New Steam Library without New Install of Games?

SammySam · Mar 2, 2015

So - Built a new PC - I'd like to transfer the data from my old Steam Libary to a new one on my new PC, without having to reinstall the games...Is this possible??

Advice I've followed so far, just doesn't work..

Thanks

COLGeek · Mar 2, 2015

Not that I am aware of. You will have to reinstall the games in order to use what you have purchased and have stored in your library. Otherwise, the files to run the games simply won't be available.

13thmonkey · Mar 2, 2015

backup the games and restore them from the backup all from within steam, (I think the backup is a self extraction type deal).

SammySam · Mar 2, 2015

I copied all of the data from my old Library to a new one, won't this work???

Epsilon_0EVP · Mar 2, 2015

If you don't want to reinstall the games, what data is there for you to transfer? You can log in to Steam on your new computer and just choose not to install any game and disable all auto-updates. Is this what you mean?

13thmonkey · Mar 2, 2015

right click on game in steam - backup, you need a location to send it to (ext hdd for instance)

SammySam · Mar 2, 2015

What I mean is - I shoved the contents of my Steam Libary inluding all install data from one PC - into the New Steam Library on my New PC - I was wondering, because all the data is now in the new folder, if I still had to reinstall the games??

COLGeek · Mar 2, 2015

How else will the games work (even with saved user files) if the games aren't installed?

Epsilon_0EVP · Mar 2, 2015

SammySam :

Some games might work if you do this. You just have to make sure that the folders with all the games are included in Steams directory. Some games still require some setup, so they might still require a "Frist Time Setup" dialog to start.

For future reference, the safer way to do this is to back up the games through Steam's backup function and restore them on the new machine. Either method should work in most cases, but the backup system is more stable.

computertech82 · Mar 4, 2015

You will have to reinstall the game. Every game also changes the registry. A backup of files will NOT fix that. It's best to reinstall anyway.

Epsilon_0EVP · Mar 4, 2015

computertech82 :

Steam backup is not the same as a traditional backup. It basically compresses game files to a state similar to when you download them, and when restoring it performs the same install process as when you download the game. So it is perfectly safe in this case, as it still updates the registry properly.

Lowie1771 · Mar 4, 2015

Steam Backup is the correct solution. Additionally, you could try a program like SteamMover, which can move your games between drives.

13thmonkey · Mar 5, 2015

computertech82 :

Correct a backup of files will not do it, steam backup is built by valve to work on steam, so it works.

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New Steam Library without New Install of Games?

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