Migrating to new PC, do I need to move anything at all?

[coo]

I have about a dozen or so games purchased via Steam and part of my Steam account, but all except the current game I am playing are in an "Uninstalled" state. If I now migrate to a new PC, do I have to worry about moving anything at all? The current game I am playing is Elder Scrolls Online, and I assume all my ESO game data is stored in my ESO accounts up in the cloud. In this case, if I just reinstall Steam on the new PC and log into my Steam account, won't I have all I need to get access to any of the games that I have purchased in the past? Of course I would need to reinstall the game that I am currently playing (actually, not for ESO since I have the game itself installed on another internal SSD which I will just move over to the new PC). I know I will be losing some data from the other games, but that doesn't really matter so much. I am assuming that what I have purchased and have a right to download is known by Steam as part of my Steam account. Or is there anything that I actually should move to the new PC? Thanks!

[Lilim]

Originally posted by coo:

I am assuming that what I have purchased and have a right to download is known by Steam as part of my Steam account. Or is there anything that I actually should move to the new PC? Thanks!

Can I use my Steam account on other computers?

You may use your Steam account on any machine which can connect to the Steam network - Steam allows you to download and install any games registered to your account as soon as you log in.

The only thing missing might be game settings and save games if they are stored locally. If you don't care about that you don't need to do anything.

Some games can use Steam Cloud to store such data.

[metamec]

It's usually a good idea to use GameSave Manager (free) to backup all your game saves to a USB stick. This is because the cloud does not support all games, but even if all your games are supported, it's not uncommon for things to go wrong. GameSave Manager is peace of mind that you've got them all.

I'm reluctant to post an external url due to weird moderation reports recently, but if you type "gamesave manager" into Google it is the first result.

If you've got Windows 11, you can also install it via the terminal:

winget install InsaneMatt.GameSaveManager

[coo]

Thanks, I will try the game save manager, I might want to save some game saves, but generally once I am finished with a game, and want to play it again, I like to start over. At the moment my game is ESO but there are no game saves with this one.

[cSg|mc-Hotsauce]

Originally posted by coo:

Thanks, I will try the game save manager, I might want to save some game saves, but generally once I am finished with a game, and want to play it again, I like to start over. At the moment my game is ESO but there are no game saves with this one.

ESO uses their own service/launcher for saves.

[metamec]

Originally posted by coo:

Thanks, I will try the game save manager, I might want to save some game saves, but generally once I am finished with a game, and want to play it again, I like to start over. At the moment my game is ESO but there are no game saves with this one.

Yeah, I hear ya. I like to start afresh too, but sometimes there is new game plus or harder difficulties enabled when you've completed a game once. Some also keep tracking stats which contribute towards achievements.

Have fun with your new computer! 🎮👾