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How to Uninstall Games From Your Windows PC

Playing games on your Windows PC can be a lot of fun. However, over time you may accumulate a large number of games that take up valuable storage space. When this happens, you’ll want to uninstall games you no longer play.

Uninstalling games completely removes them from your PC, freeing up storage space. This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to fully uninstall games on a Windows PC using various methods.

Before Uninstalling a Game

Before uninstalling a game, consider the following:

  • Save your game progress: For most games, uninstalling will delete all save data, progression, and settings. Make sure to back up any game data you want to keep.
  • Check for uninstaller: Many games come with their own uninstaller that removes all associated files and registry entries. Using the game’s uninstaller is the most thorough method.
  • Use an uninstall manager: Third-party uninstall managers like Revo Uninstaller can uninstall programs more completely than using Windows tools alone.

Uninstall Methods

There are several ways to uninstall games on Windows. The best method depends on how the game was installed originally.

Uninstall from Settings App

The Settings app in Windows 10 and 11 allows you to uninstall apps and games easily:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
  2. Find the game you want to uninstall
  3. Click the Uninstall button

This will launch the game’s own uninstaller if available.

Uninstall from Control Panel

To uninstall programs using Control Panel:

  1. Search for Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
  2. Right-click the game and select Uninstall

Control Panel uninstalls programs more completely than the Settings app.

Use Third-Party Uninstaller

For the most thorough uninstall, use a dedicated uninstaller tool like Revo Uninstaller. These tools uninstall programs plus all associated files and registry entries.

Steps can vary between uninstaller tools but generally involve:

  1. Launch the uninstaller program
  2. Select the program to uninstall
  3. Follow prompts to scan for files and registry entries
  4. Select items to remove
  5. Restart the PC

Be careful when selecting items to remove using this method.

Manually Delete Files

You can also manually delete all game files from your PC if other methods fail.

  1. Delete the game folder where it was installed
  2. Delete all files when searching the game name
  3. Check common game file locations like My Documents
  4. Delete registry entries related to the game
  5. Restart your PC

Manually finding and deleting all game files can be complicated and risks accidentally deleting important files. Only attempt this if other uninstall methods fail.

Tips for Uninstalling Games

Follow these tips when uninstalling games:

  • Fully exit and close the game before uninstalling
  • Disconnect or exit any game launchers like Steam
  • Reboot your PC after uninstalling for changes to take effect
  • Use an uninstall manager for more complete removal
  • Delete leftover files or folders manually
  • Back up game save files separately

Thoroughly uninstalling games requires patience but frees up valuable storage space on your PC. Following these steps will allow you to successfully remove games and all associated files when needed.

Uninstall Different Game Types

Uninstall steps can vary slightly depending on where and how a game was downloaded originally:

Microsoft Store Apps

  • Open Microsoft Store app
  • Click the … next to the game
  • Select Uninstall

Steam Games

  • Open the Steam app
  • Right-click the game and select Uninstall
  • Restart Steam

Epic Games

  • Open the Epic Games Launcher
  • Hover over the game
  • Click options (…)
  • Choose Uninstall

GOG Games

  • Open GOG Galaxy
  • Right-click on the game
  • Click Uninstall

Third-Party Discs

  • Insert game disc
  • Open AutoPlay prompt
  • Select Uninstall option
  • Follow on-screen prompts

Even better is to use a dedicated uninstaller tool instead of the above game platform’s own uninstallers.

FAQs About Uninstalling Games

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about properly uninstalling games on Windows PCs:

How do I delete leftover game files?

Manually search for the game name on your PC and delete any leftover files or folders related to the game. Also use an uninstall tool or cleaner app to scan for traces.

Where do games store save data?

Game save data is usually stored separately in My Documents or This PC > Documents. You’ll want to back up saves before uninstalling the game itself.

What is the best game uninstaller?

Dedicated uninstall tools like Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller work better than Windows’ built-in options. They scan for leftover files and registry entries.

Is it safe to delete registry entries?

Manual registry editing risks damaging your Windows installation. Only delete registry entries if you know which keys are related to the program you want to remove.

How do I uninstall games I don’t remember installing?

Check Control Panel’s uninstall programs list or use a cleaner tool to detect unknown programs. Remove mystery programs carefully to avoid deleting anything important.

Thoroughly uninstalling games takes some effort but allows you to free up disk space by removing games you no longer play. Following the step-by-step methods listed above will help you successfully delete games from your Windows PC while avoiding common uninstall issues.

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