on your friend’s Steam account when you enable the functionality.
You may grant access to up to 5 accounts and 10 devices, and those users will be able to play games with their own accomplishments.
However, you won’t be able to pick which titles are shared; Family Sharing will give you access to your whole collection.
Keep this in mind if you have any games in your library with sensitive content, as parental restrictions do not apply.
The greatest disadvantage of this feature is that you and others cannot play any game from your library while someone else is doing so. You have precedence as the owner, but this unpleasant constraint means you’ll have to be careful while you and your friends are playing games.
If you play a game while someone else is using your library, Steam will offer that person two minutes to save their progress and exit the game.
How to Share Your Game Library on Steam
To share games, you must first enable Steam Guard, a two-factor authentication method that protects your Steam account from unauthorized access. Prepare your friend and the device they’ll use to access your library ahead of time.
1. Enabling Steam Guard
To do this,
a. Open the Steam application.
b. Click on “Steam” in the top-right corner, then on “Settings.”
c. Click “Manage Steam Guard Account Security” in the Settings page.
You have the option of using email authentication or using the Steam app for Android or iPhone to authenticate. We prefer the latter because it is faster and easier.
d. Select the radio option “Get Steam Guard codes by email.” You will need to connect into your Steam account again.
You should be able to log in to your Steam account after entering the Steam Guard code that you received in your email.
2. Sharing Games on Steam
You may now approve the device for Family Sharing once you’ve enabled Steam Guard.
a. Click Steam > Settings in the upper right corner of the Steam window. Select “Family” from the left window panel.
b. Check the “Authorize Library Sharing on This Computer” checkbox in the right Family window panel.
c. Now log out of your Steam account and have your friend log in to their Steam account on their PC.
d. Log out of your friend’s Steam account and into yours once more.
e. Go to the “Family” section of the settings. In the eligible accounts area, you should now see your friend’s username.
f. Select the checkbox and then click OK. Allow your buddy to log into their computer account.
You should notice your games in their library if you go to the Library area.
If you’re a regular Steam user, you might be interested in the in-home streaming option, which allows you to broadcast your games to other computers on the same network.
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How to Move a Steam Game to Another Drive
You may pick where you wish to install games when you download them from Steam’s different library directories. You may also transfer a game after you’ve downloaded it without having to re-download it owing to an update.
This method can prevent you from having to download tens or even hundreds of gigabytes of game data all over again, only to transfer a few games to a new SSD.
It’s not the same as transferring a whole Steam library folder, which moves every single game inside; the steps below will only allow you to move a few games, not the entire library.
1. Create a Second Steam Folder
First, if you haven’t previously done so, create a Steam library folder on the second disc.
a. In Steam, go to Steam > Settings to do so.
b. Click the “Steam Library Folders” button under the “Downloads” category.
c. Near the top, press the + button.
d. Select the disk on which it will create the library folder, and click “Add.” On the selected disc, a new folder named “Steam Library” will be created.
Along with your previous Steam folder, the new folder you established will now display at the top.
2. Move the Games’ Files to the Second Library
We can move an installed game in two ways.
a. The Storage Manager Window
The first makes advantage of the Storage Manager pane, where we had just made a new library folder.
i. Select the game’s installation disc, check the box next to the game you wish to move, and then click “Move” in the bottom right corner.
ii. Select the drive containing your new Steam folder in the dialogue that opens, and then click “Move.”
Prepare to wait a long time for this to complete; games can take up dozens or hundreds of terabytes, and moving them can take a long time.
b. The Games List
To do this,
a. Right-click a game in your collection and then select “Properties.”
b. Click the “Move Install Folder” button on the “Local Files” tab.
c. Click the “Move” button after selecting the Steam library to which you wish to move the game.
Steam will move the game’s files to the other library location. Simply repeat the process to move other games.
Steam will ask you which library you want to install a game to in the future, but you should be able to transfer your games at any moment.
Optimizing Steam Link for In-Home Game Streaming
Steam Link from Valve is a sleek, simple method to transmit games from your PC to another TV in your house. Connect the Steam Link to your PC via HDMI, then plug in a controller.
It uses Steam In-Home Streaming, which you can use with any PC, but the Steam Link adds a low-cost, optimized streaming receiver to your TV.
How to Set Up Your Steam Link
It’s simple to set up the Steam Link. Install Steam on one of your computers, then run it and login in with your account. If you already use Steam, all you have to do now is make sure it’s operating.
Second, use the provided power adapter to connect the Steam Link to a power source, and then use the accompanying HDMI cable to connect it to your TV.
To control the Steam Link, insert a Steam Controller, any USB keyboard and mouse, a wired or wireless Xbox 360 controller, a wired Xbox One controller, or a Logitech F710 wireless game pad into a USB port.
