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The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Save File Location

Last verified: 2026-10-08

Save file location (Windows (Steam)): Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind\Saves

Quick answer: On PC, Morrowind stores saves in a Saves folder inside its own install directory, as .ess files. On a default Steam install that is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind\Saves\ (right-click the game > Manage > Browse local files, then open Saves). Important gotcha: if Morrowind is under Program Files, Windows UAC may redirect new saves to the hidden C:\Users\<you>\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\...\Morrowind\Saves instead — check there if your Saves folder looks empty. Some setups also use Documents\My Games\Morrowind. Copy the Saves folder (all .ess) to back up.
Windows (Steam)
Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind\Saves
Windows (GOG / disc / custom install)
<Morrowind install folder>\Saves
VirtualStore (hidden redirect)
%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\...\Morrowind\Saves

Morrowind is an old-school game that saves inside its own install folder, not Documents — so if that folder is under Program Files, Windows may silently redirect your .ess saves into a hidden VirtualStore. Here is the exact PC path, the VirtualStore trap, and how to back it up.

Save file locations

Windows (Steam)
Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind\Saves

Full default: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind\Saves\ . Saves are .ess files. Quick route: right-click the game > Manage > Browse local files, then open Saves.

Windows (GOG / disc / custom install)
<Morrowind install folder>\Saves

Same \Saves subfolder wherever you installed it (e.g. C:\Games\Morrowind\Saves). Installing outside Program Files avoids the VirtualStore redirect entirely.

VirtualStore (hidden redirect)
%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\...\Morrowind\Saves

If the game is under Program Files, UAC may write saves here instead. Enable Show hidden files and check this path if the install Saves folder is empty.

Cloud saves

Classic Morrowind predates Steam Cloud, so on most installs there is no cloud sync at all — the .ess files in the Saves folder are your only copy. That makes a manual backup the only safety net, especially before installing mods (OpenMW, MGE XE) or verifying/reinstalling the game.

Cloud save conflict & platform recovery

Real risk: saving fails or saves 'disappear' because the install folder is write-protected under Program Files — Windows redirects them to a hidden VirtualStore folder you never see.

  1. Check both the install \Saves folder AND %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\...\Morrowind\Saves (enable Show hidden files).
  2. To avoid the issue permanently, reinstall Morrowind outside Program Files (e.g. C:\Games\Morrowind).
  3. Copy the whole Saves folder somewhere safe before adding mods or reinstalling — there is no cloud to fall back on.
Back up first (Windows) — copy & run

How to open the save folder

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Save problems & fixes

FAQ

Where does Morrowind save games on PC?

In a Saves folder inside the game's install directory, as .ess files — e.g. Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind\Saves.

Why can't I find my Morrowind saves?

If the game is under Program Files, Windows may redirect saves to the hidden %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore\Program Files (x86)\...\Morrowind\Saves folder. Enable Show hidden files and check there.

Does Morrowind use Steam Cloud?

Classic Morrowind generally has no cloud sync, so the .ess files are your only copy — back them up manually.

Where does OpenMW save Morrowind?

OpenMW uses its own folder: Documents\My Games\OpenMW\saves, separate from the vanilla install Saves folder.

Other games

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.