If The Witcher 3 Remastered won’t save or can’t see your saves on PC, the most common cause is Windows blocking the game from writing to your Documents folder. CD Projekt Red’s fix is to add The Witcher 3 to the Controlled folder access allowed apps in Windows Security. If that isn’t it, check that the save doesn’t need mods or expansions you don’t have, and verify the game files.
Saving problems were one of the most reported PC issues on launch day. Here are the fixes, official ones first.
Fix 1: Allow the Game Through Controlled Folder Access
Windows’ ransomware protection can stop games writing saves to Documents. Per CD Projekt Red’s support article:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus and threat protection settings.
- Choose Allow an app through Controlled folder access.
- Select Add an allowed app and add The Witcher 3’s executable.
The same article covers the equivalent setting in Bitdefender if you use it instead of Windows Security.
Fix 2: Check the Save Needs Nothing You’re Missing
- Cross-progression saves only load if you have the same content, such as the expansions, on both platforms.
- Modded saves need the same mods installed; CDPR’s mod support article says mods with xml, script or w3strings files break with the Remaster until they’re updated with REDkit.
Our cross progression guide and console mods guide explain both.
Fix 3: Verify the Game Files
In Steam or GOG, verify the game files to repair anything the update broke, then try loading again.
What Players Say Is Causing It
These aren’t official, but players on Steam report several common causes:
- OneDrive: if OneDrive syncs your Documents folder, saves can fail. Players fix it in OneDrive under Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup by turning off Documents.
- Unusual characters in your Windows user name, such as non-English letters in the folder path.
- A read-only save folder.
- Forcing a save: some players fast travel, which triggers an autosave, then quit, to confirm saving works.
Avoid unofficial third-party “save fix” tools; the official fixes above are safer.
Saves From Old Consoles and Switch
If you’re moving to the Remastered version from PS4, Xbox One or Switch 1, your save has to be transferred first. Our guide to whether your saves carry over covers each route, and if the Remastered version itself isn’t installing, see fixing the upgrade not showing up.
How Saving Works in the Remaster
Manual saves, quick saves and autosaves work the same way as before; our saving guide explains each. Every guide is on our Witcher 3 hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t The Witcher 3 Remastered save my game on PC? Usually Windows’ Controlled folder access is blocking it. Add the game as an allowed app in Windows Security.
Why are my old saves not showing up? They may need mods or expansions you don’t have, or they’re on an old console and haven’t been transferred.
Do old modded saves work in the Remastered version? Only with the same mods, and mods using xml, script or w3strings files need updating first.
Does OneDrive cause Witcher 3 save problems? Players report it can, when OneDrive syncs Documents. Turning off Documents backup is a common workaround.
Should I use a third-party save fix tool? We’d avoid them. Try CD Projekt Red’s official fixes first.