You can connect up to three devices to the Steam Link’s three USB ports. Later on, you may use Bluetooth to connect wireless devices to your Steam Link.
When you’ve completed those steps, turn on your TV and choose the HDMI input to which the Steam Link is connected.
Set up your Steam Link and connect to a PC running Steam by following the instructions on your screen. Joining a Wi-Fi network (if you’re not using Ethernet) is the first step, followed by setting up some basic image settings and selecting the Steam-running PC on your network.
To complete the pairing procedure, you’ll be asked to input a code displayed on your TV into Steam on your PC.
If you wish to adjust the Steam Link settings, go to the main page and choose “Settings.” After selecting a PC, you’ll be in Big Picture Mode, with content streaming directly from the PC.
We can only find many customization options for the Steam Link on the main screen.
How to Improve Your Streaming Performance
Because the games you’re playing are actually running on your computer, there will always be some latency (or “lag”) with the Steam Link. There are, however, techniques to reduce latency and improve the stream’s performance.
If at all workable, use a wired Ethernet connection for your Steam Link. Using an Ethernet wire, connect the Steam Link to your network.
You should also use a wired Ethernet connection to connect the gaming PC you’ll be streaming from to the same router.
This is the single most critical thing you can do to improve your game streaming performance. Sometimes, power line networking may be preferable to wireless networking, however regular Ethernet cables are the best option.
If you have an older router and are experiencing poor Ethernet performance, switching to a newer, faster router may be the answer.
Valve suggests using 5 GHz Wi-Fi if you can’t use traditional Ethernet wires. This implies you should use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network instead of a 2.4 GHz one for both your game PC and the Steam Link.
You should definitely use your router if it does not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi. A wireless connection will be sluggish and flaky compared to a cable connection, but it will still operate.
Factors Affecting Streaming Performance
It very depends on your entire setup and the games you play.
The Steam Link supports wireless 802.11ac, while 802.11n is also supported. If you really must go wireless, a 5 GHz 802.11ac network is best.
On your PC, you may also change the streaming choices.
To do so,
a. Launch Steam on the PC you’re broadcasting from and navigate to Steam > Settings.
b. Then click the “Advanced Host Options” button after selecting “In-Home Streaming.”
c. To get the best performance, make sure all the “Enable hardware encoding” options are ticked. They should be the default setting.
d. You can experiment with the other settings to see how they affect your configuration. To pick an additional capture technique, click the “Use NVFBC capture on NVIDIA GPU” option, for example.
The regular NVENC capture method is great in our experience, thus you should leave this checkbox disabled unless NVFBC appears to perform better for you.
NVENC Capture Technology
NVENC is the same capture technology that is used by NVIDIA’s ShadowPlay and Game Stream technologies.
I explained the distinction in further depth in this Steam forum topic.
If your router supports Quality of Service, often known as network traffic prioritization, traffic to and from the Steam Link should be prioritized. This will guarantee that the Steam Link runs at its best.
On some routers, the “Prioritize network traffic” checkbox in the Advanced Host Options window will also assist.
You may alter the quality settings on the Steam Link device by going to the main screen and choosing Settings > Streaming Setup. Fast, Balanced, and Beautiful are the three alternatives accessible.
Balanced is the default setting.
If you’re having trouble with performance, try Fast instead. Whether your system is doing well, try picking Beautiful and see if the visual quality improves without a perceptible lag.
The standard advice for bettering your performance and image quality is also useful.
If the game is taxing on your PC’s hardware, for example, lowering the graphics settings can improve performance and streaming. Enabling “Game Mode” in your TV’s visual settings can also assist eliminate any delay caused by your TV.
You should also avoid running demanding apps on the PC while streaming, as this can degrade streaming performance.
Unless you have really strong hardware, you won’t be able to play one game while streaming another.
How to View Performance Stats
A performance data overlay is available on the Steam Link. This provides raw information on how your Steam Link is functioning, allowing you to assess the impact of various modifications and configuration changes on your overall performance.
To activate it, go to the main screen, then Settings > Streaming Setup > Advanced Options (click Y), and then turn on the “Performance Overlay” option.
While streaming, you can also change this setting on or off by going to Settings > In-Home Streaming > Advanced Client Options and selecting the “Display Performance Information” setting.
When you enable this option, comprehensive performance data will appear at the bottom of your screen while you’re streaming. A “Streaming latency” line, for example, displays how much input and display lag you’re now experiencing.
You may then experiment with your settings to see how it affects your performance.
How to Play a Non-Steam Game on the Steam Link
It may launch only titles from your Steam library via the Steam Link. Non-Steam games are supported, but you must first add them to your Steam library.
You’ll need to be at a PC running Steam to add a non-Steam game to your Steam library.
At the bottom of your library, select “Add a Game,” and then select “Add a Non-Steam Game” from the box that displays.
