Steam is a popular platform for PC gamers, offering access to thousands of games from indie developers to big studios. However, as your library grows, you may find your storage running low. Uninstalling games you no longer play is a great way to free up space.
To uninstall a Steam game, open the Steam client and go to your Library. Right-click on the game you want to uninstall and select “Manage” then “Uninstall.” Confirm your choice in the pop-up, and Steam will remove the game from your system. You can always reinstall it later by visiting your Library again.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the methods to uninstall Steam games efficiently and address common questions related to the process.
Why Uninstall Steam Games?
There are several reasons to uninstall games from your Steam library:
- Free Up Disk Space: Large games can take up dozens of gigabytes, especially AAA titles.
- Declutter Your Library: Removing unplayed games helps keep your library more organized.
- Performance Improvements: Removing unused files can sometimes improve system performance, especially on older PCs.
- Make Room for New Games: Freeing up space allows you to install more recent or frequently played titles.
Also Read: Can You Play Steam Games Offline – Go Offline with Steam!
Method 1: How to Uninstall Steam Games via the Steam Client
- Open the Steam Application: Launch Steam on your computer and log in if prompted.
- Go to Your Library: Click on the ‘Library’ tab at the top of the window.
- Right-Click the Game: Find the game you want to uninstall from the list on the left.
- Select ‘Manage’ and ‘Uninstall’: Click ‘Manage’ and then ‘Uninstall’ from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm Uninstallation: Steam will prompt you to confirm. Click ‘Uninstall’ to remove the game. Steam will remove all local files but retain your game data in the cloud if enabled.
Method 2: Uninstall Steam Games via Windows Settings
- Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Windows settings.
- Go to ‘Apps’: Navigate to ‘Apps’ and ‘Installed Apps’ or ‘Apps & Features’.
- Find the Game: Scroll through the list to find the game you want to uninstall.
- Click ‘Uninstall’: Click the game, select ‘Uninstall’, and confirm your choice.
- Follow the Prompt: The uninstaller will remove the game files from your system.
Method 3: Uninstalling Steam Games Manually
Sometimes, the above methods might fail due to corrupted files. Here’s a manual way to uninstall Steam games:
- Locate the Installation Folder: Typically located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common.
- Delete the Game Folder: Manually delete the entire folder associated with the game.
- Remove Configuration Files: Check for residual files in Documents or AppData related to the game and delete them.
- Clear Registry Entries (Advanced): For advanced users, clear any leftover registry entries using regedit, but be cautious as this can affect system stability.
Reinstalling Deleted Games on Steam
If you decide to reinstall a game:
- Go to Your Library: Find the game marked as ‘Not Installed’.
- Click ‘Install’: Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Wait for the Download: Depending on the game size and your internet speed, this could take some time.
- Launch the Game: Once installed, click ‘Play’ to verify the successful installation.
Troubleshooting Uninstallation Issues
- Game Still Appears in Library: Restart Steam to update the list.
- Error Messages During Uninstallation: Right-click the game in the library, go to ‘Properties’, and select ‘Local Files’ > ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files’.
- Insufficient Disk Space Error: Free up some space by deleting unnecessary files or uninstalling other games.
- Access Denied Errors: Run Steam as an administrator to gain the necessary permissions.
Tips for Better Library Management
- Backup Save Files: Some games save progress locally. Always check the game’s settings or documents folder before uninstalling.
- Use Steam Library Folders: Install games on different drives to manage storage better.
- Enable Cloud Saves: Keep your progress backed up to avoid losing data.
How do I completely uninstall a Steam game?
To fully uninstall a Steam game, open Steam, go to your Library, right-click the game, and select “Manage” > “Uninstall.” Alternatively, click on the gear icon on the game’s page in the Library and choose “Uninstall.” Confirm the removal, and Steam will remove all the game’s files.
Does uninstalling Steam games free up space?
Yes, uninstalling a Steam game will free up space on your hard drive. The game files, including all downloaded content, are deleted, helping reclaim the disk space. However, some leftover files (like settings or configuration files) may remain unless manually removed.
Does uninstalling a Steam game delete all files?
Uninstalling a Steam game removes the game’s main files, but some residual files, such as save data, settings, or mods, may remain on your system. These can typically be found in your Steam directory or user folders, and they can be deleted manually if necessary.
Is it safe to uninstall Steam games?
Yes, it is safe to uninstall Steam games. It won’t affect other games or your Steam account. However, if you plan to reinstall the game later, you may want to back up your saved data or settings to avoid losing progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will uninstalling a Steam game delete my saved data? Generally, uninstalling through Steam does not delete your saved game data if cloud saves are enabled. Always double-check before uninstalling.
2. Can I reinstall a game after uninstalling it? Yes, as long as the game is in your library, you can reinstall it at any time without repurchasing.
3. Why can’t I uninstall a game from the Steam client? This can happen if the game files are corrupted. Try verifying the integrity of game files or uninstalling manually.
4. Does uninstalling Steam itself remove all games? Yes, uninstalling Steam from your system also removes all installed games, so make sure to back up any local saves.
5. Can I uninstall games on Steam Deck in the same way? The process is similar but optimized for the Steam Deck interface. Navigate to your library, find the game, and select uninstall.
Final Thoughts
Managing your Steam library efficiently ensures optimal performance and enough space for new titles. Uninstalling unplayed or completed games is a practical way to declutter and free up storage. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly manage your library without losing important game data.