Many users encounter the Steam cloud sync error when they start Windows PC games. One user described that error like this: “I am having the infamous ‘Steam was unable to sync your saves with the Steam Cloud.‘” The exact wording of that error message can vary slightly, but it always says “Steam was unable to sync your saves.” Consequently, Steam doesn’t sync (back up) game progress with the cloud. This is how you can fix the Steam cloud sync error on Windows PCs.
Check for Server-Side Issues
First, check if there might be a server-side issue (such as an outage or maintenance) causing the Steam cloud sync error to occur. To do that, open this unofficial Steam server status page to see if it highlights server-side issues. If it does, try waiting a day or two for Valve to sort out the server-side issue.
The Steam Status page
Close Steam Processes Via Task Manager
First, try closing Steam processes via Task Manager. Then, you can restart the Steam client. This is how you can close Steam processes via Task Manager:
- Right-click an area on your taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Select Processes to view that tab.
- Right-click the Steam process to select End task.
- Next, right-click the Steam Client Service and select End task.
The End task option
- Then, start your Steam software.
Clear Steam’s Download Cache
Some users have fixed the Steam cloud sync error by clearing the download cache for Valve’s gaming client. That’s a potential resolution you can apply by clicking a Clear Cache button in Steam. This Steam help page tells you how users can clear Steam’s download cache with that troubleshooting option.
The Clear Cache option
Select the Repair Library Option
The Steam cloud sync error can arise because of corrupted data in the Steam Library folder. To remedy this potential cause, select the Repair Library option in Steam. You can select that option as follows:
- Open the Steam window.
- Click Steam and Settings on the menu.
- Select the Storage tab.
- Click the three-dot menu button to select Repair Library.
The Repair Library option
Rename the Userdata Folder
Renaming the userdata folder can also fix the Steam cloud sync error, as confirmed by users who’ve applied this troubleshooting method. Applying this potential resolution resets the Steam client settings. Try renaming the userdata folder like this:
- Open the Steam installation folder in File Explorer.
- Right-click the userdata folder in the Steam directory to select Rename.
The userdata folder
- Enter userdata.old to change the folder’s name.
Disable VPNs
If you utilize a VPN, try disconnecting from your VPN before starting Steam. Some VPN connections can potentially cause the Steam cloud sync error to occur by interfering with Steam server connections. You can disable VPNs via Settings like this:
- Bring up the file search box by utilizing the Windows logo + S key combination.
- Enter VPN into the file search tool.
- Click on VPN settings in your search results.
The VPN settings
- Press the Disconnect button for your added VPN.
Verify Game Files
Corrupted game files are another possible cause for the Steam cloud sync error. A game’s corrupted or missing files can prevent proper cloud synchronization. So, try verifying the files for affected games as outlined on this Steam help page.
The Verify integrity of game files option
Many players have fixed the Steam cloud sync error by applying the potential resolutions covered above. So, it’s more than likely that one of those troubleshooting methods will work for you as well. If not, however, you can ask the Steam help service for more potential resolutions from this support page.