When you point Steam to the game’s.exe file, it will be treated like any other game in the Steam interface. It may then launch the game using the Steam Link.
While streaming to your TV will never be as seamless as watching video on your computer, you’d be amazed how close you can get with strong PC hardware and a reliable wired network connection. You might not notice the change, especially in casual games.
How to Resolve a Steam Cloud Conflict
If Steam detects that the local files associated with a game differ from those saved on the cloud, the Steam Cloud conflict pop-up will appear when the game is loaded.
This may have happened on the machine you were using at the time the window appeared, or it could have happened on a prior machine. Steam cannot automatically choose which version of the file to preserve since they edited it in two distinct locations without synchronization.
You’ll probably want to select the most recent version of the files. This means you’ll be able to continue where you left off the last time you played the game.
However, think about how the dates and times in the conflict window for the cloud save files match your game behavior and progress. This information will aid you in deciding which files to choose.
Playing games in Offline Mode prevents them from synchronizing until you reconnect to the internet, which is quite likely to cause a dispute.
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Solution to Sync Steam Files to The Cloud
Steam could not sync your local files to the Steam Cloud, resulting in this error. It might be a temporary problem, or there could be a problem with your network that has to be fixed.
Prior to beginning the game, they recommend users to fix the underlying source of the issue.
Ignoring the notification and clicking “play game” might cause a conflict between the cloud and your local files, causing data or progress to be lost.
How to Restore Lost Files or Progress
If you don’t see your most recent progress after double-checking that the game supports Steam Cloud on its shop page, it’s possible that Steam failed to sync with Steam Cloud before shutting, or that the sync resulted in an older version of your data being transferred to the cloud.
The original file or progress may still be on the older system, but it could not sync.
It might be workable to start Steam on that PC and test if the game syncs. If it succeeds, the progress should be available the following time you run on the newer system.
Many games do not use the Steam cloud to preserve game data. If you’re using a new system but still have access to the old one, the game creator can assist you in finding and transferring those data.
Those save games cannot be retrieved if you no longer have access to the prior computer.
Steam Support can explain how the Cloud system works in more detail, but they can’t help you recover lost saves or resolve cloud issues.
Steam Cloud Troubleshooting
If you keep having problems with Steam cloud functioning, it’s conceivable that anything is interfering with it or preventing it from working properly.
It’s a good idea to look into each of the following scenarios to ensure that your computer can properly use the cloud.
Because some of them are difficult troubleshooting tasks involving regions outside of Steam, we strongly advise that you see a local IT support professional to ensure that they are carried out correctly.
Steam allows for cross-platform cloud data integration across several operating systems.
This functionality, however, is not available in all games. You should validate the details of cross-platform cloud integration with the community or the developer.
1. Refresh Local Network Hardware
You must restart all modems and routers. After a lengthy period of use, network gear might become sluggish or faulty. This can make cloud sync take longer than usual or fail entirely.
If you’re using a wireless network, you’ll want to use a direct Ethernet connection between your workstation and the network gear to avoid this.
2. Test Online Connection
To preserve bandwidth, several Internet providers cache or compress online data (especially cellphone networks). This may cause Steam to malfunction.
Connecting to a totally other network, preferably from a different service provider, is an excellent way to test the problem.
3. Investigate Firewalls
Steam may be unable to communicate with its servers because of firewalls. To be sure the firewall isn’t interfering, consult with a tech support professional.
For testing, you may need to temporarily disable it or add exceptions to your firewalls for Steam.
4. Investigate Anti-Virus Software
AV software has a deep hook into user computers and can interfere with disc and network activities, which could cause Steam problems.
Some games also include copy protection technologies, which might look to an antivirus scanner as malicious software, resulting in false-positive alarms.
To make sure your antivirus software isn’t interfering with Steam performance, see a tech support professional.
For testing, you may need to temporarily disable it.
It may also be essential to add Steam exclusions to your antivirus settings (for example, excluding Steam cloud folders like …\Steam\userdata and installation folders for Steam games from live monitoring services).
5. Investigate Other Programs & Services
While downloading or playing a game, any program that alters or monitors system, disk, or network activities might create problems.
Anti-virus, ad-blockers, web-optimizers, firewalls, system cleansers, recording software, proxies, and performance boosters are examples of applications and services that can operate in the background.
To be sure that these services and apps aren’t interfering with Steam, see a tech support professional. For testing, you may need to temporarily disable them.
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FAQs on Steam Cloud Games
For information on Steam cloud games, how to update games, restore and updates, etc., read through this section.
1. Where Is Steam Game Data Stored?
Ans: “The game data itself is often installed in Steam\steamapps\common, with some files being in documents, app data or your registry.
