How to restore save files and games onto a new hard drive

[CircusDeluxe]

My current SSD is corrupted and I have to get a replacement soon. I heard I can maintain my progress in my games buy using the cloud. Do I just go to my account in my game library and then re download every game and it will automatically have my save files as well? Do I have to back up the actual game files as well right now onto another external hard drive or can I download them from steam when I get my new SSD hard drive?

[Nx Machina]

Use GameSaveManager to backup all your save files including those that do not have cloud save.

Secondly backup the ENTIRE Steam Folder to an external drive then copy it back to your new drive when it is installed.

Create an icon on the desktop of the Steam.exe and run it to access your games or download Steam, install, then overwrite the install location with the backup.

[CircusDeluxe]

The games that have "Enable Steam Cloud synchronization" on the update tab I assume have automatic game saves. I know how to backup the steam folder but not too sure how to install the files onto my new drive with those instructions. I can still download the actual game files from steam right? ( although that may be slower it requires less effort.) I also thought that when any computer installs files it makes read/write paths that won't be there if I just transfer the game files to my new computer. I will definitely try to do what you said Kusa though, and look more up about it online.

[Nx Machina]

Copy the entire Steam folder (right click then copy) means backing up everything inside including all your currently installed games, so no need to download them again.

Create a shortcut to the steam.exe from its new location to your desktop run and it will pickup all the games installed without needing to redownload them.

Do not use the Steam backup feature just use copy and paste as you would for any folder or file.