How to Transfer Your Minecraft: Java Edition Save to a New PC
Switching computers? Here's exactly which Minecraft: Java Edition save files to copy, where they live, and how to make sure your progress loads on the new PC.
%APPDATA%\.minecraft\saves
Each world is its own folder inside .minecraft\saves. Copy the whole world folder(s) you want to the same path on the new PC.
Where the files live: see the full Minecraft: Java Edition save file location guide for every platform path (PS5, Xbox, Steam Cloud).
How to transfer your Minecraft: Java Edition save to a new PC
- On the old PC, press Win+R, paste %APPDATA%\.minecraft\saves, 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 Minecraft: Java Edition on the new PC and launch it once, then close it — this creates the empty save folder.
- If you use mods or a custom launcher (CurseForge, Modrinth, MultiMC), the saves may live inside that instance's folder instead of .minecraft — copy the world folder from the matching instance and reinstall the same mods first.
- On the new PC, open the same path (%APPDATA%\.minecraft\saves) 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?
No. Minecraft: Java Edition has no built-in cloud saves — worlds exist only on your PC, so manual copying (or a backup tool) is the only way to move them. Java and Bedrock saves are not interchangeable.
Common mistakes
- Copying a single region/.dat file instead of the entire world folder.
- Loading a modded world on the new PC without reinstalling the same mods, which can corrupt or empty it.
FAQ
How do I move my Minecraft: Java Edition save to a new PC?
Copy the save folder at %APPDATA%\.minecraft\saves 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 Minecraft: Java Edition cloud saves transfer automatically?
No. Minecraft: Java Edition has no built-in cloud saves — worlds exist only on your PC, so manual copying (or a backup tool) is the only way to move them. Java and Bedrock saves are not interchangeable.
Where is the Minecraft: Java Edition save folder on the old PC?
It's at %APPDATA%\.minecraft\saves. 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 — some games store settings, backups, or profile subfolders alongside the main save. Copying the entire folder avoids missing anything.
Other games
- Sekiro Save File Location (PC, PS5, Xbox)
- Dragon Age: Inquisition Save File Location (PC, PS5, Xbox)
- Palworld Save File Location (PC, Xbox)
- Valheim Save File Location (World & Character, 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.