How do I completely delete a game from my computer?
To completely delete a game from your computer, you need to uninstall the game using the Control Panel or Settings app, and then manually delete any remaining files and folders associated with the game. This will ensure that all game files, saved data, and configuration files are removed from your computer, freeing up disk space and preventing any potential performance issues.
Understanding the Uninstallation Process
Uninstalling via Control Panel
To uninstall a game via the Control Panel, search for Control Panel in the taskbar, select Programs > Programs and Features, and then right-click on the game you want to remove and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. This will launch the game’s uninstaller, which will guide you through the removal process.
Uninstalling via Settings App
Alternatively, you can uninstall a game via the Settings app by opening the Start Menu, clicking Settings, and then selecting Apps > Apps & features. From here, you can search for the game you want to remove and click the Uninstall button to begin the removal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does deleting a game on PC delete everything? Yes, deleting a game on PC will remove all game files, saved data, and configuration files associated with the game, so make sure to backup your save data before uninstalling.
- How do I permanently delete games from Windows 11? To permanently delete games from Windows 11, use the uninstaller built into Windows 11, or manually delete the game files and folders after uninstalling.
- Does uninstalling a game delete files? Uninstalling a game may not always delete all game files, so it’s essential to manually check for remaining files and folders after uninstallation.
- When you uninstall Steam games and reinstall them, do you keep your progress? For most modern games, Steam will retain your save data and progress when you uninstall and reinstall a game.
- How do I delete my games? To delete games on Android, go to Settings > Apps or Application manager, select the game you want to remove, and tap Uninstall.
- How do I permanently delete games from my Steam library? To permanently delete games from your Steam library, go to the game’s page, click the Support link, and then click the I want to permanently remove this game from my account button.
- Is deleting a game the same as uninstalling it? On Android devices, uninstalling a game is the same as deleting it, while on PC, uninstalling a game may not always delete all associated files.
- Does uninstalling game clear cache? Uninstalling a game may not always clear cache, so it’s essential to manually clear cache to free up disk space.
- Where do games go when you delete them? When you delete games, they are moved to the Recycle Bin, where you can restore them if needed.
- How do I permanently delete downloads on Windows 11? To permanently delete downloads on Windows 11, navigate to the Downloads folder, select all files, and press Delete.
- How do I get rid of leftover files after uninstalling programs in Windows 11? To remove leftover files after uninstalling programs in Windows 11, manually search for and delete any remaining files and folders associated with the program.
- How do I delete games from the Microsoft Store? To delete games from the Microsoft Store, open the Start Menu, select Settings > Apps, find the game, and click Uninstall.
- What really happens when you delete a file from your computer? When you delete a file, the operating system marks the area where the data resides as available, and the pathway to accessing the data is removed.
- What not to delete on PC? Avoid deleting essential Windows files and folders, such as Program Files, WinSxS, System32, and Windows, to prevent data loss and system instability.
- Does deleting games clear RAM? Deleting games does not clear RAM, as RAM is temporary memory that is cleared when you reboot your PC.
By following these steps and understanding the uninstallation process, you can completely delete a game from your computer and free up disk space. Remember to backup your save data and manually check for remaining files and folders to ensure a complete removal.