Creating and Transferring a Config in CS2

7 min readWinio Team
Config in CS2

A config in CS2 is used to quickly restore your settings after reinstalling Windows, switching to another PC, or logging into a different Steam account. Such a file can store your crosshair settings, key binds, audio, video, console commands, and other important in-game preferences.

If you want to copy your CS2 config without manually reconfiguring every option, the easiest way is to save everything into a separate file at once and keep a backup nearby. This approach saves time and helps preserve your familiar gameplay experience, even when launching CS2 on a different computer.

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What Is a Configuration File?

A configuration file, or CFG, is a regular text file containing commands and settings that the game reads either on startup or after being manually loaded through the console. It can include crosshair settings, key assignments, sound and graphics options, buy binds, and custom commands.

In practice, this is useful for two reasons. First, you can create a personalized CS2 config and avoid losing your setup after updates or reinstallations. Second, the same file can easily be transferred between different accounts and computers.

Where to Find Your CS2 Config

Automatically saved CS2 settings are usually located at:

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\userdata\[your Steam ID]\730\local\cfg

Inside this folder, you will find files such as config.cfg, video.txt, and other user configuration files.

If you create a CFG manually, these files are usually placed in:

  • Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\csgo\cfg

This path is used for loading custom files through the exec command and for storing separate configs for different purposes.

In simple terms, there are two common scenarios:

  1. The game automatically saves your current settings in the userdata folder.
  2. You manually create a separate .cfg file inside game\csgo\cfg and load it whenever needed.

How to Export CS2 Config (Automatic Method)

The fastest way to save your current settings is to open CS2, launch the console, and enter:

  • host_writeconfig myconfig

After that, the game will create a file called myconfig.cfg and save your current settings into it.

This method is convenient because you do not need to manually collect commands. The game automatically stores all active parameters, making it a great option for regularly updating your main setup.

To stay organized, use clear file names such as:

  • main.cfg
  • backup.cfg
  • lan.cfg

especially if you use multiple setups for different scenarios.

How to Copy a CS2 Config to Another Account

If you need to copy your CS2 config to another account, first locate the desired .cfg file in your config folder and copy it. Then open the configuration folder on the other account and paste the same file there.

After transferring the file:

  1. Launch the game.
  2. Open the console.
  3. Run: exec myconfig

if the file is named myconfig.cfg.

The game will load your saved settings, including binds, sensitivity, and many other preferences without requiring manual setup again.

It is important to remember that transferring configs between accounts works more smoothly if the folder structure has already been created by the game itself. Therefore, it is best to launch CS2 once on the new account before moving your files.

How to Copy a CS2 Config (Manual Method)

The manual method is ideal for players who want full control over their files and prefer storing multiple config versions.

To do this:

  1. Open the cfg folder.
  2. Find config.cfg.
  3. Create a copy.
  4. Move it to a safe location, such as your desktop or a backup folder.

If you later need to restore it, simply move the file back into the game folder and load it through the console.

Use the following command:

  • exec config.cfg

to manually activate the desired config after launching the game.

This method is especially useful if you frequently test new binds and want to quickly roll back to older versions. In that case, storing several configs with clear names and dates is highly recommended.

Creating a Custom Config From Scratch

If you want to create a CS2 config, open Notepad or any text editor and start writing commands line by line.

Basic examples include:

  • bind "c" "slot8"
  • sensitivity "1.5"
  • cl_crosshairsize "2"
  • volume "0.5"

Then:

  1. Click “Save As”.
  2. Select “All Files”.
  3. Save the file with the .cfg extension, for example: myconfig.cfg
  1. Move the file into the cfg folder.
  2. Load it with: exec myconfig

When creating configs manually, it is helpful to follow one simple rule: start with only the most important commands and gradually expand the file. This makes it easier to identify which lines work correctly and which may need fixing.

Backing Up Your Config to the Cloud

Even if you have already created a CS2 config and saved it locally, it is best to create a cloud backup immediately.

Services such as:

  • Google Drive
  • Dropbox
  • OneDrive

or even emailing the file to yourself works perfectly.

Config files are extremely small, usually under 50 KB, so storing multiple backups is very easy. If your system crashes, Steam is reinstalled, or you switch to a new PC, restoring everything takes only a few minutes.

The best approach is to keep two files in the cloud:

  1. Your main working config.
  2. A backup version in case something breaks during editing.

Transferring CS:GO Configs to CS2

Transferring a config from CS:GO to CS2 is usually straightforward because many old settings still work in the new game.

To do this:

  1. Find your old config.
  2. Copy it into the CS2 config folder.
  3. Load it using the exec command.

However, keep in mind that some older commands have changed or are no longer supported. After transferring, you should manually check your binds, sensitivity, crosshair, and other important settings inside the game.

The best approach is simple:

  • First, transfer the old file as-is.
  • Then remove or update only the commands that no longer work in CS2.

This makes the migration process much faster and avoids unnecessary confusion.

Common Commands to Add to a Config

A basic custom CFG usually includes commands related to the most frequently adjusted settings.

Examples:

  • bind "c" "slot8" – Quick access to a specific slot or grenade.
  • sensitivity "1.5" – Mouse sensitivity value.
  • cl_crosshairsize "2" – Crosshair size.
  • volume "0.5" – Master volume level.

Do not try to build a massive command list immediately. It is much easier to start with binds, sensitivity, crosshair, and audio settings, then gradually improve the config over time.

Conclusion

A working CS2 config is a simple and effective way to preserve your favorite settings and quickly transfer them to another account or computer. If you properly save the file once, create backups, and verify your commands after launching the game, you can avoid spending time reconfiguring everything again in the future.

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Creating and Transferring a Config in CS2: A Step-by-Step Guide | Winio