Two machines, one save file and a dialog that asks which side is right. Choosing wrong costs hours, so the dialog deserves thirty seconds of thought.
Read both timestamps, **back up the local save folder first**, and let the **newer** file win. If both are plausible, copy the local folder aside and test the cloud version before you overwrite anything.
Steam's remote storage only knows about files the game registered. Some games keep saves in Documents, others in the install folder, and the dialog only mentions what it tracks.
%USERPROFILE%\ocuments\y GamesBefore you answer the dialog, copy the whole save folder to the desktop. That single copy is the difference between a choice and a gamble.
The newer file is usually right, but a file can be newer and broken. Compare the size and, if the game shows a play time on the load screen, check that too.
Upload the local file when this machine has the progress you want; download the cloud file when the other machine does. Do not close the dialog with the window button, which often cancels and re-asks.
Wait for the cloud status to change from syncing to synced before you shut the machine down. Closing Steam mid-upload is how the next conflict starts.
Play one machine at a time and let it sync before switching, or disable cloud saves for that game and move the folder yourself. A single source of truth beats a merge dialog.
Properties > General > Steam CloudThe clock on one machine is wrong, or both were played offline. Compare play time in the game's load menu.
One machine is not uploading. Check the cloud status icon and the account, not the file.
It was restored to the wrong folder. Check the path the game documents, not the one Steam shows.
Restore the copy from the desktop and disable cloud saves until you can verify both sides.
No version history for most games. Your own copy is the only rollback.
Yes, one at a time. Simultaneous sessions are what creates the conflict.
Copy the backup folder from the desktop back into the save location and let Steam upload it. Disable cloud saves for that game if you want to manage the files yourself.
Free · no account needed · tracks your progress