How to fix Steam Cloud “Unable to Sync” Error

Steam Cloud is a lifesaver for PC gamers, allowing you to store your save files and other gaming preferences through Valve’s servers. Through this, you can game on the go with your trusty Steam Deck or use another device with Steam installed without worrying about losing your progress. However, there are times when players would run into trouble with this handy feature. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for a way on how to fix the Steam Cloud error that says it’s “Unable to Sync” your files.

What is the “Unable to Sync” error on Steam Cloud?

Steam users encounter this error whenever the platform has trouble loading the synced data for whatever game they are trying to run. Steam runs into problems synchronizing the local and cloud files when this error happens. As with any error, gamers worry they can lose their data when this happens.

Here are some of the most common causes for the “Unable to Sync” error on Steam Cloud:

• Steam servers are down
• Local game files are corrupted
• Network or connection issues
• You are trying to play a Steam game from a new device that has Cloud Synchronization turned off

It’s important to note that you should be careful when this error pops up. If Steam gives you the option to play the game anyway, there is a chance for you to lose your current progress on whatever game it is that you’re trying to launch.

How to fix this error

1. Check status of Steam servers

One of the first steps you should take when encountering this error is to check the status of Steam’s servers. If the servers are down, that’s usually the culprit for this particular error.

• One website you can check is DownDetector by Ookla. Users can also update others on the errors they encounter, so it’s a great way to keep track of Steam’s server status.
• On the other hand, you can also look on online forums such as Reddit or Twitter to see if other Steam users are encountering the same problem.
• If this is the reason why you are running into the “Unable to Sync” error on Steam Cloud, all we can do is wait until Steam resolves the issue itself.

2. Restart the client

If the Steam servers are up and running, that means the problem may be on your end.

https://twitter.com/Guardbtw/status/1673106834062983168?s=20

• The first thing you should do is restart the Steam client and see if this will resolve your issue.
• However, you should also launch Task Manager and end all tasks and processes related to Steam before booting the program back up.
• This will allow Steam to have a fresh launch.
• Wait a few seconds for the launcher to load properly before you play a game.

3. Delete corrupted game files

If the “Unable to Sync” error still persists when you try playing a Steam game, there’s a possibility that your game files are corrupted. To take care of this, look for the Steam directory on your PC and find the folder named userdata.

• Launch Task Manager and end all Steam tasks and processes. This is a crucial step, as you must change the local Steam settings. Deleting files while Steam is open may cause critical problems to your program.
• Look for the Steam directory on your PC.
• Find the folder called userdata. This is usually located inside the Steam folder itself.
• Delete the folder.
• Launch Steam to sync your profile to the cloud again.

Verify the integrity of a game’s files

• After this step, you can verify the integrity of game files on Steam. Right-click on whatever game you were trying to launch and click Properties.
• Go to the Local Files menu and click Verify game file integrity.
• Try relaunching the game when this process is done.

4. Check if Cloud Synchronization is on

Since this error happens because it cannot synchronize your data, you can manually check if you turned on Cloud Synchronization in your Steam client. Here are the steps to do this:

• Launch Steam.
• Look in the upper left corner of the window. Go to Steam > Settings
• When you have Settings opened, click on Cloud.
• Make sure you have checked the box beside “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for applications which support it.”
• Restart the client and try loading up your game again.

Other fixes

Some other fixes would include allowing Steam through the Windows Defender Firewall or even your antivirus. Nonetheless, the “Unable to Sync” error usually happens when there is an issue with Steam’s servers. You’ll be good to go as long as you have the cloud synchronization enabled on your Steam client.

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Did any of the fixes listed here work for you? Let us know in the comments below. You can also comment your own fixes below if we were unable to include them in this guide. We’d love to hear from you!