A Steam Cloud conflict appears when local files differ from the copy stored online. Before selecting either one, compare both timestamps with the last device where you played. Steam recommends choosing the version that matches your latest progress. If you are unsure, do not launch the game yet; check the old computer and copy any available save first.
On this page
Why Steam asks you to choose
Steam says the same file was changed in two places without syncing, so the client cannot know which version you want. This can happen after Offline Mode, switching PCs, or closing the game before a sync finishes.
Use the dates and times in the conflict window as clues. Think back to where you last played and whether Steam showed a sync warning. Pick the local copy if your latest progress is on this computer. Pick the cloud copy if you last played elsewhere and that session uploaded successfully.
Where the two versions live
Games choose which files go to the cloud: Steamworks lets developers set this per game, which is why two titles on the same account can behave differently.
Steam keeps a local copy of every cloud-enabled game's files under your account folder. Default locations from Steam Support:
| System | Cloud files folder | Sync log |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[Steam ID]\[appID] |
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\logs\cloud_log.txt |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata/[Steam ID]/[appID] |
~/Library/Application Support/Steam/logs/cloud_log.txt |
| Linux | ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata/[Steam ID]/[appID] |
~/.local/share/Steam/logs/cloud_log.txt |
The Steam ID folder here is the short account ID, the same number as your friend code; the Steam ID converter shows it. The appID is in the game's store page address. Copy the whole appID folder somewhere safe before you choose, and open cloud_log.txt to see when files were last uploaded or downloaded. Some games keep saves outside userdata (in Documents or AppData); the developer's instructions say where.
Before you click
- Do not press Play from the unsynced warning.
- Compare the timestamp for each version.
- Match them to your last play session and device.
- If the old PC is available, connect it and let Steam finish syncing.
- For an important single-player save, make a manual copy before further changes if you know where the game stores it.
Steam warns it may not be able to restore lost data. Cloud sync is not an archive of every save state. File locations differ by game, so use the developer's instructions when copying a save.
What usually goes wrong
- Playing offline, then going back online. Steam says Offline Mode keeps games from syncing and is very likely to cause a conflict. Go online on the device you played on and let it sync before switching machines.
- Clicking "Play anyway" on a sync error. Steam warns this can make local and cloud files diverge and lose progress. Fix the connection first.
- Picking by habit. "Cloud is always newer" is wrong after an offline session. Read the timestamps.
- Thinking every game uses the cloud. Many games do not store saves in Steam Cloud. The store page shows a Steam Cloud logo when the game uses it.
- Expecting Support to undo it. Steam Support says it cannot recover lost saves or resolve conflicts. The manual copy is your only undo.
If you already dismissed the warning
Stop playing until you know which version is current. A new session can overwrite the copy you wanted to keep. Check the older computer: Steam notes that unsynced data may still be there. Start Steam on that machine and see whether it can upload the local save.
If progress is already missing, Steam says recovery is unlikely. Search for a local backup or a backup created by the game. What remains recoverable depends on the title and the devices you used.
A sync error without a conflict
“Unable to sync” means Steam could not upload or download cloud files. Check the connection and wait for sync before launching. Steam warns that choosing to play anyway can cause local and cloud data to diverge.
If sync keeps failing, investigate the network, firewall, or software that interferes with Steam. Do not permanently disable security software just to test. Ask for help if you are unsure how to change those settings safely.
Before moving to a new PC, check that the game supports Steam Cloud on its store page. Steam notes that not every title uses cloud saves, and cross-platform syncing is available only when the developer supports it. You can switch cloud sync per game in Library → right-click the game → Properties → General, or for all games in Steam Settings → Cloud. See the official Steam Cloud support guide for current instructions. If the game will not start after the sync, verify its files; if downloads crawl, see why Steam downloads slowly, and for error numbers, the Steam error codes list.
FAQ
Which save should I pick in a Steam Cloud conflict?
Usually the one modified most recently, because it holds your last progress. Steam asks you to match the dates and times in the window to where and when you last played before choosing.
Can Steam Support restore a lost save?
Steam says it is not likely. Support can explain how the cloud works, but it cannot recover lost saves or resolve cloud conflicts for you.
Where are Steam Cloud files stored on my PC?
By default in Steam\userdata[your Steam ID][game appID]. On Windows that is under C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata.
Does Offline Mode cause cloud conflicts?
It often does. Steam notes that playing in Offline Mode keeps games from syncing until you go back online, which is very likely to cause a conflict.