Back up PC game saves and prove you can restore them

In brief

The folder containing a game’s executable may not contain its saves. Before a major mod, beta or system change, find the save location documented by the developer and copy that data separately.

A restore check answers the important question: whether the files contain your progress, not just installation files you can download again.

The named Windows save location and companion files come from CD PROJEKT RED. General backup steps do not imply that all games share the same folder or restoration behavior.

Find the data instead of guessing

Look in the developer’s save-location instructions; Documents, AppData and Steam userdata are possible locations, not universal rules. Include companion files if the format needs them. For server-side progress, inspect the account recovery and export options rather than expecting a local folder backup to copy everything.

Create a readable backup

Name it with the game, profile and backup date. Record the original path and game version in a small text note. Copy after the game exits so files are not changing mid-copy. Keep at least one copy outside a drive you are about to erase.

Restore with a route back

Copy the current saves aside before testing an older set. Follow the game’s restore instructions and manage cloud synchronization deliberately if it can replace the test. Load the expected slot and verify progress. Never use “overwrite all” until you know which set is your only valid copy.

Concrete Windows example: Cyberpunk 2077 saves

CD PROJEKT RED documents the Windows save location below. With the game closed, press Windows+R, paste the path and open it in File Explorer. This path is for the named game on Windows, not a universal Steam directory. If it does not exist, stop and check the platform/profile and publisher documentation rather than creating an empty folder and assuming the save is backed up.

Copy the whole save folder to a dated folder on your backup storage. The publisher identifies metadata.9.json, sav.dat and screenshot.png inside a save directory; keeping the complete directory avoids mistaking a screenshot for the actual save data. Add a small note with the source path, game version and the slot/progress you expect to see.

Before any restoration, copy the current active saves aside too and read the game’s current restoration/cloud-sync guidance. Load the expected save and check the character, location and progress. If the cloud client offers a conflict, do not pick a side by timestamp alone. Keep both copies and compare the known progress; a recent empty save is not the backup you intended.

%USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077

Documentation for these steps: CD PROJEKT RED — Cyberpunk 2077 save location and files ↗

What to do next

1. Identify the save path and relevant account/profile in the game’s support documentation.
2. Exit the game and copy the save folder to a dated backup outside its active location.
3. Test a restore using a supported separate slot/profile or a protected copy, and keep the original backup untouched.