Don't Starve uses a local profile/world directory distinct from Don't Starve Together. Back up the full DoNotStarve folder and keep workshop/mod information with long-running worlds.
Prepare the source PC
On the source system, identify the actual Don't Starve save root: Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsKleiDoNotStarve. The expected file/folder pattern is profile/save records under the Klei DoNotStarve directory. Close the game, let the active launcher finish writing and synchronizing, then make a complete offline copy rather than transferring a file that may still be open.
Preserve storefront and profile identity
Documented storefronts: Steam. The active Steam installation determines which local profile and cloud copy can overwrite the save. Identify the storefront and account before restoring files. A transfer between two PCs is simplest when both systems use the same storefront/account/profile context. If the destination uses a different store or container, treat that as a migration problem rather than an ordinary restore.
Move the complete save boundary
Close Don't Starve, let the launcher finish any synchronization, then copy the complete documented save directory to a dated folder outside the live path. Preserve companion files rather than selecting only the newest-looking record. Put the copied data on the destination only after confirming the destination save path. If the game creates a new empty save first, keep that new folder as another backup so you can compare structures and revert.
Handle cloud sync deliberately
Steam Cloud can synchronize profile/save data depending on configuration; keep an offline Klei folder copy before changes. Decide whether the local transferred copy or cloud copy should be authoritative before launching the game. If possible, preserve both. After the transferred save loads correctly, make a fresh in-game save and let the launcher synchronize normally.
Check compatibility before blaming the transfer
Don't Starve keeps desktop progress in a Klei Documents tree. Mods and world generation can affect compatibility, so preserve the whole directory and the active mod context. Compatibility note: Treat saves as version-, storefront-, account-, and mod-sensitive unless the game or a separately verified migration workflow proves otherwise. A similar filename or extension is not evidence that two releases are interchangeable. If the destination does not see the transferred progress, If progress is missing after a restore, confirm the active Windows account, storefront/profile, cloud state, and exact directory first. Restore the untouched backup before experimenting with individual files or older autosaves. Verify game edition/version, store, profile IDs, redirected folders, and mod/DLC dependencies before editing the save itself.
Verification context: Windows save location, file-boundary, launcher/cloud, and backup notes were reviewed against the linked game-specific references for Don't Starve. This Game Hub is documentation only and does not claim a new game-specific Save Editor.
Recorded Phase 40 evidence boundary
This Phase 40 entry is grounded in the researched PC save boundary for Don't Starve: Windows: %USERPROFILE%DocumentsKleiDoNotStarve The recorded file or folder pattern is profile/save records under the Klei DoNotStarve directory. These concrete identifiers are retained so backup, transfer, recovery, and editing preparation remain tied to the documented game/storefront context instead of a generic extension guess.