RetroArch Save File Location (Windows, macOS & Linux)

RetroArch stores its save files at %APPDATA%\RetroArch on Windows. Checkpoint64 already knows this folder — it backs it up automatically and keeps every version, so a corrupted or overwritten save is one click from restored.

Where RetroArch saves are stored

  • Windows — %APPDATA%\RetroArch
    or C:\RetroArch-Win64
  • macOS — ~/Library/Application Support/RetroArch
  • Linux — ~/.config/retroarch

Where two locations are listed, which one is in use depends on the install (Checkpoint64 checks them in order and uses the first that exists).

How to open the save folder

  • Windows — press Win+R, paste %APPDATA%\RetroArch, and press Enter.
  • macOS — in Finder press Cmd+Shift+G (Go to Folder) and paste ~/Library/Application Support/RetroArch.

Backing up RetroArch saves automatically

  1. Install Checkpoint64 (free) and pick RetroArch — the save path above is already preset.
  2. Auto-backup watches the folder and uploads a new version whenever it changes, keeping full history.
  3. Restore any version in one click if a save corrupts, gets overwritten, or a mod breaks it.

Common questions

Where does RetroArch store save files on Windows?

RetroArch keeps its saves at %APPDATA%\RetroArch or C:\RetroArch-Win64. Checkpoint64 already knows this path and backs the folder up automatically.

Can I back up RetroArch saves automatically?

Yes — Checkpoint64 watches RetroArch's save folder and uploads a new version every time it changes, so you get automatic backups with full version history. Free download for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How do I restore an earlier RetroArch save?

With Checkpoint64, open the save's version list and restore any earlier version in one click — it puts those exact files back in RetroArch's save folder. Without a backup tool there's usually nothing to go back to: the folder only holds the latest files.