Witcher 3 Save files gone after upgrading to Windows 11

Levi Siegel · Dec 25, 2023

I recently decided to update my computer to Windows 11 from 10 since I heard that all the issues it had previously when it first released were patched up. Low and behold, updating completely wiped my local saves from the computer? I searched the save files directory and there was nothing there except "steam_autocloud.vdf". I thought maybe I had them up in the cloud since this was all that was in there, but it turns out I never enabled cloud syncing since Steam cloud can be unreliable. I double checked anyways and they are not in the cloud. So they were definitely stored locally and now they're gone.

The solution I've tried so far was to scan the hard drive with a software called Recuva which searches for and recovers deleted files. But it never showed up. Does anyone have suggestions or a solution? Or is it just gone forever? And why would updating cause this?

:)

Jhonkito

Hi, Levi my name is Jhon, and will be a pleasure help you

I'm sorry to hear about your lost Witcher 3 save files. While it's frustrating, Based on my experience here are a few potential avenues to explore:

Previous Windows Installation:

Windows.old Folder: If you didn't perform a clean installation of Windows 11, the old save files might still be in the Windows.old folder on your primary drive.
Access Previous Files: You can access the Windows.old folder and copy the saves back to their original location in Windows 11.

System Restore:

Restore Point: If you created a system restore point before upgrading to Windows 11, you could try restoring your system to that point to potentially recover the lost saves.

Proceed with Caution: Be aware that system restore can revert other system changes as well.

Cloud Syncing (Long Shot):

Double-Check Steam Cloud: Even if you didn't enable it manually, sometimes

Steam Cloud can automatically sync saves. It's worth checking again within Steam's settings.

Check GOG Galaxy: If you purchased the game through GOG, GOG Galaxy might have cloud save functionality as well.
Additional Tips:

Prevention: In the future, consider enabling cloud saves or manually backing up your save files regularly to avoid such situations.

I hope the information I gave you has been useful, have a happy day.

Mouse1433

Thanks for the suggestions, I never considered looking into the windows.old folder. Sadly they aren't where they're supposed to be though. Nothing again on the cloud. I guess they're gone for good. Definitely going to have to back up my saves

Mouse1433

Hey Jhon thanks for the tip. I scoured through my windows old folder and still didn't find anything. However in that link you posted I noticed that there's a way to see what the steam cloud has been up to. It looks like that the saves were in fact saved to the cloud. But for some reason when I was updating the computer, it decided to delete all of my saves. Take a look. The list of saves it "Deleted" or "Forgot" goes for miles.

Jhonkito

https://help.steampowered.com/faqs/view/68D2-35AB-09A9-7678
Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Jhonkito

Hi again Levi

Most likely, they have disappeared forever. But before giving up, make sure you have searched the windows.old folder carefully.

and look for the following folder which is the location of the locally saved steam files: Program Files\Steam\userdata\[steamID]\7\

Source of information:
https://help.steampowered.com/faqs/view/68D2-35AB-09A9-7678

According to my research and that source of information, the local files are stored there.

I really hope that if you manage to recover your games, I know how frustrating it can be.

Merry christmas

Witcher 3 Save files gone after upgrading to Windows 11