Does Uninstalling Battle.net Delete Games? A Deep Dive

The short answer is no, uninstalling the Battle.net desktop app does not automatically delete your installed games. However, there are nuances to this, and understanding them can save you a lot of potential headaches. Let’s break down why and what you need to know to keep your games safe.

The Battle.net application acts as a launcher and management tool for your Blizzard games. It’s essentially the storefront and control panel, but it’s separate from the core game files. When you uninstall the app, you’re removing the interface, not necessarily the games themselves.

Think of it like removing the shortcut to your favorite program. The program is still there, but you need a new way to access it. Similarly, after uninstalling Battle.net, your games remain on your hard drive, but you’ll need to tell the newly reinstalled Battle.net app where to find them.

The key is understanding that the Battle.net app and your game installations are distinct entities. The app provides a convenient way to access, update, and manage your games, but the actual game files reside independently in their respective folders on your computer.

How to Reinstall Battle.net Without Deleting Games

The process is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Uninstall the Battle.net App: Use the standard uninstall process for your operating system. On Windows, this typically involves going to “Apps & Features” in the Settings menu and selecting Battle.net to uninstall.

2. Download and Reinstall Battle.net: Head to the official Blizzard website and download the latest version of the Battle.net desktop app. Install it as you would any other application.

3. Locate Existing Games: After the Battle.net app is reinstalled, don’t immediately start downloading your games again! Instead, navigate to the game tab within the app. There should be an option, often worded as “Already Installed? Locate Game” or similar.

4. Point Battle.net to the Game Folder: Click the “Locate Game” option and browse to the folder where your game is installed. The Battle.net app will then scan the folder to verify the game files.

5. Repeat for Each Game: Repeat the process for each game you have installed.

By following these steps, you can successfully reinstall Battle.net without having to redownload your entire game library. This is a huge time-saver, especially for those with slower internet connections or large game installations like Diablo 4 or World of Warcraft.

Important Considerations

• Backup Your Game Folders (Just in Case): While uninstalling Battle.net shouldn’t delete your games, it’s always a good idea to back up your game folders as a precaution. This gives you an extra layer of security in case something unexpected happens.
• Check Your Installation Paths: Make sure you remember where your games were initially installed. The Battle.net app will need the correct paths to verify the files.
• Game Data and Progress: Your game progress, characters, and other account-related data are stored on Blizzard’s servers, not locally on your computer. This means that uninstalling and reinstalling the Battle.net app or even the games themselves will not affect your progress.
• Corrupted Installations: In rare cases, a corrupted game installation might cause issues. If the Battle.net app can’t verify the game files after locating the folder, you might need to uninstall and reinstall the game itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to uninstalling Battle.net and its impact on your games:

Will I lose my game progress if I uninstall Battle.net?

No, your game progress is linked to your Battle.net account and stored on Blizzard’s servers. Uninstalling the Battle.net app won’t affect your progress.

What happens if I delete the Battle.net folder manually?

Deleting the Battle.net folder manually (after uninstalling the app) will remove any residual files and settings associated with the app. It will not delete your games, but it’s generally recommended to use the official uninstaller first.

Can I reinstall Diablo 4 without losing my character?

Yes! Your Diablo 4 characters and progress are stored on Blizzard’s servers. You can uninstall and reinstall the game without losing anything.

How do I uninstall a specific game from Battle.net?

Open the Battle.net desktop app, select the game you want to uninstall, click the gear icon next to the “Play” button, and select “Uninstall.”

Will uninstalling Overwatch delete my skins and items?

No, your Overwatch skins, items, and other cosmetic unlocks are tied to your Battle.net account. They will be there when you reinstall the game.

Is it safe to delete the Battle.net cache folder?

Yes, deleting the Battle.net cache folder can resolve certain issues. It won’t affect your games or progress.

How do I repair a game through the Battle.net app?

Click the gear icon next to the “Play” button for the game and select “Scan and Repair.”

Can I recover a deleted Battle.net account?

Yes, a canceled Battle.net account can be recovered within 37 days through the personal verification process.

Why is my Battle.net download speed so slow?

Check your Battle.net app settings to ensure the download limit is set to zero (unlimited). Also, check your internet connection and router settings.

Does Battle.net sell my personal data?

No, Blizzard states that they do not sell your personal information.

How long does the Diablo 4 campaign take to complete?

According to Blizzard, the main campaign of Diablo 4 should take around 35 hours to complete.

Will my beta progress in Diablo 4 carry over to the full game?

No, gameplay progression from the Diablo 4 beta and Server Slam did not carry over to the full game.

What happens to my old characters when a new Diablo 4 season starts?

Old characters will be moved to the Eternal Realm, where you can continue playing them without participating in the seasonal content.

Why can’t I uninstall a Blizzard game?

If the game isn’t listed in “Apps & Features,” try manually deleting the game folder. Then, search for and delete any remaining related files.

Is the Battle.net app required for Steam games that require a Battle.net account?

While a Battle.net account is still required, some games on Steam no longer need the Battle.net launcher app to be open.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Battle.net doesn’t have to be a scary experience. By understanding how the app interacts with your game files and following the steps outlined above, you can safely remove and reinstall Battle.net without losing your games or progress. Remember to always double-check your installation paths and consider backing up your game folders for added peace of mind. With these tips, you’ll be back to gaming in no time!

For more information about gaming and its impact on learning and society, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.