Morrowind differs from later Bethesda titles by keeping its standard save folder inside the installation tree. Back it up before reinstalling or relocating the game, because uninstall workflows can otherwise affect the same directory.
For this PC reference, the documented storage is Windows: <game-folder>Saves. The known file or folder pattern is *.ess save files inside the installed game Saves folder. Classic Morrowind keeps .ess saves beneath the game installation rather than the later My Games convention. Mod/plugin dependencies can be part of the save state.
Backup guidance: Close The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, 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. Cloud behavior is not assumed; treat the local game-folder Saves directory as the backup source. Launcher and cloud context matters because The active Steam, GOG installation determines which local profile and cloud copy can overwrite the save. Identify the storefront and account before restoring files.
Compatibility and recovery should stay conservative. 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 expected progress is not visible, 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. SaveEditor.com only labels a game-specific editor as available when a separate linked Tool has a verified operational runtime; this reference page by itself is not an editor claim.