What Happens to Vortex Mods When You Uninstall a Game?
The short, straightforward answer is: uninstalling a game does not automatically remove your mods managed by Vortex. Vortex, like other mod managers, operates by creating a virtual directory for your mods, separate from the game’s installation folder. This means that when you uninstall a game, the game’s core files are removed, but your Vortex mods and their associated data remain untouched. They are stored in a dedicated location, usually within your AppData folder on your C: drive, which is independent of the game’s install location. You will still find the mods in the designated folders managed by Vortex, and the mod profiles are still accessible through the program. However, it is vital to understand the nuances of how Vortex handles mod deployment to avoid potential issues when reinstalling your game. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Vortex Mod Storage and Management
Vortex uses a specific folder, typically located at %appdata%vortex, to store all your modding files and data. This location includes the /mods/ and /downloads/ folders. This is where the actual files for your mods are kept, and it’s separate from where the game is installed. This is done to avoid any conflict between the core game files and any mods you may install. The use of a virtualized directory means that Vortex is creating a ‘shadow’ folder of sorts that the game actually utilizes that is made up of the base game files as well as the enabled mod files. This is the key to how mod managers keep your original game files clean and easy to return to a base state, or move between different configurations and mods. This also means that your saves will also not be touched when uninstalling the game, as they are typically stored in a location like DocumentsMy GamesSkyrim.
Uninstallation of a Game
When you uninstall a game through Steam or another platform, the system only removes the core game files and its associated folders. Vortex doesn’t make changes to these files directly. Instead, it creates a virtual directory where the game can access the mods without altering the original files. Uninstalling a game will not affect the mods within Vortex’s managed directories. Your mod files remain intact, ready to be re-deployed when you reinstall the game.
Reinstalling the Game
After reinstalling the game, you’ll need to re-associate the game with Vortex through a profile. It’s here that it is also important to note that because Vortex is aware that the game has been uninstalled and will not show it as being managed. You will need to use the “Manage” button in the dashboard to re-establish the connection. After doing that, Vortex will be able to detect it and once more allow you to deploy your mods into the new install. Depending on if you have left all of your original profiles intact, the game will return to exactly the same state as it was before you uninstalled it. Otherwise you may need to re-enable or re-install each of your desired mods. It is crucial to ensure that your mods are correctly installed and enabled within Vortex before launching the game. Failing to do so can lead to crashes or other issues if your save data tries to load mod files that are no longer in use, or are not configured correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Vortex mods and game uninstallation to clarify any confusion:
1. Does uninstalling a game delete my Vortex mod files?
No, uninstalling a game does not delete the actual mod files stored in Vortex’s mod directory. These files are kept separate from the game’s installation, typically within your AppData folder. You will also find that your original profile data is still saved in Vortex so it will retain all of the relevant install information when you re-install the game.
2. Will my mod profiles in Vortex be removed if I uninstall a game?
No, your Vortex mod profiles will remain intact even if you uninstall a game. Profiles are stored within Vortex’s configuration data. However, you will still need to add the game back as a managed game after reinstallation.
3. Do I need to uninstall my mods in Vortex before uninstalling the game?
It is not strictly necessary to uninstall mods from Vortex before uninstalling the game. However, it can be a good practice to “Purge Mods” in Vortex. This undeploys all your enabled mods, leaving the game directory free from any mod files. If you don’t do this, the next time you re-enable your mods you can run into issues if you have deleted the data or game folder yourself, or if you have moved to a new install location.
4. Where are Vortex mods stored?
By default, Vortex stores all your modding files within the %appdata%vortex folder. This includes the /mods/ directory for the mod files themselves and the /downloads/ folder, which is where your downloaded mod archives are kept. You can relocate the download folder if you need to.
5. How do I backup my Vortex mods and configurations?
Vortex stores critical information such as profiles, mods, and rules in %appdata%vortex. To back up your Vortex data, copy this entire folder to another location. There are also third-party extensions that can simplify this process with a dedicated backup feature.
6. What happens to my saves if I uninstall a game that has mods?
Your game saves are typically stored in a different location (like DocumentsMy Games) than the game installation and the Vortex mod directory. They will not be removed when uninstalling the game. However, always be mindful when loading saves made when mods were active, as the save files can be corrupted if they no longer have the mods that they were created using.
7. Can I delete Vortex download archives after installing a mod?
Yes, you can. Vortex download archives can be deleted after installation without affecting the game as the installed mod files have been copied to your staging folder by Vortex. Vortex can also automatically delete archives after use if you choose to configure that option.
8. How do I remove all mods from Vortex at once?
To remove all mods at once, you can use the “Purge Mods” feature in Vortex. This undeploys all enabled mods from your game’s virtual directory. If you wish to fully remove the mod files themselves from your staging folder, you will need to select all of the mod files and choose the delete option, or delete the entire staging folder directly.
9. What’s the difference between disabling and uninstalling a mod in Vortex?
Disabling a mod in Vortex keeps the mod files on your drive but removes them from the virtual directory so that the game cannot access the mod. Uninstalling a mod removes the mod files entirely from your hard drive and the staging directory.
10. Is it safe to uninstall and reinstall mods in Vortex?
Yes, it is safe to uninstall and reinstall mods using Vortex. It simply replaces the relevant mod files. However, issues can arise if you load a save that relies on mods that are no longer active.
11. How do I reinstall a mod in Vortex after accidentally deleting the archive?
If you delete the archive of a mod, you can reinstall the mod by right-clicking it in the mods section and selecting “reinstall”. This will re-create the mod in the staging folder and make it available for use again. However, you will need to have downloaded the mod file again if it has been deleted from the downloads folder.
12. Can I relocate the Vortex download folder?
Yes, you can easily relocate the Vortex download folder to another drive or location through Vortex settings. This is beneficial if you have limited space on your primary drive.
13. What is the “Stop Managing” option in Vortex?
The “Stop Managing” option in Vortex removes the game from Vortex’s managed list and deletes all mod profiles and associated data for that game. It does not delete the mod files from Vortex’s storage. This can be used to completely disassociate the game from vortex if you want to start fresh with a new install.
14. Will updating a game remove or disable my mods?
Updating a game itself will not remove the mods. However, significant updates can sometimes cause incompatibilities with mods, leading to crashes or other issues. It is good practice to check mod author pages to see if their mods have been confirmed to work with game updates.
15. What if I have too many mods in Skyrim?
There is a technical limit of 255 active .esp/.esm plugins in Skyrim, but there is no actual limit on the total number of mods you can install so long as they do not add plugins or conflict with other mods. However, having a very large number of mods can cause performance issues.
By understanding how Vortex manages mods and how it operates independently of your game’s installation, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable modding experience, even after uninstalling and reinstalling games. Always proceed with caution when removing a game, and make sure to take any necessary precautions by backing up your mod data.