How to Transfer Your Stellaris Save to a New PC
Last verified: 2026-09-15
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games
Copy the whole save folder at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games (files end in .sav) from the old PC to the exact same path on the new PC — those are your Stellaris saves.
Before you move anything, make a full backup of every Stellaris save on the OLD PC in one command. Press Win+R (or open Command Prompt), paste this, and hit Enter:
robocopy "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games" "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\Stellaris-save-backup" /E /COPY:DAT /R:1 /W:1
/E mirrors the whole save tree (every profile sub-folder and slot) to a backup folder on your Desktop without touching the originals. Copy that folder to the new PC, then restore by swapping the source and destination paths.
Switching computers? Here's exactly which Stellaris save files to copy, where they live, and how to make sure your progress loads on the new PC.
Where the files live: see the full Stellaris save file location guide for every platform path (PS5, Xbox, Steam Cloud).
How to transfer your Stellaris save to a new PC
- On the old PC, press Win+R, paste %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games, and press Enter to open the save folder.
- Select everything in that folder and copy it to a USB drive, cloud folder (OneDrive/Google Drive), or network share.
- Install Stellaris on the new PC and launch it once, then close it — this creates the empty save folder.
- Match your mods, DLC, and game version on the new PC before loading, or a modded/DLC save may refuse to load.
- On the new PC, open the same path (%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games) and paste the copied files in, overwriting if asked.
- Launch the game and confirm your progress loaded before deleting the backup copy.
Does cloud sync move it for you?
Yes, through Steam Cloud (and GOG Galaxy) if enabled. With the same account and cloud on, saves reappear on the new PC automatically; copy the save games folder by hand only if cloud is off or you play a cracked/offline build.
Common mistakes
- Copying only the newest .sav but leaving its campaign folder behind — the game groups saves by campaign folder, so copy whole folders.
- Mod list mismatch: a save made with mods will refuse to load or desync if the new PC does not have the same mods and versions.
FAQ
How do I move my Stellaris save to a new PC?
Copy the save folder at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games from the old PC to the exact same path on the new PC, then launch the game. Use a USB drive, cloud storage, or a network share to move the files.
Will Stellaris cloud saves transfer automatically?
Yes, through Steam Cloud (and GOG Galaxy) if enabled. With the same account and cloud on, saves reappear on the new PC automatically; copy the save games folder by hand only if cloud is off or you play a cracked/offline build.
Where is the Stellaris save folder on the old PC?
It's at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\save games (files end in .sav). Paste that into the File Explorer address bar (or Win+R) to open it. See our full location guide for every platform.
Do I need to copy any other files?
Copy the whole save folder, not just one file — these games store profiles, autosaves, and settings alongside the main save. Copying the entire folder avoids missing anything.
Other games
- A Plague Tale: Requiem Save File Location (PC, Steam, GOG, Game Pass)
- Celeste Save File Location (PC, Steam, GOG, itch)
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Need another game or a quick backup? Use the Save Location Finder — pick any game to get its exact save path plus a ready-to-run backup command.