Uninstalling games from Steam can be essential for managing limited storage and optimizing your computer’s performance. Whether you’re cleaning up your library or preparing to install new titles, understanding the proper methods to fully remove games and their associated files is crucial. This comprehensive guide walks you through the steps to uninstall Steam games on both Windows and Mac systems, including how to delete leftover files, manage cloud saves, and reinstall your favorite titles when needed. Additionally, you’ll learn how to uninstall Steam itself without losing your game library, as well as best practices for handling mods and DLCs. Properly managing your game files ensures your system stays organized and performance remains optimal.
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Where Are Steam Games Installed?
Knowing the exact location of your Steam game files is the first step in effectively uninstalling or moving them. By default, Steam installs games in specific directories, but users can select custom locations during setup. Familiarity with these default paths helps in manually deleting files or relocating your library.
On Windows, game files typically reside in:
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C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/steamapps/common
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For Mac users, the default directory is:
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~/Library/Application Support/Steam/SteamApps/common/
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External Hard Drive Storage
If you have configured Steam to use an external hard drive for game installation, the files will be located within the chosen drive’s directory. To uninstall games stored externally, connect the drive to your computer, enter the password if protected, and navigate to the folder named “Steam,” then “SteamApps,” and finally “common” to find your game folders.
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Reasons to Uninstall a Steam Game
Uninstalling games is often motivated by the need to free up storage space, especially with large RPGs or AAA titles that can exceed 50GB each. Limited drive capacity on many systems makes it necessary to remove games that are no longer being played or completed. Additionally, players may wish to clear space to improve system performance or to organize their library better. Removing a game can also be useful if you’re dissatisfied with it or want to reinstall a fresh copy later, provided you keep your game licenses intact.
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How to Fully Uninstall Steam Games from Your Computer
There are two primary methods for removing games from your system: through the Steam client or directly via your operating system’s file management. Advanced users might opt for command-line tools, but this guide focuses on straightforward, user-friendly approaches. After uninstalling, some residual files may remain; this guide ensures complete cleanup.
1. Removing Games via the Steam Library
This is the most straightforward method, directly from the Steam application:
- Launch Steam from your desktop or application menu.
- Select “Library” from the top menu.
- Find the game you wish to remove in your list; confirm it’s installed if the “Play” button appears.
- Right-click on the game and choose “Manage,” then select “Uninstall.”
- Confirm the uninstallation when prompted; Steam will remove the game files, but not your license or ownership rights.
2. Manual Uninstallation from Your Device
For a more thorough removal, especially when reclaiming storage:
- Ensure Steam is closed completely.
- On Windows:
- Open the Settings menu via the Start button.
- Navigate to “Apps” or “Apps & Features.”
- Find the game in the list or search by name.
- Click on it and select “Uninstall,” then follow prompts.
- On Mac:
- Open Finder, go to the “Applications” folder.
- Locate the game application.
- Drag the game to Trash or right-click and select “Move to Trash.”
- Empty Trash to complete removal.
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Removing Games from Steam Cloud Storage
Uninstalling a game does not automatically delete cloud saves. To remove all game data stored remotely:
- Launch Steam and access your Library.
- Right-click the game and select “Properties.”
- Under the “General” tab, locate the “Steam Cloud” section.
- Uncheck the box labeled “Keep games in the Steam Cloud.”
- Confirm the change; this action deletes saved data from Steam’s servers, ensuring complete removal.
Warning: Doing this will erase your saved progress and data, making it impossible to recover unless backed up elsewhere.
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Clearing Left-Over Mods and Add-Ons
Mods can significantly alter gameplay but often leave behind files after uninstalling a game. To remove these:
- Open Steam and go to the “Community” tab.
- Select “Workshop” and then “Your Files” > “Subscribed Items.”
- Unsubscribe from each mod or add-on.
- To delete mod files:
- Right-click the game in Steam, choose “Properties,” then “Local Files,” and click “Browse.”
- Locate the “addons” folder, typically with a “.vpk” extension.
- Delete the mod files from this folder.
Managing Mods and DLCs
Most DLCs are linked to your Steam account and can be re-downloaded after reinstalling the game. Check the game’s page for available DLCs and ensure you are logged into your account to access them later.
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Will Deleting a Game Remove Saved Data?
Uninstalling a game from Steam or your device generally preserves your saved game data unless you explicitly delete it from Steam Cloud. If you’ve only uninstalled the game locally, your progress and characters remain intact, allowing for seamless reinstallation later. However, deleting files from the cloud will permanently erase your progress.
Regarding DLC and Characters
Most DLCs are tied to your account and will be available for re-download after reinstalling the game. Yet, some DLCs or custom content may need to be manually reinstalled from the game’s official website or store page. Always verify with game developers or official sources to ensure your content is preserved.
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How to Uninstall Steam Client Without Losing Your Games
If you wish to remove the Steam application but keep your installed games, this is possible by relocating game files and then uninstalling Steam:
- On Windows:
- Move your “steamapps” folder from its default location to another directory.
- Proceed with uninstalling Steam via “Apps & Features.”
- On Mac:
- Drag the “Steam” app to Trash.
- Move “SteamApps” from its original folder to a safe location before uninstalling.
Your game files will remain intact and can be linked back to Steam later if you reinstall the client.
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Reinstalling Steam and Your Games
To reinstall games after uninstallation:
- Download and install the latest Steam client from the official website.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to your library; games that are still owned but uninstalled will display an “Install” button.
- Click “Install,” choose your preferred installation location, and wait for the download to complete.
- If you stored game files externally, you can point Steam to the existing folder during installation to save time.
For further control over installation paths, see our guide on changing Steam install locations.
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Final Thoughts
Uninstalling Steam games entirely from your computer is an effective way to recover storage space, but it’s important to understand the implications for saved data and mods. Always back up your important files and cloud saves if you plan to reinstall later. Managing your game library proactively ensures your system remains organized and performs optimally. Whether you’re freeing space or troubleshooting, following these steps will help you keep your gaming experience smooth and efficient.