Switching operating systems is a big step, especially for gamers. If you are moving from Windows to Linux, you might worry about your extensive game library. Will you have to download hundreds of gigabytes all over again? The good news is that in many cases, you can transfer your existing game files and avoid lengthy re-downloads. This guide explains what you need to know about keeping your games when making the switch to Linux.
How Game Installations Work on Linux
Linux handles game installations differently than Windows, but modern compatibility layers have bridged the gap significantly. Windows games traditionally store files in Program Files or designated folders, while Linux follows a stricter filesystem hierarchy. However, platforms like Steam, Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher create Windows-like environment wrappers (using Wine and Proton) that allow games to run without painfu adjustments. Native Linux games are installed like any other Linux application, often under ~/.local/share or /usr/share.
The key takeaway is that game files themselves (assets, executables, libraries) are mostly platform-agnostic blobs of data. What differs is the runtime environment. So if you can point a Linux game manager to a folder full of Windows game files, it can often use them directly after any necessary compatibility setup.
Transferring Games from Windows to Linux
The process depends on where you own your games. Let us break it down by storefront.
Steam Games: Using Proton and Steam Play
Steam has made it incredibly easy to play Windows games on Linux through Proton, Valve’s Wine-based compatibility tool. To transfer your Steam games, you do not need to reinstall most of them. Simply copy your steamapps folder from your Windows drive (usually under Program Files (x86)Steam) to your Linux Steam library folder (default ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps). You can also put it on a separate drive and add that path in Steam under Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders.
After moving the files, launch Steam and right-click the game in your library, select Properties > Compatibility and force the use of a specific Proton version if needed. Then when you click Install, Steam will detect the existing files and only download any missing Linux-specific components (like the Proton runtime itself). In many cases the verification takes just a minute and you are ready to play.
One important note: some games have native Linux versions separate from the Windows build. If you already downloaded the Windows data, Steam will not automatically switch to the native version. To opt into a native Linux port, you may need to delete the Windows files and install fresh, or manually trigger the download. But for Windows games running via Proton, copying is seamless.
Native Linux Games
If you own a game with a native Linux port (e.g., Terraria, Civilization VI, Stardew Valley) and you previously played on Windows, the situation is slightly different. You cannot simply copy Windows files and expect the Linux version to work. Native Linux games are separate builds. You will need to install the Linux version through your platform of choice. However, many save files are cross-platform, so you can keep your progress. You can copy save files from their Windows locations to the Linux equivalent (check PCGamingWiki for paths).
Games from Other Storefronts (GOG, Epic Games, etc.)
For GOG, you can either download the offline Linux installers directly from your library (if available) or copy the Windows game folder. Tools like Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher support both GOG and Epic Games. They can import an existing installation folder. For instance, in Heroic, you go to Settings > Game Settings and point the “Game Install Path” to your copied folder. The launcher will verify files, just like Steam.
If a game from a lesser-known store does not have a dedicated Linux launcher, you can use Wine manually or add it as a non-Steam game in Steam, using Proton. This requires a bit more tinkering, but the community tool protontricks can help with dependencies.
When You Might Need to Reinstall
Despite the convenience of file transfers, a full reinstallation is sometimes necessary or recommended. Here are the main cases:
- Games with invasive DRM or anti-cheat: Many multiplayer titles rely on kernel-level anti-cheat that simply does not work on Linux (e.g., Fortnite, Destiny 2). Even if you copy the files, they will not run. For these, you might need a dual boot or rely on cloud streaming services.
- Games that depend on specific DirectX or Visual C++ redistributables: Proton often handles these automatically, but if you copied files without letting Steam/Lutris set up the Wine prefix, some games may crash. A reinstall through the platform ensures correct dependencies are installed.
- Native Linux ports vs Windows builds: If you switch from Windows to the native Linux version, you definitely need to download the correct build.
- Corrupted or incomplete file transfers: If the copy process fails, a fresh install is the safest fix.
In general, single-player, DRM-free games are the easiest to transfer without reinstallation.
Backup and Restoration Tips
Before migrating, take a moment to back up your save data. Although many platforms support cloud saves, not all games use them, and cross-platform sync is not guaranteed. Here is a quick checklist:
- Steam Cloud: Enable it globally and per game. Still, manually copy
userdatafolder from Steam for extra safety. - GOG Galaxy: Cloud saves are optional; verify you have them uploaded.
- Local saves: Manually copy folders like
DocumentsMy Games,AppDataLocal, etc. PCGamingWiki documents save file locations for thousands of games. - Game mods: Mod managers are often Windows-only. You can sometimes copy the mod files into the Linux game directory, but you may need to use a Linux mod manager like Modrinth for specific games.
After moving to Linux, you can restore saves to their equivalent Linux paths. Many games store saves under ~/.local/share or ~/.config.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my entire Steam library folder from Windows to Linux?
Yes, you can simply copy the steamapps folder to the Linux Steam library location. After adding the folder in Steam settings, Steam will detect the games and let you play them after validating files. This works for most Windows games running through Proton.
Do cloud saves work cross-platform?
Usually, yes. Steam Cloud and GOG Cloud synchronize save files regardless of OS, provided the game supports cloud saves. However, always check the game’s store page for any platform-specific cloud save limitations. A manual backup is still wise.
What about game mods?
Mods that modify game assets (textures, models) often work if you copy the files to the correct folder on Linux. However, mod managers like Vortex or Mod Organizer are Windows-native. You can try running them through Wine, but a simpler approach is to manually install mods or use Linux-friendly alternatives like Steam Workshop support or dedicated Linux modding tools.
How do I transfer Epic Games Store games?
The easiest method is to use Heroic Games Launcher. Install Heroic, then copy your game folder from Windows to your Linux drive. In Heroic, add the game if not already listed, then set the install path to the copied folder. Heroic will verify files, and you can launch the game with the built-in Wine/Proton configuration.
Will all my Windows games run on Linux?
Not every game works. Titles with strict anti-cheat (EasyAntiCheat, BattlEye) may partially work but many block Linux entirely. You can check compatibility on ProtonDB before switching. For unsupported games, consider dual booting or using a virtual machine with GPU passthrough.
Transitioning to Linux does not mean you have to abandon your game library. With a little preparation, you can bring most of your games along without re-downloading everything. The key is to understand the differences between native ports and Proton, and to use the right tools for each storefront. Take the time to back up your saves, check compatibility, and you will be gaming on Linux in no time.
