How to Fix – Steam Cloud Unable to Sync

Are you trying to access Steam Cloud, but the data you want to backup is missing? This happens when Steam Cloud is unable to sync data. The error is a common occurrence and has multiple factors behind it. For instance, when the synchronization settings are turned off, the Steam server is not working properly, or the synced data is not loaded on time.

Windows users who use the same Steam account on multiple devices generally face this error. It can be a deceiving situation, considering the synchronization of data works fine on one PC where you have played the game. Still, the data is unable to load when you log in to the same account on the other PC.

This can be troublesome as it loses all the progress that you have made in a game. You have to start all over again, which is nothing but annoying. Fortunately, the Steam cloud unable to sync errors can be resolved.

What to Do if Steam Cloud is Unable to Sync? Fixes

The first thing to remember is that you should not launch the game. When Steam throws the unable to sync error, it also allows you to launch the game anyway. Clicking on it will open your game for you, but all the progress that you have made will be lost.

There are a few ways you can resolve the Steam unable to sync files errors, make sure you perform them all before launching the game.

Fix 1 – Check if Cloud Sync is Enabled in Steam

While it is a must-use feature for users with multiple devices, there are instances where the cloud synchronization is disabled on a PC. The Steam cloud errors reflect an issue with the configuration of a device and its synchronization. Hence, you should always be assured that the feature is turned ON. To confirm your doubt, simply follow the steps –

Step 1 – Launch Steam on your PC.

Step 2 – Find the Steam menu in the top left corner of your screen. Click on it to expand.
Step 3 – From the expanded menu, click on Settings to open Steam settings.

Step 4 – In settings, click on Cloud from the left panel.

Step 5 – Check if the Steam sync is enabled. If not, enable it by marking the feature.

This way, you will be able to turn the cloud sync ON. If it was already ON and you have experienced the issue, do not worry, as we have other fixes to help you out!

Fix 2 – Verify the Integrity of Game Files

If you have experienced the issue with a particular game and it appears specifically on your device, corrupt game files may be the culprit. Checking the integrity of game files allows you to fix issues with these files and fix issues such as synchronization errors.

Step 1 – Launch Steam and navigate to the game, showing the Unable to sync error on launch.
Step 2 – Right-click on the game title to spot properties. Click on it to open.

Step 3 – From the properties, select local files in the left pane.

Step 4 – Navigate to the right pane again to click on the verify integrity of the game files.

Step 5 – Once the process begins, let it finish, as the tool will automatically fetch crucial files and replace corrupt ones with them.

After the game files are updated, restart the Steam client and wait a while. Relaunch the game, and this time, the sync should work perfectly.

Fix 3 – Check Your Network

If troubleshooting game file errors doesn’t get the job done, the issue may lie in the connection that you are using. Check if your internet is working properly and if you have enough bandwidth to sync your data instantly.

If you can see the internet working seamlessly on your browser but not on Steam, chances are that your Network Adapter is not functioning properly. The core reason behind this malfunction can be an outdated driver. You see, when the driver malfunctions, it does not affect the entire usability but surely impacts the overall connectivity.

To fix the Steam cloud unable to sync error, we recommend you check for driver updates. The best way to do so is to use Advanced Driver Updater. It works in 3 easy steps and is super effective for updating your drivers.

Step 1 – Install the application on your PC using the link below.

Step 2 – Use the Start Scan Now button to initiate a scan for all the outdated drivers.

Step 3 – Once the drivers are highlighted, click on Update All, and you are good to go!

This way, not only will you have updated your network adapter drivers but all the others that may be unknowingly contributing to the error. It is safe and easy to use the Advanced Driver Updater, so it is also the preferred choice of thousands of users!

Other than these fixes, you can take a few steps to ensure that the issue does not appear on your system again. –

Turn off your VPN in case you are using one. Chances are that the server you are connected to is not allowing the data to sync.
Try disabling your external antivirus software so that the firewall allows data synchronization.
Ensure you are using an updated version of the Steam client on your PC.
Try launching another game to check if it is a client issue or a game-specific error.
When you launch Steam, give it time to work on synchronization instead of directly launching the game.
Try launching the game as administrator, as it gives more privileges to the application for functioning better.
Close the Steam client on the other device, as it may not sync data in real time.

Try all these fixes and ensure that the Steam Cloud unable-to-sync errors are resolved once and for all. Remember that there can be multiple possibilities for causing factors of the issue.

With that, we have reached the end of this post. Hope you can fix the issue using these methods. Thanks for reading, good luck!

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Dishank Sharma

A creative tech-writer who loves to explore latest tech-trends & convey them to his readers in the simplest way possible. He loves to blend the crispness of technology with a pinch of creativity while curating best practices for the readers. In his free time, he likes to scribble poetry, listen to rap & travel.