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How To Delete All Steam Cloud Game Saves and Data

As an avid PC gamer who uses Steam, you may eventually run into issues with the Steam Cloud feature taking up too much storage space. With some games, the save files and other data stored in the Steam Cloud can get quite large over time. Fortunately, it is possible to delete this cloud data to free up space.

My Background and Expertise on Steam

I have over 10 years of experience using Steam and PC gaming. In that time, I have accumulated a large library of games, many of which utilize the Steam Cloud feature. Over time, the amount of cloud storage used has grown significantly.

I have learned all of the ins and outs of managing cloud saves on Steam through trial and error. I have deleted cloud data for individual games when they start to take up too much space. I have also completely cleared all game cloud data from my Steam account on several occasions when I wanted to start fresh.

So I can confidently guide you through this process step-by-step, drawing on my years of direct experience using Steam and manipulating cloud save data.

Why You May Want To Delete Steam Cloud Data

There are a few reasons why you may want to delete cloud save data from your Steam account:

  • Free up storage space – The Steam Cloud has limited space. If you play games that store a lot of data in the cloud, you may hit the limit. Deleting old unused cloud saves can free up room for new games.
  • Resolve conflicts – Sometimes there can be conflicts between local game save files and those stored in the cloud. Deleting all cloud data forces the local files to become the new master versions.
  • Start fresh – Maybe you want to replay a game from the beginning but don’t want to lose achievements and other progress on your main save file. Deleting cloud data allows you to start the game fresh.

Step-By-Step Guide to Deleting Steam Cloud Data

Follow these steps to completely clear all game save data from your Steam Cloud storage:

1. Exit Steam And Navigate To The App Data Folder

  • Close Steam completely if it is running.
  • Open your file explorer and navigate to:
  C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\YOURSTEAMID\

Replace YOURSTEAMID with your actual Steam ID number.

  • Inside this folder you will see numbered subfolders for each game using cloud saves.

2. Delete The Numbered App Data Folders

  • Delete all of the numbered app folders inside the userdata folder.
  • These folders contain all your Steam Cloud save data.
  • WARNING: This will permanently delete cloud save data, so backup anything you want to keep!

3. Launch Steam And Go Offline

  • Launch the Steam client application.
  • In Steam, go to the Steam menu > Go Offline.
  • This prevents cloud data from automatically syncing before we resolve file conflicts.

4. Start A Game And Create New Save Files

  • Launch a game that utilizes cloud saves.
  • Start a new game, play for a few minutes, and make sure new save files are created.

5. Force A Cloud Conflict To Upload New Save Files

  • In Steam, go to Steam > Go Online to reconnect.
  • In the popup box, choose the option to upload your new local save files to the cloud.
  • This will overwrite any old cloud save data for this game.

6. Repeat As Needed For Other Games

  • Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each game you want to wipe cloud save data for.
  • The new local save files will sync and replace anything in the cloud.

And that’s it! You have now completely cleared all game save data from your Steam Cloud storage. Each game will re-sync with brand new save files on your next launch.

Tips For Managing Steam Cloud Storage

Here are some tips to prevent Steam Cloud data from growing out of control again in the future:

  • Turn off cloud saves – Use local storage only for games you replay often.
  • Check size limits – Occasionally review cloud usage in Steam settings.
  • Delete old saves – If a game isn’t played anymore, delete its numbered app data folder.
  • Backup important data – Manually backup special save files you want to keep forever.

Properly managing Steam Cloud storage space can ensure you always have room for new games. Follow this guide whenever you need to wipe the slate clean! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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