The Sims™ 4 featured image

2020 • No cloud sync

The Sims™ 4

Save file location and backup guide for The Sims™ 4 households, worlds, and restore-safe PC migrations.

Note: Save paths may change with game updates or patches. Always verify the location before using it. Paths may vary by game version, launcher (Steam, Epic, GOG), or regional releases.

Save Locations

Windows Steam
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\saves\

Back up the saves folder together with Tray files if you want households and lots to restore cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I back up The Sims 4 saves before reinstalling?

Back up the full saves folder before reinstalling or moving PCs. If you also want your library households and builds, copy the Tray folder at the same time so your Sims 4 content restores completely.

Will reinstalling The Sims 4 delete my households and worlds?

Not always, but you should not rely on the installer to preserve them. Keep a manual backup of the saves folder before uninstalling, especially if you use multiple households or long-running legacy saves.

Can I move my The Sims 4 save to another PC?

Yes. Copy your Sims 4 saves to the same Documents location on the new PC, then launch the game and verify the households load before deleting the old backup.

Why is my The Sims 4 save missing after reinstalling?

Common causes are restoring only part of the save set, using the wrong Windows profile, or reinstalling without copying your previous Documents data back into place before launch.

Are The Sims 4 gallery items stored in the same save files?

No. Save files hold world and household progress, while personal library households and lots are stored separately. Back up both if you want a complete Sims 4 migration.