Steam Cloud conflict between local and cloud saves
Steam Cloud conflictIdentify which copy contains the progress you want before choosing between local files and the cloud. The newest timestamp alone is not enough.
Try this first
1 quick checks · ~5 min
Find your situation
See all the clues. Choose the one that matches what you observe.
The last correct session was offline on this computer
The local copy may be ahead; confirm which progress it contains.
You played more recently on another computer
Check whether that computer synchronized, without starting new play sessions.
You do not know which copy to keep
Preserve available data before a decision that could overwrite it.
Diagnostic signals
- ObservationThe timestamp and progress tell different stories
- A timestamp is supporting evidence; identify the session and expected progress before deciding.
Step-by-step solutions
Reconstruct the last session before selecting a copy
The goal is to preserve your progress, not dismiss the notice as quickly as possible.
Stop new game sessions on all involved computers. Record where you last played with the correct progress, whether you were offline, and the approximate time. Keep the local/cloud dates Steam shows without confirming a selection yet.
Check that the game supports Steam Cloud and that it is enabled for that game and account. If it does not, do not expect a global Steam setting to recover files: use the game’s save-management or support path.
Relate an offline session to the local copy
Offline play can leave the correct progress only on that computer.
If you progressed offline yesterday on computer A and that computer now shows the conflict, its local copy may contain progress the cloud has not received. Compare the session and dates with what you remember; do not use a Newer label alone as proof.
Do not blindly open the game on another computer to check: you could create more changes. Before confirming that the local copy should survive, follow file preservation and the documented selection path for that game.
Check whether the other computer finished synchronizing
Recent play elsewhere supports the cloud copy only if that progress reached it.
If you played on computer B and computer A has old files, inspect B’s synchronization status without starting another game session. Pending synchronization means you cannot assume the cloud is the correct copy.
Relate any available timestamp to that session. If you cannot establish what the cloud contains or the other computer is unavailable, use the uncertainty branch instead of downloading and overwriting on instinct.
Preserve available saves when the choice is uncertain
A non-destructive copy keeps options open before resolving the conflict.
With the game closed, consult its developer’s supported save location and backup method. If you can safely identify its save files, copy them to a separate folder without moving or replacing the originals. Do not use an invented universal path for every game.
If you cannot identify the files or neither copy clearly corresponds to valuable progress, stop and contact Steam or the developer with dates and history. Do not delete Steam Cloud folders or reinstall the game to clear the notice.
Advanced checks
Continue if the earlier steps did not help. Read each procedure’s precautions first.
Select only the copy whose progress you identified
Selection should follow the save history and preservation, not a preference for local or cloud.
- Reconstruct the last session before selecting a copy
- Preserve available saves when the choice is uncertain
Read the source and destination in the actual Steam or game dialog. Only when the correct copy is identified and available files are protected should you select the option that preserves that progress. If the dialog does not clarify what gets replaced, do not confirm.
Wait for synchronization to finish before opening the game on another computer. Check progress on the chosen computer before continuing; if it is missing, stop new play and contact support while keeping the backup, without assuming the cloud has recoverable versions.
Still not working?
If the conflict returns or you cannot distinguish the copies, preserve files and contact the developer or Steam. Provide the game, computers, offline sessions, and synchronization states; do not keep playing to see whether it fixes itself or try successive overwrites.
Sources
Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.
Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.
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