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7 Ways to Fix Steam when It’s Unable to Sync Your Files
Verifying games may work when Steam is unable to sync files
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Steam is the world’s biggest and best game client software. Steam Cloud is one of that game client’s good features that syncs game saves. However, some technical issues can arise with Steam’s syncing.
ASteam unable to sync fileserror is among that game client’s more widely cited syncing issues. Those Steam users who need to resolve that syncing error see this message when trying to launch games:
Steam – Warning: Steam was unable to sync your files for with the Steam Cloud.
Here’s the good news: there are numerous confirmed fixes for that syncing error! You can resolve theSteam unable to sync fileserror with the solutions below.
Why isn’t my Steam syncing?
Your Steam may not be syncing because of a server issue. Although server issues are rare, they can and do arise now and then. Steam can sometimes be down because of server maintenance.
You can check the Steam server status for your regionat SteamDB. Alternatively, open theDowndetector pagefor Steam. Select your region in the drop-down menu there to view regional server status details.
A more common cause for Steam not syncing is corrupted cloud configuration data. One fix for that is to delete Steam’s userdata folder, which contains cloud configuration files.
Corrupted game data is another reason Steam is unable to sync files error arises for some users. Therefore, verifying the integrity of game files with Steam’s built-in tool is another potential fix.
Security (firewall & antivirus) software and tools can also sometimes get in the way of Steam’s cloud syncing. Such software can block Steam’s connection and processes, which causes the unable to sync files issue.
Yes, for that is the beauty of Steam Cloud syncing—when it works right. That feature automatically syncs saved games so you can load them on different PCs with the same games installed.
However, note that cloud syncing needs to be manually enabled in Steam. To turn it on, select theEnable Steam Cloud Sync for applications that support itoption on theCloudtab in Steam’sSettingswindow.
You can access your Steam Cloud storage from theView Cloud Storagepage. When you sign in to that page (with a Steam account), you can view and reload Steam cloud saves for your games from there.
Select a game title in your could storage page to view files stored for it. You can download files from there by clicking theirDownloadoptions.
How do I fix Steam unable to sync files?
1. Erase Steam’s userdata folder
2. Repair the Steam library folders
3. Verify files for games the syncing issue occurs
4. Erase Steam’s clientregistry.blob file
5. Disable Windows Defender Firewall
Users with third-party firewalls installed should disable them as well via their settings or by simply uninstalling them. Some firewalls are incorporated within antivirus software.
6. Turn off third-party antivirus protection or shields
If you’ve installed an antivirus suite, it may be conflicting with Steam’s syncing. One way to find out is to right-click a system tray icon for your antivirus package and select to turn off its shield.
We don’t advise permanently disabling an antivirus utility. Select an option to temporarily disable it for a few hours if you can. Then check if the syncing issue continues for your Steam games.
You can also add Steam to antivirus utilities’ exclusion lists. Have a look through your antivirus tool’s settings to see if it includes such a feature. If so it does, add Steam to its software exception list.
7. Reinstall Steam’s client configuration files
How do I force a Steam game to sync?
Steam doesn’t have a troubleshooting option for forcing games to sync. If Steam detects a sync conflict, you can select sync options to upload and download files to and from Steam Cloud.
What’s the Steam cloud unable to sync Steam Deck error?
The Steam cloud unable to sync error is another cloud issue that can arise on the Steam Deck portable and in Windows. Check out ourSteam Cloud errorguide for details about how to fix that.
Those troubleshooting methods have resolved the Steam unable to sync files error for users across the world. So, it’s more than likely one or more of them will fix Steam’s cloud syncing on your PC.
Yet, you can still contact Steam’s support service about that syncing issue if need be. OpenSteam’s Help pageand selectSteam Client>Cloudfrom there. Then press theContact Steam Supportbutton.
If you have any questions about fixing the Steam unable to sync files error, feel free to drop it in the comments section below.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