As for the save data, it depends on the game, but if it uses remote saves/Steam cloud, then they will be saved in the steam\userdata\<steamID>\<gameID> folder.
Lastly, the icons for the games are saved in steam\steam\games.”
2. Can I Play My Saved Games on Any PC with A Steam Account?
Ans: “Yes, for certain titles; no, unless the saved games are manually copied on a USB stick.
You can store games to Steam Cloud on Steam, especially for newer titles, and subsequently play them on another computer with your account. Please verify if the game you’re playing supports Steam Cloud and if you’ve stored your games there.”
3. Why Is It Said that Amsterdam Is Built on Polish Wood?
Ans: “Yes. The Netherlands is not particularly forested; I assume most of it is ancient seabed, and it’s possible that the woods there were taken down early on.
For the ships, they need appropriate timber. And, I suppose, for the wooden pillars on which Amsterdam homes stand amid the wetlands.”
FAQs on How to Update Steam Cloud Games
Read this section for answers to frequently asked questions on how to update Steam Cloud games.
13. Can I Play Games via Cloud Computing?
Ans: “Yes, several firms, such as Electronic Arts and Sony, have built their online gaming platforms using cloud computing. These platforms allow you to play those games.”
14. Where Are Steam’s Servers Located?
Ans: “Here is a list of the entry points, EU West: Luxemburg, EU East: Vienna, EU North: Stockholm, Spain: Madrid, Africa 1: Cape Town, Africa 2: Johannesburg, Asia 1: Singapore, Asia 2: Singapore, Poland: Warszawa, Dubai: Beetna, India: Mumbai, HK: Hong Kong, Japan: Tokyo, Australia: Sydney, US West: Seattle, US East: Sterling, US South-West: California, US South-East: Atlanta, Chile: Santiago, Brazil: Sao Paulo.”
FAQs on How to Install Games
Go through this section for answers on how to install games on OneDrive.
15. Can You Install Games on OneDrive?
Ans: “Sort of.
OneDrive is a folder on your computer that is synchronized in pseudo-realtime in both directions (as fast as your bandwidth supports). It will sync if you drop papers, images, and other files into that folder.
You can undoubtedly install apps in that directory. The files will be synced. You may alternatively retain simply a file record locally and maintain the “actual” file on the cloud.
That doesn’t take away your demand for hard drive space. Even if you make the files cloud-only, they must still be downloaded locally before they can be used.
It appears to be a reasonable solution to keep more games than you have room for. You wouldn’t be able to play without making a plan, and switching games would necessitate a download each time.
Because cloud-only files are only downloaded locally on demand, any game’s performance would suffer. Some games don’t use every file at once, so picture a game if every level or cutscene required downloading large amounts of content. Buzzkill.
Another idea you can have is to make the game portable. Install it on one computer and then play it on another using OneDrive.
Sorry, that doesn’t work either; games, like any other installable software, clog up your disc and Registry with pieces of configuration, DRM keys, and other junk, and don’t become portable just because you know where to install them.
You can, of course, install games to OneDrive. It looks and functions like a folder. It’s merely a waste of cloud capacity and a lousy concept.”
FAQs on How to Restore Steam Cloud Games
Read this section for answers to frequently asked questions on how to restore Steam Cloud games.
16. How Do I Restore Steam Games without A Backup?
Ans: “It is advised that you go to the Steam client’s game backup and restore option and pick to restore the game to try; alternatively, you should download and install it anew. Although it will take some time, you may use that time to level up on Steam.
Although upgrading yourself is not as excellent as purchasing services on mmoso.com, going to the community and market to collect cards or engage in community events is really beneficial.”
17. How Do I Delete a Game and All Its Data on Steam?
Ans: “Simply go to steam in the upper left hand corner.
Help> Steam Support>Recent Products (or search for it by clicking on games)>
Click the game, then “I want to permanently delete this game from my account,” and the rest should be obvious.
However, removing is not the same as deleting everything.
If you opt to permanently uninstall the game, go to your Steam folder and delete the game and any residual data in its directories.”
FAQs on How to Uninstall and Delete Steam Cloud Games
Read this section for answers to frequently asked questions on how to uninstall Steam Cloud games.
18. Does Uninstalling Steam Delete Saves?
Ans: “Your game saves are not at risk. They’re distinct from game data. There is a local copy that has not been modified.
These may be found by selecting the game in My Games & Apps, tapping Menu, and then selecting Manage Game.”
19. What Are the Ways to Back Up Your PC Game Saves?
Ans: “If you use Steam, then enable Steam Cloud in your options, and it will save all supported games (essentially all of them). Other providers offer similar functionality.
Option 2 is to use Google Drive and just drag and drop your game files there.”
We hope this article straightens your curiosity and gives answers to your queries. Do well to share this with your friends and loved ones using the share options in this article.
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