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Does Uninstalling Steam Delete All Files? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: yes, uninstalling Steam will remove Steam itself and any games you have installed through it. However, not everything is necessarily deleted completely. Whether save data, mods, and other associated files are removed depends on several factors, which we will explore in detail. Understanding the nuances of the Steam uninstall process is crucial to prevent unintended data loss or to ensure a clean slate when transitioning to a new system.

Understanding the Steam Uninstall Process

When you uninstall Steam, the primary goal is to remove the application and its associated files from your computer. This includes the Steam client, game installations, and various configuration files. The uninstall process is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to understand what gets removed and what might linger behind.

The Core Steam Installation: This includes the Steam executable, libraries, and essential configuration files needed for Steam to run. These are definitively removed during the uninstall.
Installed Games: The steamapps folder houses all your installed games. By default, the Steam uninstall process will delete this folder and all its contents, effectively removing your games from your machine. This is the biggest reason why you might lose a lot of data if you are not careful!
Save Data: Whether your save data is deleted depends on the game and whether you’re using Steam Cloud. Games that utilize Steam Cloud will typically have your save data backed up to Valve’s servers. Uninstalling the game, or even Steam itself, won’t erase this data. However, if a game only saves data locally and doesn’t use Steam Cloud, your save files may be deleted along with the game files.
Mods: Generally, uninstalling Steam won’t automatically remove mod files, especially if they’re stored outside the steamapps folder. Mods often reside in their own directories within the game’s installation folder. If the steamapps folder is deleted, the mods will be removed as well. However, if the mods are stored elsewhere (for example, if you manually installed mods), they’ll remain on your system.
User Data: This may include screenshots, custom configurations, and other user-generated content. This data is also generally kept in the steamapps folder or in the user’s documents folder, thus it is likely that they may be deleted.

Steps to Completely Uninstall Steam

Here’s how to uninstall Steam on different operating systems:

Windows:
1. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Find Steam in the list of installed applications.
3. Click Uninstall and follow the prompts.
Mac:
1. Drag the Steam application to the Trash.
2. Manually delete the Steam library from the Library/Application Support folder. This step is crucial for a complete uninstall.
Linux:
1. Use the command apt-get remove steam.
2. Then, use the command sudo apt-get purge steam to remove configuration files.

Ensuring a Clean Uninstall

To ensure a truly clean uninstall and prevent unintended data loss, follow these steps:

Back Up Your steamapps Folder: Before uninstalling, move the steamapps folder(C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamapps) to a safe location, like an external hard drive. This will preserve your game installations and associated files.
Check for Local Save Data: Identify games that don’t use Steam Cloud and manually back up their save data from the local game directories or your Documents folder.
Manually Delete Remaining Files: After uninstalling, check the original Steam installation directory for any leftover files or folders and delete them.
Clear the Download Cache: Within the Steam client, go to Settings > Downloads and click Clear Download Cache. Although you can’t do this after you uninstall Steam, consider doing this before to remove temporary files that may linger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about uninstalling Steam, providing further insight into the process and its implications:

Will I lose my games if I uninstall Steam?
- Yes, by default, uninstalling Steam will remove all installed game content from your machine. It’s crucial to back up the steamapps folder if you plan to reinstall the games later.
What happens to my Steam account when I uninstall Steam?
- Uninstalling Steam only removes the application from your computer. Your Steam account remains active, and you can log in from another computer after reinstalling Steam.
Does uninstalling a game delete my save data?
- It depends. If the game uses Steam Cloud, your save data is safe. If not, and the save data is stored locally, it may be deleted. Always back up your save files if you’re unsure.
Will I lose my game progress if I uninstall and reinstall a game?
- If the game uses Steam Cloud, your progress will be synced when you reinstall. Otherwise, you’ll start from scratch.
Does uninstalling Steam remove mods?
- If the mods are located within the steamapps folder, they will be removed along with the game files. If the mods are stored in a different location, they will remain.
Is it safe to delete Steam game files manually?
- Yes, it’s generally safe, but make sure you know what you’re deleting. Deleting the entire steamapps folder removes all installed games.
How do I clean up leftover Steam files after uninstalling?
- Check the original Steam installation directory (usually C:Program Files (x86)Steam) and manually delete any remaining files or folders. Also, check Library/Application Support on Macs.
Does uninstalling Steam affect my Steam Wallet balance?
- No, your Steam Wallet balance is tied to your account, not the application on your computer.
What happens if I permanently remove a game from my Steam account?
- The game will be removed from your account, and you’ll need to repurchase it if you want to play it again.
Does Steam keep my game progress even if I switch computers?
- If the game uses Steam Cloud, your progress will be synced across different computers.
How do I move my Steam games to another drive without uninstalling?
- In the Steam client, go to Settings > Storage and select the drive you want to move games to. Then, select the games and click Move.
Why did Steam suddenly “uninstall” my games?
- This usually happens when Steam can’t find the game files. You can often fix this by verifying the game files or restarting Steam.
Does uninstalling a game also uninstall its associated DLC?
- Yes, uninstalling a game through Steam will remove all associated downloadable content (DLC).
Will uninstalling Steam affect my subscriptions or recurring payments?
- Uninstalling Steam will not affect any active subscriptions or recurring payments linked to your Steam account. These are managed separately through your account settings and payment methods. You’ll need to cancel any subscriptions manually if you wish to discontinue them.
Can I reinstall Steam and my games on a different operating system?
- Yes, you can reinstall Steam on a different operating system (e.g., moving from Windows to macOS or Linux) and access your game library. However, keep in mind that not all games are compatible with every operating system. Check the game’s system requirements on the Steam store page to ensure compatibility.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Steam is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to understand the implications for your installed games, save data, and other associated files. Backing up your steamapps folder and other important data is crucial to avoid unintended data loss. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a clean and controlled uninstall process. Furthermore, organizations such as the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, are dedicated to studying the educational and social impact of games. Understanding the nuances of game platforms like Steam is part of a broader exploration of how games influence learning and community.

Remember to always back up your important data before uninstalling Steam!

Does uninstalling Steam delete all files?