Which Steam Files Can I Delete? A Comprehensive Guide for Streamlining Your Gaming Experience

The question of which Steam files you can safely delete is one that plagues many PC gamers. Disk space is precious, and a cluttered Steam installation can lead to performance issues. The short answer? You can delete almost everything in your Steam folder except for Steam.exe, the Userdata folder, and the Steamapps folder. Deleting anything else will prompt Steam to redownload those files the next time you launch it. However, understanding why and the nuances of when you might want to delete specific files is crucial to avoid accidentally deleting your game data or causing other unforeseen issues. Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Core Steam Folders

Before recklessly wielding the delete key, let’s understand what each essential folder does:

• Steam.exe: This is the executable file that launches the Steam client. Deleting it means Steam won’t run. Simple as that.
• Userdata: This folder primarily stores cloud saves, local profile data, and configuration files specific to your account. Critically, this contains personalized information.
• Steamapps: This is where your installed games are located. Inside, you’ll find each game in its own folder, containing all the necessary files for gameplay. It also contains the “common” folder, which houses shared files used by multiple games, and the “downloading” folder, temporarily storing files being downloaded or updated.

Safe Deletion Zones: The Periphery

Outside these core folders lies a landscape of files and folders that Steam can usually recreate without impacting your game library. These include:

• Config Files: These contain Steam’s settings. Deleting them will simply reset your client’s configuration to default.
• Cache Files: Steam uses cache files to store temporary data, like images and website information. Clearing the download cache (through Steam’s settings) is a common troubleshooting step.
• Logs: These files contain records of Steam’s activities. Deleting them won’t affect functionality but can free up a small amount of space.
• Shader Pre-Caching Files: These files help to optimize game performance. Steam will regenerate them as needed.

Important Note: While deleting these files is generally safe, always close Steam completely before doing so. This prevents potential conflicts and ensures that Steam can properly recreate the necessary files upon restart.

Deleting Games: Several Approaches

Deleting game files is distinct from deleting general Steam client files. There are a few ways to remove games, each with slightly different consequences:

• Uninstalling Through Steam: This is the recommended method. Right-click the game in your library, hover over “Manage,” and select “Uninstall.” This removes the game’s files and updates Steam’s records.
• Deleting the Game Folder Directly: You can manually delete a game’s folder within the Steamappscommon directory. However, Steam might not immediately recognize that the game is uninstalled, requiring you to manually remove it from your library. The best practice is to remove it via Steam.
• Permanently Removing a Game from Your Account: This action completely removes the game license from your Steam account. You’ll need to repurchase it to play again. This is done through Steam Support.

What About the “Downloading” Folder?

The “downloading” folder within Steamapps contains partially downloaded or corrupted game files. If a download gets stuck or corrupted, deleting the contents of this folder can often resolve the issue, forcing Steam to restart the download.

Cleaning the Download Cache

The download cache is where Steam stores temporary files related to downloads. Clearing this cache can resolve download issues and free up disk space. You can access this option within the Steam client:

1. Go to Steam > Settings.
2. Select the Downloads tab.
3. Click the “Clear Download Cache” button.
4. Confirm the action and be prepared to re-enter your Steam login credentials.

Steam Library Folders: Managing Multiple Drives

Steam allows you to manage game installations across multiple drives. You can add or remove Steam Library Folders through the Steam settings, providing flexibility in managing storage space. To manage your library folders, follow these steps:

1. Launch Steam and go to Steam > Settings > Downloads.
2. Click the Steam Library Folders button.
3. Add or remove drives as needed.
4. Move installed games between library folders by right-clicking the game, selecting Properties, then Local Files, and finally Move Install Folder.

Corrupted Game Files: Verification and Resolution

Corrupted game files can lead to crashes, errors, and other gameplay problems. Steam provides a built-in tool to verify the integrity of game files:

1. Right-click the game in your library.
2. Select Properties.
3. Go to the Installed Files tab.
4. Click “Verify integrity of game files…” Steam will then check and repair any corrupted files.

