How to Transfer Save Files from the Steam Deck to a PC

Transferring save files from your Steam Deck to a PC can be straightforward once you know the right steps and tools to use. Whether you’re looking to sync progress between devices or safeguard your saves, there are a few methods you can follow. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to successfully transfer your game saves from a Steam Deck to a PC.

1. Using KDE Connect

One of the most efficient ways to transfer files between your Steam Deck and PC is by using KDE Connect, a tool that allows wireless file sharing over a network. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Switch to Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck by holding the power button and selecting “Switch to Desktop.”
2. Install KDE Connect from the Discover Store on your Steam Deck and your PC. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open KDE Connect on both devices and pair them. On the Steam Deck, you’ll need to accept the pairing request from your PC.
4. Once connected, you can simply drag and drop your save files from the Steam Deck to your PC or vice versa. You can locate your game saves in the Steam Deck’s file system at /home/.steam/steam/steamapps/compatdata/[GameID]/PFX/drive_c/users/Steam User/Saved Games/.

This method is ideal for those looking for a quick and wireless transfer solution.

2. Using a USB Flash Drive or SD Card

If you prefer a physical transfer method, you can use a USB flash drive or an SD card formatted with the exFAT file system, which is compatible with both Steam Deck (Linux-based) and PC (Windows-based). Follow these steps:

1. Format your USB drive to exFAT on your PC. Plug the drive into your Steam Deck via a USB-C adapter or directly into your PC’s USB port.
2. On your Steam Deck, navigate to Desktop Mode and open the Dolphin file manager. Locate your save files as mentioned earlier.
3. Copy the save files to the USB drive.
4. Once copied, insert the USB drive into your PC and paste the files into the relevant game directory on your PC. This folder is typically located in %USERPROFILE%Saved Games on a Windows PC.

This is a reliable option if you don’t have access to wireless transfer tools or prefer using external storage.

3. Using Syncthing for Continuous Sync

For those who want to ensure their files are always up-to-date across devices, Syncthing provides a real-time syncing option. Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Install Syncthing on both your Steam Deck and PC. You can find it in the Discover Store on Steam Deck and download it from the official Syncthing website for PC.
2. Open Syncthing on both devices. On your Steam Deck, click on the gear icon and select Show ID. You will need this ID to pair the devices.
3. On your PC, click on Add Device and enter the ID from your Steam Deck. After accepting the pairing request, you can choose the folder where your save files are stored on the Steam Deck and sync them with a folder on your PC.
4. Once set up, any changes made to the save files on either device will automatically sync with the other.

This method is useful if you frequently switch between playing on your Steam Deck and PC, ensuring you never lose progress.

4. Transferring via Network Drive (NAS)

If you have a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, you can also use it to transfer save files:

1. In Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck, open Dolphin and navigate to the Network tab.
2. Access your NAS device and move the save files to the shared folder.
3. On your PC, open your file explorer and navigate to the NAS to copy the files.

This is a more advanced method that works well if you already have a network storage solution set up.