Prison Architect Save File Location
Last verified: 2026-10-08
Save file location (Windows): %LOCALAPPDATA%\Introversion\Prison Architect\saves
- Windows
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Introversion\Prison Architect\saves- Windows (config & mods)
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Introversion\Prison Architect
Here's exactly where Prison Architect keeps your prisons on PC, how to open the folder in seconds, and how to back up a .prison file before you add mods or update.
Save file locations
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Introversion\Prison Architect\saves
Full path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Introversion\Prison Architect\saves . Each prison is one .prison file; autosaves sit alongside your manual saves.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Introversion\Prison Architect
The parent Introversion folder also holds your settings and workshop data. Back up the whole folder to keep mods and saves together.
Cloud saves
Prison Architect uses Steam Cloud, so your prisons usually follow your Steam account to a new PC automatically. The local .prison files are still the source of truth — copy them manually if Cloud is disabled or a sync conflict overwrites a prison you wanted.
How to open the save folder
- Press Win + R to open the Run box.
- Paste %LOCALAPPDATA%\Introversion\Prison Architect\saves and press Enter.
- Copy the .prison file for the prison you care about to a safe place.
- Do this before installing mods or taking a major update.
Save problems & fixes
My prison disappeared from the load list
Check %LOCALAPPDATA%\Introversion\Prison Architect\saves for the .prison file. If it's there but not listed, a corrupted header can hide it — restore a backup or an autosave (files with a date suffix).
Steam Cloud overwrote my newer prison
If Cloud restored an older prison, exit the game, replace the .prison file in the saves folder with your manual backup, then disable Cloud for the title before relaunching.
FAQ
Where is the Prison Architect save on PC?
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Introversion\Prison Architect\saves — each prison is a single .prison file.
How do I back up a prison?
Copy the prison's .prison file out of the saves folder to another drive or cloud storage. One file is the whole prison.
Does Prison Architect use Steam Cloud?
Yes — saves sync through Steam Cloud, but keep a local copy of the .prison file in case a sync conflict replaces the version you wanted.
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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.