Transfer a save file between two Xbox devices when you don’t own the game, but the save belongs to someone else.
Transfer a save file between two Xbox devices when you don’t own the game, but the save belongs to someone else.
I need to share some details about my situation that will clarify my issue. A few days ago I posted about moving a game with its saves from one Xbox to another. My goal was to run the same game on a different console. I assumed it would be straightforward—just download the game on the new Xbox and log in using the account used for the original server. But the save file didn’t appear. I attempted to move it over my home network, from the app store, and even by copying it manually between devices using a portable drive. Each time, the save would vanish when the game launched on the new console. On the other Xbox, there were no saves at all.
I wanted to explain that the server account doesn’t actually own Ark—it can run it because I have Ark on my Microsoft account and linked the Xbox running the server to my home console. This setup lets me control the server from my PC while playing on the Xbox. I also shared Ark with a cousin who played on the other console, so we could test it together.
After some investigation, I realized the problem likely stems from the server account not owning the game, which means no saves are saved to its Xbox account. I confirmed this by starting a save on my PC and continuing it on the desired Xbox. The save remained tied to my account, not the original installation. I’m convinced buying another copy of Ark for the server would solve the issue, but I’d prefer not to do that.
Now I’m wondering: how can I move the save file between the two consoles? I haven’t found clear guidance in my research, which is why I reached out for your help.
This might be related to Ark rather than just an Xbox issue. Saves typically go to your logged-in account and move there, suggesting a specific way Ark handles them.
The issue stems from the fact that Ark doesn’t allow Xbox cloud saves, and it’s likely the save is tied to the console it was made on. This can cause problems when transferring the original game from one console to another.
I wondered about it, but how could I smoothly resume a save from my PC on the Xbox? I’ll check out another game to verify this idea.
Checking the Xbox Store is the usual method. If it were another platform, the approach would likely change significantly.
Microsoft runs X-box and its additional offerings. You likely purchased it via the X-box online services, as discussed in your earlier message. The Microsoft Store serves a different purpose, focusing solely on apps. Are you reaching out to Microsoft or their X-box community? I checked those resources for you:
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hard...ge-storage
https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/help/xbox...s-data-360
I recall purchasing it from my PC, and I'm 98% confident it came from the Microsoft Store. There was a promotion on the Microsoft Store, but not the Xbox Store. My cousin bought it at full price while I got it at a discount, and that didn't affect me. Still, it doesn't matter since I can play cross-platform with my cousins and sync saves between devices using my Xbox account. The issue wasn't with my Ark copy—it was that the server account I used didn't exist. I probably shouldn't have to deal with this anymore; I was hoping for a solution without having to send endless emails about trying things I've already done, which is common with big companies. If no one here has an answer, maybe I should look elsewhere.
Thanks for the links—I'd appreciate any help!