When you install a game from the Xbox app or Microsoft Store on your PC, it doesn’t store files in the same easy-to-find location as Steam or Epic Games. Instead, save data and configuration files are tucked away inside hidden system folders. In this article, we’ll go step-by-step through how to locate both your save game files and config files on Windows.
🧭 Step 1: Open File Explorer
Let’s start by launching File Explorer. You can do this by:
- Pressing Windows + E on your keyboard, or
- Clicking the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.
📂 Step 2: Navigate to the C Drive
Once File Explorer is open:
- Click This PC from the sidebar.
- Open the C: drive (this is your main system drive where Windows and apps are installed).
👤 Step 3: Open the User Folder
Inside the C drive:
- Open the Users folder.
- Select your username folder — this is the same name you use to log into Windows.
👁️ Step 4: Enable Hidden Items
You may not immediately see the AppData folder, because it’s hidden by default.
To make it visible:
- Click on the View tab at the top of File Explorer.
- Select Show → Hidden items.
- The AppData folder should now appear.
🗂️ Step 5: Locate the Config File
Now let’s find your configuration file — the file that stores your in-game settings.
Follow this path:
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\<GameFolder>\Saved\Config\WinGDK\Client
Here’s what to do step-by-step:
- Open AppData.
- Go into the Local folder.
- Locate the folder named after your game (e.g., “MainframeIndustries.GameName”).
- Inside it, open Saved → Config → WinGDK → Client.
- You’ll find one or more configuration files here (usually
.inior.cfgfiles).
These files store your graphic preferences, resolution, and key bindings — useful if you want to tweak settings manually or back them up before reinstalling.
💾 Step 6: Locate the Save Game Files
Now for the save data — this is where your progress is stored.
Go to the following path:
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Packages\
Inside the Packages folder, look for the game’s publisher folder. For example:
MainframeIndustries.PacksDIGame_xxxxxx
Once inside that folder, open:
SystemAppData → WGS
This WGS (Windows Gaming Services) folder contains your actual saved game files.
If you ever back up or migrate to another PC, this is the folder to copy. However, note that some Xbox and Game Pass titles sync your saves to the cloud automatically — so modifying or deleting them might cause sync issues.
⚠️ Important Notes and Disclaimer
- Do not rename or edit files unless you know what you’re doing.
- Back up the entire folder before making any changes.
- Some games encrypt save data, meaning you won’t be able to directly modify or import them to another PC manually.
💡 FAQ
Q: Why can’t I find the AppData folder?
A: It’s hidden by default. Enable “Hidden Items” under the View tab in File Explorer.
Q: Will deleting these files reset my game?
A: Yes — deleting save data from the WGS folder can permanently erase your progress. Always back up before deleting anything.
Q: Are these steps the same for Steam or Epic Games versions?
A: No. Steam and Epic store saves in different locations — typically under Documents\My Games or AppData\Roaming.
✅ Conclusion
That’s it! You now know exactly how to find your save game files and configuration files for any Xbox Game Pass or Microsoft Store title installed on Windows. This can be handy for troubleshooting, backing up progress, or transferring settings between PCs.
If you found this guide helpful, check out other detailed tutorials on dtptips.com for more Windows and gaming tips.
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