How to Delete The Sims 4 on PC?
Are you tired of playing with The Sims 4 and want to free up space on your computer? Deleting the game completely might be a daunting task, but we’re here to guide you through it with this step-by-step article.
Finding the Installation Folder
Before you begin deleting files, you need to locate the Entire Installation Folder of The Sims 4. This folder will contain all the game files, including updates, DLCs, and mods.
Here’s how to find it on most computers:
- Windows Vista, 7, 8, or 10:
- Go to the Start Menu and type in the search bar:
%appdata%Origin(or Steam if you have a Steam version). - Press Enter to enter the directory.
- Look for the "Electronic Arts" folder and scroll down to find the "The Sims 4" folder.
- Go to the Start Menu and type in the search bar:
- Mac:
- Go to the Documents folder and navigate to the "EA Games" folder (if you have a MacBook with a solid-state hard drive).
- Look for the "The Sims 4" folder.
Deleting Installation Folder
Once you’ve located the entire installation folder, you can start deleting:
Note: Before deleting files, make sure you have backed up all your saved games, mods, and downloaded content, as this process will erase the data.
- Main Game Files:
- Browse through the "The Sims 4" folder and delete all the files in it.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the Recycle Bin to ensure it doesn’t get deleted accidentally.
- EA Cloud Saves:
- Unfortunately, EA Cloud Saves are stored offline, and deleting the installation folder won’t affect them. You should delete them manually from the Saved Games folder (usually C:Users
DocumentsMy GamesThe Sims 4 ).
- Unfortunately, EA Cloud Saves are stored offline, and deleting the installation folder won’t affect them. You should delete them manually from the Saved Games folder (usually C:Users
- Old Saves:
- Delete or backup your old saves to free up space and avoid any potential future conflicts.
Additional Steps (For Steam Users Only):
If you have a Steam version of the game:
- Delete Steam Updates:
- Go to the Steam Installation Folder (usually C:Program FilesSteam).
- Look for the "The Sims 4" directory and delete the "update" folder or files.
- Delete Steam Logs:
- Go to the Log folder within the Steam Installation Directory and delete all the files.
Deleting Unwanted Files and Folders (Optional)
If you no longer need any of the optional files and folders, you can delete them now. This includes:
Common Unused Files and Folders:
| File/Folder Names | Purpose |
|---|---|
| tutorials | In-game tutorials |
| EA_Launcher | EA Games launcher |
| Origin | Electronic Arts’ game launcher (for non-Steam installs) |
Conclusion
It’s essential to remember that deleting files will permanently remove the content. Make sure you’ve backed up any important data before proceeding, especially if you have mods or content from other creators.
Are you unsure about deleting files or have leftover content? Don’t worry!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q: Can I sell my old game after deleting it? A: Yes, you can sell it to someone else, but remove all your personal data and credentials to avoid any potential issue.
Q: Will deleting my file completely remove the game from my registry? A: Yes, it should but keep in mind that registry items may still be present after deletion; using a registry cleaner utility may help remove any remaining residues.
Q: Can I reinstall a retracted game? A: If you have a backup of the previous version, you can reinstall it (from the backup). If it’s no longer available, you might find alternatives or updates on a re-release.
Q: Is deleting files the same as using a tool like CCleaner for file cleanup? A: No, removing game files manually is different. CCleaner and similar applications aim to clean up temporary files or remove registry entries, but leaving some files intact. Deleting all game files ensures a complete removal.
Q: Is it safe to delete older updates? A: Delete updates if you no longer need compatibility or bug fixes. Keep copies if you’re unsure about losing potential fixes.
Q: Can mods or custom content affect the game by not being deleted? A: Unused or outdated mods can cause gameplay issues or crashes. Remove them altogether if you no longer use their features.
Q: Will losing a game affect my gamer tag or online profile? A: The Sims 4 is an Origin (EA) game, and, upon deletion, your gamer tags or online profiles won’t change; your progress and other associated data will be lost.
Now, go ahead and delete those The Sims 4 files, and free up some digital real estate on your computer.
What are your thoughts on deleting an entire game? Share your perspective and ask questions in the comments!
Please note that this article contains general instructions and may not be applied to every specific situation. Always be sure to follow proper safety precautions, like backing up your files, to ensure the integrity of your computer files before making any changes.