Quick answer
To back up ETS2 saves, close the game, open your Euro Truck Simulator 2 folder in Documents, copy the relevant profile folders to a separate backup location, and name the backup with the date and reason. Do this before major updates, mods, TruckersMP setup, or config changes.
Back up your ETS2 profile before you install mods, switch Steam beta branches, try TruckersMP, edit config files, or update a profile that matters. A backup turns a scary crash or broken save into a reversible problem.
Use this with the ETS2 Update Checklist, ETS2 Mods Guide, and Safe ETS2 Mods Guide.
When You Should Back Up
Back up before:
- Major ETS2 updates.
- Enabling map, traffic, economy, truck, UI, or sound mods.
- Removing a mod from an existing profile.
- Joining TruckersMP or switching Steam branches.
- Editing
config.cfg, controls, radio files, or profile files. - Testing experimental beta builds.
Do not wait until after the game crashes. The useful backup is the one you made while the profile still loaded cleanly.
Where ETS2 Profiles Usually Live
On Windows, ETS2 normally keeps user data under:
Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2\
Profile folders may appear as profiles, steam_profiles, or a similar profile directory depending on how your game and Steam Cloud are configured.
Close ETS2 before copying folders. Copying a profile while the game is saving can create confusing partial backups.
Simple Backup Method
- Close ETS2.
- Open
Documents\Euro Truck Simulator 2. - Copy the profile folder you want to protect.
- Paste it somewhere outside the ETS2 folder, such as a desktop backup folder or another drive.
- Rename it with the date and reason.
Example:
2026-07-01-before-1-60-mod-test
2026-07-01-before-truckersmp
2026-07-01-before-map-mod-removal
Keep the name boring and clear. A good backup name tells you when it was made and why.
What To Back Up
For a normal safety backup, copy:
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Profile folders | Career progress, garages, trucks, drivers, money, skills |
config.cfg if editing settings | Lets you undo risky configuration changes |
controls.sii if remapping controls | Protects a working wheel, controller, or keyboard layout |
live_streams.sii if editing radio | Prevents losing a working radio setup |
You do not need to back up the whole game installation for normal profile safety.
How To Restore
If a profile breaks:
- Close ETS2.
- Move the broken profile copy somewhere safe first.
- Copy your backup profile into the profile location.
- Launch ETS2 and test without new mods.
- Add mods back one at a time.
Do not overwrite every folder in a panic. Keep the broken copy until you know the restore worked.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Better Habit |
|---|---|
| Backing up after a crash | Back up before updates, mods, or config edits |
| Keeping only one backup | Keep a few dated backups |
| Mixing clean and modded saves | Use separate profiles |
| Trusting Steam Cloud as the only backup | Keep a manual copy too |
| Restoring and enabling all mods at once | Test clean first, then add mods gradually |
What To Read Next
If you are preparing for an update, follow the ETS2 Update Checklist. If you are adding mods, read the Steam Workshop Mods Guide before subscribing to a long mod list.
Read next
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