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Does Uninstalling Uplay/Ubisoft Connect Delete Games? The Definitive Answer and FAQs

No, uninstalling Uplay (now known as Ubisoft Connect) does not automatically delete your installed games. During the uninstallation process, you’ll typically be prompted with an option to either keep or remove your games and local save files. Choosing to keep them ensures that the game files remain on your hard drive. However, always double-check and confirm your selection during the uninstallation process to avoid accidental data loss.

Understanding Ubisoft Connect and Game Installations

Ubisoft Connect is a digital distribution platform, much like Steam or Epic Games Store, allowing users to purchase, download, and play games from Ubisoft. Understanding how the platform interacts with your game installations is crucial for preventing unwanted deletions.

When you install a game through Ubisoft Connect, the game files are stored in a designated directory on your computer. The Ubisoft Connect application itself acts as a launcher and manages your game library, updates, and other related features. Therefore, the game files are separate from the application.

The Importance of Local Save Files

Before diving deeper, let’s highlight the concept of local save files. These files contain your game progress, settings, and other crucial data that allow you to pick up where you left off in your game. During uninstallation, Ubisoft Connect usually offers an option to keep these local save files. It is highly recommended to retain these files to avoid losing progress.

Navigating the Uninstall Process

When you initiate the uninstallation of Ubisoft Connect, you’ll usually encounter a screen asking whether you want to remove the installed games or keep them. This prompt is designed to prevent accidental deletion.

“Keep Games”: Selecting this option preserves your installed game files on your hard drive. You can reinstall Ubisoft Connect later and point it to the existing game directories, avoiding the need to redownload the entire game.
“Remove Games”: Choosing this option deletes the installed game files from your computer. This frees up space on your hard drive but necessitates redownloading the games if you decide to play them again.

Precautions and Best Practices

Here are some best practices to ensure you don’t lose your game data during or after uninstalling Ubisoft Connect:

Read Prompts Carefully: Always carefully read the prompts during the uninstallation process. Pay close attention to the options related to game files and save data.
Backup Save Files: While Ubisoft Connect often supports cloud saves, it’s wise to manually back up your save files as an extra precaution. You can usually find the save files in a directory within the Ubisoft Connect installation folder or in your “Documents” folder.
Note Installation Directories: Before uninstalling, make a note of the directories where your games are installed. This information can be useful if you reinstall Ubisoft Connect and need to point it to the existing game files.
Consider Cloud Saves: Many Ubisoft games support cloud saves, which automatically synchronize your game progress with Ubisoft’s servers. Ensure this feature is enabled to safeguard your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to uninstalling Uplay/Ubisoft Connect and game data:

Will uninstalling Ubisoft Connect delete my games? No, uninstalling Ubisoft Connect does not automatically delete your games. You will be given the option to keep or remove them during the uninstallation process.
What happens to my saved game progress if I uninstall a game? Most Ubisoft games support cloud saving. Even if you uninstall a game, your progress is saved online and will be synced when you reinstall the game.
Is Uplay the same as Ubisoft Connect? Ubisoft Connect is the evolved version of Uplay. It’s essentially a rebranded and enhanced version of the same service.
Does Ubisoft save game progress? Yes, Ubisoft often saves game progress through cloud saving, allowing you to resume your games on different systems.
How can I recover my Ubisoft save game? Save games are typically stored in C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launcher/savegames/. You can restore a save by copying a backup into this folder.
How do I restore games from Ubisoft Connect? To restore a game, simply reinstall Ubisoft Connect and log in with your account. Your purchased games will be available for download. If the game files are still present on your computer, you can point Ubisoft Connect to the existing installation directory.
Can I play Ubisoft games without Ubisoft Connect? No, most Ubisoft PC games require the Ubisoft Connect desktop app to play.
What is the point of Ubisoft Connect? Ubisoft Connect provides digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer services, and a rewards system similar to achievements/trophies on other platforms.
Will I lose progress if I uninstall a Ubisoft game? Not necessarily. If the game supports cloud saves, your progress is stored online. Older games might require manual backup of save files.
Is it bad to uninstall and reinstall games? No, uninstalling and reinstalling games is generally safe and doesn’t cause performance issues.
How do I completely uninstall Ubisoft Connect? Go to the installation folder (usually C:Program Files (x86)UbisoftUbisoft Game Launcher) and run the uninstall.exe file.
Is Ubisoft Connect bloatware? Some users consider Ubisoft Connect bloatware due to its mandatory nature and additional resource usage. However, it is essential for playing many Ubisoft games.
Are Ubisoft games permanent? When you purchase a game, you have permanent access to it. However, if you subscribe to Ubisoft+, you only have access to games while your subscription is active.
Can I play Assassin’s Creed II without Uplay/Ubisoft Connect? No, Assassin’s Creed II requires Ubisoft Connect to run.
Why are my games gone on Ubisoft Connect? Ensure you are logged into the correct Ubisoft account. If the game was redeemed on a different account, it will not appear in your current library.

Cloud Saves: A Safety Net

One of the most crucial features that safeguard your game progress is cloud saving. Ubisoft Connect automatically synchronizes your save files with Ubisoft’s servers for many of its games. This means that even if you uninstall the game, your progress is safely stored in the cloud and can be retrieved when you reinstall the game on any computer using the same Ubisoft account.

To ensure cloud saving is enabled:

Check Game Settings: Within the game, look for options related to cloud saves or synchronization.
Ubisoft Connect Settings: In the Ubisoft Connect settings, ensure that cloud synchronization is enabled.

Dealing with Older Games

While cloud saves are common for newer games, older titles may not support this feature. For these games, it’s essential to manually back up your save files before uninstalling. The save file locations vary from game to game but are often found in your “Documents” folder or within the Ubisoft Connect installation directory.

Steps to Manually Back Up Save Files:

Locate Save Files: Find the directory where the game stores its save files. Consult the game’s documentation or online forums for assistance.
Copy Save Files: Copy the entire save game folder to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service.
Restore Save Files: After reinstalling the game, copy the backed-up save files back into the original directory.

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling Ubisoft Connect doesn’t have to be a risky endeavor. By understanding the platform’s mechanics, carefully following the uninstall prompts, and utilizing cloud saves or manual backups, you can ensure that your game progress and installations remain intact. Always err on the side of caution and take the necessary precautions to protect your valuable game data. Understanding the process of game development can be learned by checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Remember, being informed and proactive is the key to a smooth and worry-free experience.

Does uninstalling Uplay delete games?