How to Transfer Your Hearts of Iron IV Save to a New PC
Switching computers? Here's exactly which Hearts of Iron IV save files to copy, where they live, and how to make sure your progress loads on the new PC.
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Hearts of Iron IV\save games
Copy the whole save folder at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Hearts of Iron IV\save games (files end in .hoi4) from the old PC to the exact same path on the new PC — those are your Hearts of Iron IV saves.
Where the files live: see the full Hearts of Iron IV save file location guide for every platform path (PS5, Xbox, Steam Cloud).
How to transfer your Hearts of Iron IV save to a new PC
- On the old PC, press Win+R, paste %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Hearts of Iron IV\save games, and press Enter to open the save folder.
- Select everything in that folder and copy it to a USB drive, cloud folder (OneDrive/Google Drive), or network share.
- Install Hearts of Iron IV on the new PC and launch it once, then close it — this creates the empty save folder.
- Match your mods, DLC, and game version on the new PC before loading, or a modded/DLC save may refuse to load.
- On the new PC, open the same path (%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Hearts of Iron IV\save games) and paste the copied files in, overwriting if asked.
- Launch the game and confirm your progress loaded before deleting the backup copy.
Does cloud sync move it for you?
Yes, via Steam Cloud when enabled. Same account + cloud on = saves appear on the new PC; otherwise copy the save games folder manually.
Common mistakes
- Version/DLC mismatch: a save made on a newer patch or with DLC you don't own on the new PC may fail to load.
- Copying while the game is running can produce a half-written file — close HOI4 first.
FAQ
How do I move my Hearts of Iron IV save to a new PC?
Copy the save folder at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Hearts of Iron IV\save games from the old PC to the exact same path on the new PC, then launch the game. Use a USB drive, cloud storage, or a network share to move the files.
Will Hearts of Iron IV cloud saves transfer automatically?
Yes, via Steam Cloud when enabled. Same account + cloud on = saves appear on the new PC; otherwise copy the save games folder manually.
Where is the Hearts of Iron IV save folder on the old PC?
It's at %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Hearts of Iron IV\save games (files end in .hoi4). Paste that into the File Explorer address bar (or Win+R) to open it. See our full location guide for every platform.
Do I need to copy any other files?
Copy the whole save folder, not just one file — these games store profiles, autosaves, and settings alongside the main save. Copying the entire folder avoids missing anything.
Other games
- How to Transfer Your Lethal Company Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Space Marine 2 Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Balatro Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Cult of the Lamb Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Divinity: Original Sin 2 Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your Dragon Age: Inquisition Save to a New PC
- How to Transfer Your GTA IV Save to a New PC
Need another game or a quick backup? Use the Save Location Finder — pick any game to get its exact save path plus a ready-to-run backup command.