Transfer Games Between Steam, Battle.net & Other Launchers

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, you can transfer games between Steam, Battle.net, and other launchers, but only in specific ways. You cannot directly move an installed game from one launcher to another—each launcher has its own file structure and DRM—but you can move installation files between PCs, and you can link or import games in some cases. This article explains what actually works, what doesn’t, and the steps for each scenario.

Why Launchers Don’t Share Games Directly

Steam, Battle.net (Blizzard), Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, and Ubisoft Connect each use their own client, update system, and DRM. When you buy a game on Steam, the Steam client manages its installation, updates, and achievements. Battle.net does the same for Blizzard titles like Overwatch 2 or Diablo IV. The game files themselves are often identical, but the launcher-specific metadata (like Steam’s appmanifest files or Battle.net’s agent data) ties the installation to that platform.

This means you can’t just copy a Steam game folder into Battle.net’s directory and expect it to appear. The launchers check for their own registry entries and file signatures. However, there are legitimate ways to move games between PCs, and some launchers allow you to “add” games from other launchers to their library for convenience.

Moving Installed Games Between PCs (Same Launcher)

If you want to move a game from one PC to another while keeping the same launcher, you can do this without re-downloading. Both Steam and Battle.net have built-in backup or transfer features.

Steam: Use “Backup and Restore” (Steam > Backup and Restore Games) or simply copy the game folder from steamapps\common to the new PC and then “Install” the game via Steam – it will detect existing files and verify them.
Battle.net: Copy the game folder (e.g., Call of Duty or World of Warcraft) to the new PC, then in the Battle.net app, click “Install” – it will find the existing files and only download missing updates.
Epic Games Store: Copy the game folder, then in Epic, click “Install” and choose the folder where you placed it. It will verify and use the existing files.

This works because the launcher still owns the game license; you’re just moving the files. The key is to keep the same launcher account and use the launcher’s “install” command to point to the existing folder.

Cross-Launcher Transfers: What Actually Works

There is no official way to transfer a game you bought on one launcher to a different launcher. For example, if you own Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II on Steam, you cannot play it through Battle.net without buying it again. The license is tied to the store where you purchased it.

However, some games support cross-progression and cross-play, meaning your saves and online progress carry over between launchers. For instance, Overwatch 2 links your Battle.net account to your console or PC platform, but the game itself must be launched through the launcher where you own it. Cross-progression is not the same as transferring the game files.

There is one exception: GOG Galaxy 2.0 is a “launcher aggregator” that can import games from other launchers into one interface. It doesn’t move the files; it just lets you launch them from a single app. This is a convenience feature, not a transfer.

How to Link Launchers for Cross-Play and Saves

Many modern games let you link your accounts across platforms to share progress. This does not move the game, but it means you can switch launchers without losing your unlocks.

Open the game’s official website (e.g., Fortnite or Apex Legends) and log in.
Find the “Connections” or “Linked Accounts” section.
Choose the launcher/platform you want to link (Steam, Epic, Battle.net, etc.).
Follow the prompts to authorize the link.

Once linked, your progress, cosmetics, and stats are shared across those platforms. But you still need to own the game on each launcher if it’s a paid title. Free-to-play games often allow you to play on any launcher without repurchasing, but you still have to install the game through that launcher.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“I copied the folder, but the launcher won’t see it.” This usually happens because you didn’t use the launcher’s “Install” command to point to the folder. You must start the install and then cancel it, or use “Locate” if available.
“Can I just move the exe file?” No. The launcher needs to manage the game’s files for updates and DRM. Running the exe directly may work once, but it will fail on updates or online features.
“Steam and Battle.net are the same company now?” No, they are separate companies. Blizzard games are on Battle.net, and Valve games are on Steam. Some games appear on both, but they are separate purchases.
“If I uninstall from one launcher, can I install on another for free?” No, you need a license for that launcher. The only exception is if the game is free-to-play or if you use a service like GOG Galaxy that simply aggregates.

Choosing the Right Launcher for a Game

When you buy a game, you often have a choice of launcher. Consider these factors:

Price and sales: Steam and Epic often have different discounts. Check before buying.
Multiplayer community: Some games have separate player pools per launcher. For example, Destiny 2 has cross-play, but older games may not.
Features: Steam has Steam Workshop, achievements, and remote play. Epic has free games but fewer social features. Battle.net is required for Blizzard titles.
DRM and offline play: GOG is DRM-free, meaning you can play without the launcher. Steam and Epic require their clients for most games.

Once you choose, you’re locked into that launcher for that copy. You can’t later transfer it to another launcher without buying again.

Alternatives: Cloud Gaming and Streaming

If you want to play a game without worrying about launcher transfers, cloud gaming services let you stream games from servers. Services like GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming support certain titles you already own on Steam or Epic. You log in with your launcher account, and the service runs the game on their hardware. This doesn’t transfer the game, but it lets you play on devices that can’t run it locally.

Another alternative is to use a “launcher manager” like Playnite or GOG Galaxy. These apps create a unified library of all your games across launchers. They don’t move files, but they simplify launching and tracking playtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a Steam game to Battle.net?

No. You cannot transfer a game you bought on Steam to Battle.net, or vice versa. The license is tied to the store. You would need to purchase the game again on the other launcher.

Can I move a game from one PC to another without re-downloading?

Yes, for the same launcher. Use the launcher’s backup feature or copy the game folder and then use the launcher’s “Install” command to point to that folder. It will verify and use the existing files.

Does GOG Galaxy let me play Steam games?

GOG Galaxy can import your Steam library and launch those games from its interface, but the games still run through Steam. It doesn’t bypass DRM or transfer ownership.

Will my progress carry over if I switch launchers?

Only if the game supports cross-progression. You need to link your accounts on the game’s official website. Many multiplayer games do, but some single-player games do not.

Can I use the same game files for both Steam and Epic versions?

No, because each launcher has its own file structure and DRM. You would need two separate installations, though some games allow you to share the game’s assets folder if you manually configure it—this is not officially supported and can break updates.

Is there a way to transfer a game without losing it?

The only way to “transfer” a game to another launcher is to buy it again. There is no legal method to move a license between stores. Cloud saves and cross-progression can preserve your progress, but not the game itself.

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