Can I Permanently Delete a Game from Steam?

Yes, you can permanently remove a game from your Steam account, which removes the license and prevents future play without repurchase.

1. Navigate to Steam Support.
2. Find the game you wish to remove.
3. Select “I want to permanently remove this game from my account.”

Selling or Gifting Old Steam Games

Unfortunately, you cannot directly sell or gift games that were previously purchased on your Steam account. However, you can sell unused game keys or digital game gifts via third-party platforms. Gameflip is a possible choice.

The Truth About Bin Files

BIN files are binary files, often containing data like images or videos. If found within the Steam folder, especially within a game’s directory, they are likely game-related data files and should not be deleted unless you are uninstalling the game. Random BIN files elsewhere on your computer may be safely deleted if you know what software generated them.

Managing Installation

Deleting Steam will remove all your games. You can make a backup of the Steamapps folder to avoid having to redownload games. Uninstall Steam via the operating system’s application removal tool for a clean deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions regarding Steam file deletion:

1. Does deleting Steam delete my game data?

Yes, uninstalling Steam from your PC will remove not only Steam but also all your games and their associated data unless you back up the Steamapps folder beforehand.

2. What happens if I delete all files in a Steam game folder?

The game will become unplayable. You’ll need to reinstall the game through Steam to restore the necessary files. Your game license will remain active on your account.

3. Can I delete the “downloading” folder in Steam?

Yes, deleting the contents of the “downloading” folder can help resolve stuck or corrupted downloads. Steam will recreate the folder and restart the download when necessary.

4. Will clearing the Steam download cache delete my games?

No, clearing the download cache only removes temporary files associated with downloads. It won’t affect your installed games. You will have to re-enter your login information, though.

5. What happens if I delete the Userdata folder?

Deleting the Userdata folder will remove your cloud saves, profile data, and configuration files. Steam will recreate the folder, but you’ll lose any local settings and may need to redownload cloud saves (if available for the game).

6. Is it safe to delete files inside the Steam folder other than Steam.exe, Userdata, and Steamapps?

Generally, yes. Deleting other files will usually prompt Steam to redownload them upon restart. However, always exercise caution and back up important data if unsure.

7. How do I free up space on my hard drive without deleting Steam games?

Consider moving game installations to another drive using Steam’s Library Folders feature, or uninstalling games you no longer play.

8. What are common files in Steam?

The “common” folder within Steamapps contains files shared by multiple games. Deleting this folder is not recommended, as it can affect multiple game installations. Uninstalling all games that rely on the content is the only time to remove it.

9. How do I repair corrupted Steam files?

Use Steam’s “Verify integrity of game files…” feature to check and repair corrupted game files.

10. Can I move my Steam installation to another drive?

Yes, you can move the entire Steam installation to another drive, though you may encounter some issues as described above.

11. Can I give away old Steam games?

No, you cannot directly gift games that were previously purchased on your Steam account to friends.

12. Is deleting game files the same as uninstalling?

No. Uninstalling removes the game and updates Steam’s records. Deleting the game folder directly may leave remnants and require manual removal from your library.

13. How do I permanently delete game data?

Go to the Play Games app on your Android device, navigate to Settings, and then select “Delete Play Games account & data.” You can then delete individual game data. For Steam games on PC, deleting local files may suffice if cloud saves are not enabled.

14. Can I delete the setup files of a game?

Yes, after installation, the setup files are no longer needed and can be safely deleted.

15. Are bin files safe to delete?

It depends. If they’re within a game’s directory, they’re likely important data files. If they’re outside the Steam folder and you know what software created them, they may be safe to delete. Be cautious.

Final Thoughts

Managing Steam files effectively requires understanding the purpose of each folder and the implications of deleting specific files. By following these guidelines, you can safely streamline your Steam installation, free up disk space, and troubleshoot common issues without risking your game library. The Games Learning Society is a wonderful resource to learn more about games and the impact that they have. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.