While Steam stands as the biggest digital distribution platform for pc games, there are a few things that the users of this application have complained about from time to time. Steam Cloud sync error is one of them. Whether you are playing an Indie game or an AAA title, if the application is having trouble synchronizing the game, then you may not be able to continue your game from where you left off.
Although it is frustrating when you find out that your game’s save files are missing or are out of sync, there are reliable ways to fix Steam Cloud not syncing. In this blog, we will provide you with reliable ways to troubleshoot Steam Cloud sync error.
If you need any further help regarding the Steam error, don't hesitate to get in touch with our experts at +1(800) 217-0394.
What Exactly Is Steam Cloud?
Steam is a cloud-based platform and is a powerhouse in the gaming world, standing tall with a library of over 100,000 games. Being able to download and play games from such a vast library is only possible because of Steam Cloud. It is a built-in feature that automatically and silently saves your game files to cloud servers. These saves include things such as:
- Your game saves files.
- Your game settings and preferences.
- Your keybindings as well as your control setup.
These saves are especially helpful if you use multiple computers on the same Steam account or plan to upgrade your system. Steam Cloud ensures that you don’t have to manually transfer any of the data, as the cloud does that for you.
Also Read : Here’s All You Need to Know About Remote Desktop Error Code 0x3
What Is The Cause For Steam Cloud Not Syncing?
The problem of Steam Cloud sync error on every game can easily ruin your whole gaming experience. There are several factors that can contribute to the problem of Steam Cloud not syncing. Mentioned below are the common factors that are known to cause synchronization problems:
- Network Problems: If your own internet is acting up, then the syncing problem may occur.
- Corrupted Local Files: Steam Cloud cannot synchronize with corrupted save game files.
- Server Issues: Sometimes the valve’s end of Steam faces high latency. This can slow down the synchronization process or even stop it temporarily.
- Using The Same Steam Account on Multiple Devices: Simultaneous login of the same account can cause the Steam Cloud save failed.
- Improper Steam Shutdown: Steam Cloud takes a few moments to save the game files after you close the game (the time can be even longer if you are facing high latency). If you shut your system down before the application can save the game files, then the synchronization problem may occur.
How To Check If Your Steam Cloud Is Syncing Properly or Not?
Before jumping in on the fixes, let’s first make sure whether it really is your Steam Cloud syncing that is causing the problem. Below, we have mentioned some common signs that your Steam Cloud is not syncing properly.
- You start a game, but your progress or your saves are lost.
- Steam shows a cloud sync error message.
- Warns you with a message, “Cloud status out of sync,” as you run an application.
- Your game saves differ between your devices.
If you are facing any of these issues, then it is likely that the problem lies in your Steam Cloud syncing.
How To Fix Steam Cloud Syncing Issues?
Follow the guide below to easily fix your Steam Cloud sync error.
Check For Steam Server Issues
Before you jump in and out of Steam settings, make sure the problem is in the application itself. To check this, you can go to the Steamstat website and see if your region is facing high latency or not. High latency can temporarily cause Steam Cloud sync error. If this is the problem you are facing, then unfortunately, there is nothing you can do here. However, Steam usually fixes these problems in around 24 hours.
Make Sure The Game Supports Steam Cloud
Although Steam has a vast library of games, it also contains a number of games that, by default, do not use Steam Cloud. Dark Souls 2 and Sleeping Dogs are among such games that save the save files on your computer rather than Steam Cloud. In order to check and effectively solve this issue, you can:
- Open the application and go to the library section.
- Right-click the game and then open the properties panel.
- Go to the “General” tab and change the game’s save file location to Steam Cloud.
Verify Steam Cloud Enabled
If the problem is not your game, then it is quite possible that Steam synchronizing Cloud may be simply disabled. By following the mentioned below steps, you will be able to fix the issue in no time.
- Open the Steam application.
- Go to settings > cloud.
- Check the box next to “Enable Steam Cloud Synchronization.”
Whether you are facing the problem of Steam Cloud sync error in a single or multiple games, by checking “Enable Steam Cloud Synchronization,” you will be able to fix it.
Check Whether There Are Any Cloud Sync Conflict Messages
Although Steam will automatically notify you if there are any mismatches between your local save files and the cloud version. This kind of issue often occurs to those who use multiple computers with the same account for gaming. You can fix the problem by simply checking the notification. If you missed it, however, you can follow the steps mentioned below to get your games back in sync:
- Open Steam.
- Go to the settings panel > cloud.
- Check “Enable Steam Cloud.”
By enabling Steam Cloud, you will give the servers permission to link your games. After doing this, you will be able to play your games on different systems without any mismatches between your local save files and the cloud version.
Restart Steam – The Right Way
The problem of Steam Cloud sync error can also be caused by the application running for a very long period of time. Unlike other issues, this one is an easy fix.
- Close the application (don’t just minimize the application).
- Open task bar to check whether the application has been really shut down or not.
- If the Steam is still somehow running, right-click on it and choose “end task”.
- Wait for a few seconds and run the application again.
This will ensure that the application is not just hiding in the background but has been closed. Moreover, doing this will also refresh the Steam Cloud syncing and will get your game save files updated.
Force Steam Cloud To Re-Sync
If you are still facing syncing problems, then worry not, as there are still a number of solutions in the bag that can fix it. The resynchronization of Steam Cloud can help you update your game save files to match the latest version on your device, or vice versa. This will help Steam Cloud to detect any conflicts going on between your local save files and the cloud save version. In order to force Steam Cloud to re-sync, all you need to do is:
- Launch the application.
- Right-click on the game > Properties > Disable Cloud Sync.
- Launch a game and play it for a bit, or make a new game save file.
- Exit the game and enable the cloud sync option by going to the same settings.
By doing this, you will be able to force the application to resynchronize. This will help Steam detect new changes in the game and re-upload all your game save files to the cloud.
Disable Any Clashing Backup Software
If you are using any third-party backup software tools (like Dropbox, OneDrive, or even an antivirus program), they may be the cause of the Steam Cloud sync error. If you suspect this is the problem you are facing, then you need to do:
- Pause your syncing software.
- Add the application and your game save directories to the “exclude” list of your antivirus.
- Open Steam and check if the Cloud is synchronizing or not.
Reinstall The Steam Application
This is the last resort to fix Steam Cloud not syncing. If none of the above solutions have helped you, then it can mean that the save files have been corrupted. Do note that if you delete the entire application, all your Steam games and apps will be removed, until and unless you back them up. In order to safely reinstall the Steam application, you will need to do these steps:
- Create a backup of your save folders from steamapps/common.
- Uninstall the application.
- Download the latest version of Steam from their official website.
- Enter your login ID and password and restore your game folders.
After you reinstall the whole program, give a few seconds to Steam Cloud to synchronize. Now you will see all your games synchronized with the Steam Cloud. However, by reinstalling the application, all your settings will revert to the default version, and you will need to manually change them back.
Conclusion
This blog concludes that the convenience Steam Cloud provides is incredible, until it stops working. Whether you are missing save game files or switching between PCs, it can be incredibly frustrating if the application is facing Steam Cloud sync error. Moreover, the frustration can jump to a whole new level if you lose progress in your favourite games. Additionally, we have included all the solutions in this blog post that will not only fix the synchronization problem but also make it much smoother.
With the tips we have mentioned above, you should be able to fix the issue of Steam Cloud sync error. The Cloud synchronization ensures that all your save game files for cherished games are secure without taking up space on your SSD.
Hope your synchronization issues have been solved. If you are facing any other problems or need further assistance with Steam Cloud synchronization, then don’t hesitate to reach our cloud experts at +1(800) 217-0394.