Skip to main content
Halo Wiki

Halo Save File Guide: Location, Backup, and Transfer

Updated 2025-01-15

Halo Save File Guide: Location, Backup, and Transfer

Halo Save File Location

Your Halo save file is stored locally on your PC. The exact location depends on whether you are playing the Steam version or another platform version. For the standard Steam installation, you can find saved game data in the following directory:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Halo Campaign Evolved\savegames

If you installed Halo via the Xbox app or Game Pass, the save file may be located in a protected system folder under:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.HaloCampaignEvolved_[RandomString]\SystemAppData\wgs

The AppData folder is hidden by default. Press Win + R, type %localappdata%, and press Enter to quickly access it.

How to Back Up Your Save File

Regular backups ensure you never lose your progress in Halo. Follow these steps to create a manual backup:

  1. Navigate to the save folder

    Open File Explorer and paste the save file path from the section above. Replace [YourUsername] with your actual Windows username.

  2. Copy the save folder

    Right-click the savegames folder and select Copy (or press Ctrl + C).

  3. Paste to a safe location

    Navigate to an external drive, cloud storage folder (like OneDrive or Google Drive), or a dedicated backup directory. Right-click and select Paste (or press Ctrl + V).

  4. Rename the backup (optional)

    Add a date suffix to the folder name, e.g., savegames_backup_2025-01-15, to track your backups.

For extra safety, create a backup before major game updates or if you plan to reinstall your operating system.

Restoring a Saved Game

If you lose progress due to a corrupted file, accidental deletion, or reinstalling the game, you can restore your save easily:

  1. Locate your backup folder – Find the copy you created earlier.
  2. Close Halo entirely – Ensure the game is not running to avoid file locks.
  3. Replace the current save folder – Go back to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Halo Campaign Evolved\savegames. Delete the existing folder (or rename it as a secondary backup) and paste your backup folder in its place.
  4. Launch the game – Start Halo and verify your progress is restored.

Always rename rather than delete the original folder if you are unsure about the backup. This lets you revert if something goes wrong.

Save File Transfer Between PCs

Moving your Halo save to another computer is straightforward. Use the same backup method, then transfer the file via USB drive, network sharing, or cloud storage.

Cloud Sync

Store your save folder in a cloud service like Dropbox or Google Drive. On your new PC, download the folder and place it in the correct save location.

USB Drive

Copy the save folder to a USB flash drive. Plug the drive into the new computer and paste the folder into the same directory path.

Network Transfer

If both PCs are on the same network, share the save folder via Windows file sharing or use a tool like robocopy for advanced users.

Troubleshooting Common Save Issues

Save file not loading

If Halo fails to recognize your save file, ensure the folder structure matches exactly. The game expects the savegames folder to contain subfolders with numeric IDs. Do not rename these inner folders.

Corrupted save data

A corrupted save may cause crashes or missing progress. Restore from a backup as described above. To prevent corruption, always exit the game properly and avoid force-closing it.

Steam Cloud conflicts

Halo may use Steam Cloud for syncing. If you see a sync error, check your internet connection and verify the integrity of game files via Steam:

  1. Open Steam and go to Library.
  2. Right-click Halo: Campaign Evolved and select Properties.
  3. Go to Installed Files and click Verify integrity of game files.

If you manually replace save files while Steam Cloud is enabled, the cloud version may overwrite your local changes. Disable Steam Cloud temporarily in the game's Properties under the General tab before restoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit my Halo save file? Save files are typically encrypted or use a proprietary format. Editing them manually is not recommended and may corrupt your data. Use only official backup and restore methods.

Does Halo support cross-platform save? Currently, Halo: Campaign Evolved is only available on PC. Cross-platform save with consoles is not confirmed. Stick to local backups for now.

How often should I back up my save? Back up after every major play session, especially before installing updates or mods. Weekly backups are a good habit for regular players.

Related pages