EVE Online behaves differently from many single-player Steam titles when it comes to saved data. This article explains what Steam Cloud does and does not store for EVE Online, where your settings live, and what you should expect when switching PCs or reinstalling the game.
1. Does EVE Online Use Steam Cloud?
Yes — but only for a very small subset of files. EVE Online is a server-based MMO. All essential player data is stored on CCP’s servers, including:
Characters
Skill queues
Assets, ISK, market orders, contracts
In-game settings saved to the server (overview profiles, keyboard shortcuts via the Shared Cache system, etc.)
Steam Cloud does not sync full game configuration or client cache data.
Steam Cloud typically syncs:
Category |
Example |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Launcher preferences |
Language, window size |
Small configuration files |
LogLite or crash reporter settings |
Diagnostic tool config |
Very small data footprint |
Steam Cloud does not sync:
Not Synced |
Explanation |
|---|---|
Full EVE client settings |
Window positions, graphics settings, UI scale, chat window layout |
Client cache |
Session data, downloaded resources |
Local screenshots |
Not synced (see: How to Take Screenshots & Share via Steam Overlay) |
Accounts or login states |
Steam login remains Steam-based, but EVE accounts themselves aren’t synced |
2. Where Are EVE Settings Actually Stored?
EVE Online stores most client settings locally on your computer, not in Steam Cloud.
Typical locations:
Windows
%LOCALAPPDATA%\CCP\EVE\
Mac (Steam via Wine / Proton)
~/Library/Application Support/EVE Online/p_drive/Local Settings/Application Data/CCP/EVE/
These folders include:
settings_Defaultandsettings_{uniqueID}(UI layouts, chat positions, shortcuts)Log folders
Crash dumps
Cache files
Tip: If you want to migrate UI settings between computers manually, copy the settings_ folders.
3. What Happens When You Switch PCs?
Steam Cloud Enabled
The EVE Launcher may carry over small preference files.
You will still need to log in again (via Steam login).
In-game UI settings will not transfer unless saved on CCP’s servers.
You may notice your window layout, chat placement, and graphics settings revert to defaults.
Steam Cloud Disabled
No launcher preferences are synced.
You may need to set your launcher options from scratch.
To keep your UI setup identical across PCs
Manually copy your settings folders as explained above.
4. Troubleshooting Missing Settings
If EVE resets your UI or layout after moving to a new system, this is normal due to the lack of full Steam Cloud support. Try the following:
1. Check if you logged into the correct EVE account
If you use Steam Login, see: Cannot Log In with Steam After Account Changes
2. Manually restore UI settings
Copy the settings folders from your old system to your new one.
5. Summary
EVE Online uses Steam Cloud in a limited way:
✔ Important character and gameplay data: stored by CCP, not Steam
✔ Minor launcher preferences: may sync via Steam Cloud
✘ UI layouts, graphics settings, client cache: not stored in Steam Cloud
✘ Screenshots: not synced
For full migration, you must manually copy local settings.
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