Are you running out of storage space on your PC and need to clear out some old games? Uninstalling games from your computer can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling games on your PC, whether you’re using Windows or Mac. We’ll also provide some tips on how to free up even more space on your hard drive.
To uninstall a game on Windows, simply follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu and select “Control Panel.”
2. Click on “Programs and Features.”
3. Scroll through the list of installed programs and find the game you want to uninstall.
4. Click on the game’s name and then click on the “Uninstall” button.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
To uninstall a game on Mac, follow these steps:
1. Open the Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
2. Find the game you want to uninstall and drag it to the Trash.
3. Empty the Trash to complete the uninstallation.
4. Restart your Mac to remove any remaining files from the game.
Uninstalling Games through Other Launchers (e.g., Epic Games Launcher)
Steam is not the only gaming platform where you can purchase and play titles. Several other launchers offer similar services, including Epic Games Launcher, Origin, Battle.net, and Ubisoft Connect. The process of uninstalling games from these launchers varies slightly compared to Steam.
Epic Games Launcher
To uninstall a game from the Epic Games Launcher:
- Launch the Epic Games Launcher and click on the “Library” tab.
- Locate the game you want to uninstall in the list of installed titles.
- Hover over the game’s title and click on the three-dots icon that appears on the right side.
- Select “Uninstall” from the menu.
- Confirm your action by clicking on “Uninstall” again in the pop-up window.
The table below summarizes the steps for uninstalling games on different platforms:
Platform | Uninstall Instructions |
---|---|
Epic Games Launcher | Launch the launcher > Click “Library” > Hover over game title > Click three-dots icon > Select “Uninstall” |
Origin | Launch Origin > Click “My Game Library” > Right-click on game title > Select “Uninstall” |
Battle.net | Launch Battle.net > Click “Games” > Select game title > Click “Options” > Select “Uninstall” |
Ubisoft Connect | Launch Ubisoft Connect > Click “Games” > Select game title > Click “Uninstall” button |
Considerations for Uninstalling Games
Before uninstalling a game, there are several important factors to consider:
File Size and Storage Space
Consider the file size of the game and whether you have sufficient storage space to house the uninstalled files. If space is limited, it’s wise to uninstall seldom-played games to free up space for more essential applications.
Game Saves
Determine if you want to retain your game progress by backing up save files before uninstalling. Many games store save data in a separate directory. If you wish to preserve your progress, locate and copy these files to a safe location.
Residual Files
Even after uninstalling a game, residual files may remain on your system, potentially occupying space and slowing down your PC. Thoroughly remove all leftover files by manually deleting them or using a registry cleaner.
Dependencies
Some games require specific software or libraries to function. Ensure you understand if any dependencies will be affected by uninstalling the game. If necessary, reinstall the required components after uninstalling to avoid potential issues.
DLC and Expansions
If you have purchased downloadable content (DLC) or expansions for the game, you may want to consider whether they will still be accessible after uninstalling the base game. Determine if the DLC is tied to the base game or if it can be installed independently.
Online Accounts and Achievements
Some games link to online accounts and store achievements or progress on remote servers. Uninstalling the game may not affect these accounts or achievements, but it’s essential to consider whether you wish to preserve them.
Anti-Cheat Software
Certain games may install anti-cheat software that runs in the background. Uninstall this software separately if you no longer need it to avoid potential conflicts with other applications or security concerns.
How To Uninstall Games On Pc
There are a few different ways to uninstall games on PC. The most common way is to use the Control Panel. To do this, open the Control Panel and click on “Programs and Features.” Find the game you want to uninstall and click on “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to complete the uninstall process.
You can also uninstall games from the Start menu. To do this, right-click on the game’s icon and select “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to complete the uninstall process.
If you installed the game from a disc, you can also uninstall it from the disc. To do this, insert the disc into your computer’s disc drive and click on the “Uninstall” button. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstall process.
People also ask
How do I uninstall a game from Steam?
To uninstall a game from Steam, open the Steam client and click on the “Library” tab. Right-click on the game you want to uninstall and select “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to complete the uninstall process.
How do I uninstall a game from the Epic Games Store?
To uninstall a game from the Epic Games Store, open the Epic Games Store client and click on the “Library” tab. Click on the game you want to uninstall and click on the “Uninstall” button. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstall process.
How do I uninstall a game from Origin?
To uninstall a game from Origin, open the Origin client and click on the “My Games” tab. Right-click on the game you want to uninstall and select “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to complete the uninstall process.