Where Are Steam Games Stored And How To Change Their Location

Steam, the popular platform for PC gaming, allows users to download and play a vast library of games. But have you ever wondered where these games are actually stored on your computer? Knowing the location of your Steam games can be helpful for backing up your data, troubleshooting issues, or even moving games to a different drive.

This article will guide you through the default storage location of Steam games and provide a step-by-step guide on how to change their location, freeing up space on your primary drive or optimizing performance by using a faster storage device. We’ll also cover some common questions about Steam game storage.

How Do I Find My Steam Games and Move Them?

Default Steam Game Storage Location

By default, Steam installs games in a specific directory within the Steam installation folder. The exact path depends on your operating system:

• Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common
• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common (Note: The Library folder might be hidden. You can reveal it by holding the Option key while clicking the “Go” menu in Finder.)
• Linux: ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common

You can also find the specific location of a game through the Steam client:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Right-click on the game in your Library.
3. Select “Properties”.
4. Click on the “Local Files” tab.
5. Click “Browse…” to open the game’s installation folder.

Creating a New Steam Library Folder

To move your Steam games to a different location, you first need to create a new Steam Library folder:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Click on “Steam” in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Settings”.
4. Click on “Downloads”.
5. Click on “Steam Library Folders”.
6. Click the “+” button to add a new library folder.
7. Choose the new location where you want to store your games (e.g., a different drive or folder).
8. Click “Select”.

Moving Installed Games to a New Location

Once you’ve created a new Steam Library folder, you can move your games:

1. Open the Steam client.
2. Right-click on the game you want to move in your Library.
3. Select “Properties”.
4. Click on the “Local Files” tab.
5. Click “Move Install Folder…”.
6. Select the new Steam Library folder you created.
7. Click “Move Folder”. Steam will move the game files to the new location.

Verifying Game Files After Moving

After moving your games, it’s a good idea to verify the integrity of the game files:

1. Right-click on the game in your Library.
2. Select “Properties”.
3. Click on the “Local Files” tab.
4. Click “Verify integrity of game files…”. Steam will check the game files and re-download any missing or corrupted files.

Managing Multiple Steam Library Folders

Steam allows you to have multiple library folders. When installing a new game, you can choose which library folder to install it in. This is helpful for managing space across different drives.

1. During the installation process, click the “Choose location for install” dropdown menu.
2. Select the desired Steam Library folder.
3. Click “Install”.

Tips for Managing Steam Game Storage

• Use an SSD for frequently played games: Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer significantly faster loading times compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
• Regularly check your storage space: Monitor your drive space to avoid running out of room.
• Uninstall games you no longer play: Free up valuable storage space by uninstalling games you’ve finished or no longer enjoy.
• Consider using a game library management tool: Tools like Steam Library Manager can help you organize and move your games more efficiently.
• Back up your game saves: Regularly back up your game save files to prevent data loss. These are often found in Documents or within the game installation folder.

Compare Storage Types

Feature	SSD (Solid State Drive)	HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Speed	Very Fast	Slower
Access Time	Very Low	Higher
Durability	More Durable	Less Durable
Noise	Silent	Can be Noisy
Price	More Expensive	Less Expensive
Best For	Games, OS, Applications	Mass Storage

Optimizing Game Storage

Understanding where your Steam games are stored and how to manage their location is crucial for maintaining a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. By following these steps, you can easily move games, free up space, and optimize performance.

FAQ

Can I move a game while it’s downloading? No, you should wait until the game is fully downloaded and installed before attempting to move it.

Will moving a game delete my save files? No, moving a game through Steam will not delete your save files. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save files just in case.

Can I move games between different operating systems (e.g., Windows to macOS)? No, games are typically not compatible between different operating systems. You would need to re-download the game for the new operating system.

How do I uninstall a game from Steam? Right-click on the game in your Library, select “Manage,” and then click “Uninstall.”

What happens if I run out of space on my drive while downloading a game? Steam will pause the download and notify you that there is not enough space. You’ll need to free up space or choose a different installation location.

Keeping Your Games Organized

Knowing where your Steam games reside and how to relocate them empowers you to effectively manage your storage, enhance performance, and maintain a tidy gaming setup.

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