How to Fix Steam Cloud Error.Are you getting a cloud error when you try to play a game on Steam on your computer? There’s a good chance cloud sync is disabled in your Steam client, confusing the app as to which game save file to load. There are several ways to solve this problem and we will show you what it is.The Steam Cloud Error displays various messages ranging from “Unable to Sync” to “Steam Cloud Error”. You should not choose to play your game when this error occurs, as you risk losing your game progress. Instead, follow the following methods, fix the issue, and launch the game.
Retry Cloud Sync in Steam
If the cloud sync fails, the first thing to do is to force the Steam app to retry syncing your data. Synchronization may have failed for various reasons on the first attempt, but a second attempt may resolve the issue.You can do this by selecting the Retry Sync option in the Unable to Sync window in the Steam app. Your app will then start syncing your game data with the Steam servers.
Resolve Steam Cloud Sync Issues by Force Closing and Reopening the App
Minor Steam glitches can be the cause of your cloud error. In this case, you can resolve minor issues with your app by force quitting and restarting the app. You can do this on both Windows and Mac computers.
On Windows
- Right-click the Start menu icon and select Task Manager.
- Right-click Steam in the list and select End Task.
- Reopen the Steam application.
On macOS
- On a Mac, press Option + Command + Esc at the same time.
- Select Steam in the list and select Force Exit.
- Relaunch Steam on your Mac.
Run Steam as Administrator
You are getting a cloud error because Steam doesn’t have enough permissions needed to sync your data. You can fix this by running the app as an administrator on your Windows PC. This allows the application to make changes that are not possible with a normal Windows user account.These instructions apply to Windows only. You don’t need to do this on a Mac.
- Open the Start menu, find Steam, right-click the application and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes at the User Account Control prompt.
- Try to sync game data in the app.
Check if Steam Is Down
Steam servers may experience issues causing platform-wide crashes. This may prevent your Steam client from communicating with cloud servers, resulting in an error message.In this case, check if Steam is down using a site like Downdetector or the unofficial Steam Status Twitter account. These sites will let you know if the Steam servers are down.If Steam is experiencing a crash, you will have to wait until the company fixes the issue. Once the issue is resolved, your game data will be properly synced to the cloud.
Turn On Cloud Sync in Your Steam Client
One scenario in which the Steam cloud error appears is if you are using Steam on a new device where you are logged into your Steam account but have not enabled cloud sync. This confuses the application as to which game progress file to download for your game.In this case, enable cloud sync in the Steam client and the issue will be resolved.
- Open Steam on a new device.
- Select Steam from the menu bar and select Settings.
- Select the Cloud tab in the left sidebar.
- Activate on the right Enable Steam Cloud sync for apps that support it.
- Click the OK at the bottom to save your changes.
- Close and restart Steam, then open the game.
Check Your Game Files’ Integrity
Your game files may have been modified, preventing Steam from syncing your game data. In this case, verify the integrity of your files using the Steam client.
- Open Steam and access your game library.
- Right-click the game and select Properties.
- Select the Local Files tab on the left sidebar.
- Select on the right Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Repair Your Steam Library
Your Steam game library may have been corrupted, causing the client to display an error message. Various elements such as a virus or a malicious application can damage your library.You can fix this using the built-in Steam Library Repair option.
- Open Steam and select Steam > Settings from the menu bar.
- Select the Downloads tab on the left sidebar.
- Select Steam Library Folders on the right.
- Click on the three dots next to the games library and select Restore Folder.
- Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
- Please wait while Steam fixes your game library.
Fix Steam’s Cloud Problem by Turning Off Your Firewall
If Steam isn’t syncing your files, your computer’s firewall may be blocking the app’s connections to cloud servers. This prevents the app from sharing your data with the cloud, resulting in various error messages.In this case, disable your computer’s firewall and check if Steam can sync your game data.
On Windows
- Open Start, search for Windows Security and run the application.
- Select Firewall and Network Protection on the next screen.
- Select the network labeled (active).
- Turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall switch.
- Select Yes at the User Account Control prompt.
- Open Steam and try to sync game data.
On macOS
- Open the Apple menu located in the upper left corner of your Mac and select System Preferences.
- Select Security and Privacy on the next screen.
- Open the Firewall tab and select the padlock icon at the bottom.
- Enter your Mac administrator username and password. Then select Unblock.
- Click the Disable Firewall button.
- Open Steam and sync your game files.
Resolve Steam’s “Unable to Sync” Cloud Error on Windows and Mac
The Steam Cloud Error can prevent you from saving or loading game progress from the cloud, interrupting your gameplay. Fortunately, this error will not remain after you use the above methods.Once the sync issue has been resolved, your games will sync normally with the Steam cloud servers, allowing you to save and load game progress from your devices.
How to Fix Steam Cloud Error
How to Fix Steam Cloud Error