While Steam stands as the biggest pc gaming platform, it is far from perfect. One of the reasons why the users of Steam will agree with us is because of the Steam Cloud. Although this is an essential feature in the application as it saves game progress and settings, once the message “Steam Cloud out of date” pops up, the Steam Cloud can be the most annoying.
Cloud error in Steam can cause you to lose your game save files, and if you are unlucky enough, then your whole game progress. If you see the cloud out of date error on Steam, then you will need to postpone your gaming session and start troubleshooting. In this blog post, we will tell you the best troubleshooting methods to fix the Steam Cloud out of date error and get your game save files back on track.
Whether you need assistance troubleshooting Steam errors or have questions regarding Steam Cloud, then don’t hesitate to connect with our expert team at +1(800) 217-0394.What Is Steam Cloud?
The Steam application is a powerhouse in the gaming industry as it contains over 100,000 games in its library, ready to be installed and played. Did you know where those games are stored? The answer is Steam Cloud. The feature allows you to easily download and play them while it creates save files. These save files include your in-game save files (both manual and automatic), key bindings, and general preferences.
Steam Cloud automatically creates these files, ensuring that you don’t have to do any manual work. This feature is especially helpful if you use multiple systems for gaming or plan to upgrade your pc, as all the save files are already stored on the cloud.
Related Post : Fix Steam Cloud Sync Error With These Troubleshooting Methods
What Causes Steam Cloud Out of Date?
There are a number of reasons that can cause the cloud status of sync in Steam. Mentioned below are some of the key reasons that can cause synchronization issues in the Steam Cloud.
Poor Internet Connection: Steam Cloud servers won’t be able to create save game files if they are not getting the required amount of bandwidth. This can result in showing the Steam Cloud out of date error.
Server Issues: If your server is facing high latency, then the synchronization process of Steam Cloud may slow down. If the latency goes even higher, then it is possible for Cloud to fail at syncing game files.
Software Clash: If an application such as a VPN or an Anti-Virus is running in the background, then it is possible for Steam Cloud to be flagged as suspicious. This can restrict access and force the synchronization process to fail.
Concurrent Steam Sessions on Different Devices: If you are simultaneously logging in the same Steam account on different devices, then it can cause synchronization problems for the cloud.
Corrupted Save Files: Steam Cloud cannot synchronize if the save game files are corrupted.
Whatever the reason for the Steam Cloud out of date may be, it can easily ruin your whole gaming experience. If you don’t want that to happen, it is recommended that you roll up your sleeves and start troubleshooting.
How To Fix Steam Cloud Out of Date?
The synchronization issue has happened to a number of games, the most notable being Metro Exodus and Dark Souls 2. This is because these games do not use the Steam Cloud by default; they create the save files on your SSD. Follow the mentioned below methods to fix the out of date issue of Steam Cloud.
Enable Steam Cloud Synchronization
Even when the cloud is disabled, Steam will show you either out-of-sync or out-of-date messages on your.
- Open the Steam application and open the settings panel from the top-left drop-down menu.
- Once in the settings, locate Cloud.
- Locate Enable Steam Cloud Synchronization and check the box right next to it.
This can not only fix the Steam Cloud out of date error but will also overwrite the save game files with new ones.
Let Steam Finish Synchronizing
Steam takes a few minutes to save the new game files to the cloud. If you shut your system down before the synchronization has been finished, then the process will stop abruptly. This can cause you to lose your game progress.
In order to fix this, you will need to wait a few minutes, depending on your internet and system, for the sync to complete. Once it is done, you will see the Steam Cloud in Sync message right next to your games.
Try Re-Syncing
If the message Steam Cloud out of date is still there, then it means that the synchronization process has failed. To fix this, you can try re-syncing. Follow the steps below to force the Steam Cloud to re-sync.
- Launch the Steam application and open the library.
- Right click on your game > Properties > Disable Cloud Sync.
- Run the game and create a new save file (play it for a bit if manual saving isn’t an option).
- Close the game and Enable Cloud Sync.
By following the steps, you will be able to force the Steam Cloud to resynchronize. Re-syncing can help Steam detect new changes made in the game. After that, the application will automatically re-upload all your save game files, thus fixing the Steam Cloud out of date error.
Disable Background Applications
As mentioned earlier, some applications such as VPNs and Anti-Virus can clash with the synchronization process of Steam. If that’s the case, then the fix is rather easy as all you need to do is just pause the background application until Steam Cloud has finished synchronization.
Reinstall Steam
If none of the methods mentioned above have helped you to fix the Steam Cloud out of date, then it is possible that your Steam application has been bugged. This can happen because of a number of reasons, such as a third-party software accidentally deleting Steam files, the files getting corrupted, or a bug coming from Valve’s end.
Whatever the case may be, reinstalling the application should be the last resort. Before you open the task manager to uninstall the application, you must first create a copy of all your save game files, just in case.
- Open the drive where you downloaded your game and locate steamapps/common.
- Copy the save game files and paste them to a different folder.
- Uninstall the Steam application from your system.
- Visit the official Steam store and download the latest version of the application.
- Log in to Steam and restore your save game folders.
Once you restore the program and save game folders, give Steam a few minutes to analyze them. The speed of this process will depend on your internet and system. Once that has been completed, you will no longer see the Steam Cloud out of date message.
To Conclude
The Steam application is the heart of all pc gamers, while Steam Cloud is the invisible backbone. Without the cloud, the application won’t be able to run, much less save game files. While Steam is an exemplary example of how a pc gaming platform should look, it still has a few flaws, the Steam Cloud out-of-date error being among them. However, by following the troubleshooting methods of this blog post, you will be able to fix the error and continue playing your favorite games.
We hope the troubleshooting methods of this blog post helped you to solve the Steam Cloud out of date error. If you have any questions or need further assistance with cloud solutions, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at +1(800) 217-0394.
What happens if the Steam Cloud is out of date?
If the Steam Cloud is out of date, then you may lose your new save game progress.
Does the Steam Cloud have a limit?
No, Steam does not impose a limitation on Cloud saves.
Why is Steam Cloud so slow?
Steam Cloud uses your internet connection to save the game files. If your internet is slow, then the synchronization process will be slow as well.
Is Steam Cloud reliable?
Yes, Steam Cloud is reliable as it automatically saves your game without forcing you to create any manual saves.
What happens if I play without Steam Cloud?
The Steam application will not save your games. You will have to manually upload your game save files to your game folder. Manual game save files are located in the My Documents folder.