.NCF File Extension
No Cache File (Legacy)
| Developer | Valve |
| Popularity |
2.6 | 14 Votes |
What is an NCF file?
An NCF file is a cache file used by older versions of Valve's Steam content delivery system. It contains metadata and file information that describe the contents of a game or application, while the actual game files are stored separately on the user's computer. Unlike .GCF files, which can contain game data within a virtual file system, NCF files primarily provide information about files stored outside the NCF container.
More Information
Steam typically stored NCF files in its steamapps directory and used them to manage and update older games and applications. The Steam content delivery system referenced the NCF file to identify and organize the associated content stored elsewhere in the Steam installation. Users may encounter these files when working with older Steam installations or archived game files rather than during normal use of the current Steam platform.
NCF files belong to Steam's older content storage system and are now considered legacy files. Steam later replaced the older GCF and NCF-based system with newer application manifest formats, including .ACF files, for managing installed applications and updates. As a result, you're most likely to encounter NCF files in older Steam installations or archived game collections.
How to open an NCF file
NCF files are not typically opened directly by users. Instead, Valve's Steam client references and manages them automatically as part of its legacy content storage system. You generally do not need to interact with NCF files manually.
Since NCF files are part of Steam's older content management system, modifying or deleting them may cause problems with the associated game or application. If you encounter an NCF file, let Steam manage it.