How To Uninstall Steam Games On Your PC: A Quick Guide

Hey everyone! Ever found yourself needing to free up some space on your computer? One of the easiest ways to do that is by uninstalling games you no longer play. If you're a Steam user, you're in luck because Steam makes it super simple to remove games from your system. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to uninstall Steam games on your PC, ensuring you reclaim that precious storage space. So, let’s dive in and get your PC running smoothly again!

Why Uninstall Steam Games?

Before we jump into the how, let’s briefly touch on the why. Uninstalling games can be beneficial for several reasons:

Freeing up Disk Space: Games, especially modern AAA titles, can take up a significant amount of space on your hard drive or SSD. Uninstalling them can free up gigabytes, which is crucial if you’re running low on storage.
Improving Performance: A cluttered hard drive can sometimes impact your computer’s performance. Removing large, unused files like game installations can help your system run faster.
Organization: Keeping your game library tidy can make it easier to find and manage the games you actually play. No more scrolling through endless titles you haven’t touched in years!
Troubleshooting: Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling a game can fix technical issues or glitches you might be experiencing.

Method 1: Uninstalling Through the Steam Client

The most straightforward way to uninstall a Steam game is directly through the Steam client. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Open the Steam Client

First things first, launch the Steam application on your computer. Make sure you’re logged in with your account credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to Your Library

Once Steam is open, click on the “Library” tab at the top of the window. This will take you to your list of installed and uninstalled games.

Step 3: Find the Game You Want to Uninstall

In your library, locate the game you wish to remove from your PC. You can use the search bar in the upper-right corner to quickly find the game if you have a large library.

Step 4: Right-Click the Game and Select "Manage"

Once you’ve found the game, right-click on its title. A context menu will appear. Hover over “Manage” in the menu.

Step 5: Click "Uninstall"

In the "Manage" sub-menu, you’ll see an “Uninstall” option. Click on it. Steam will prompt you with a confirmation dialog box, asking if you’re sure you want to uninstall the game. Confirm your decision by clicking “Uninstall” again.

Step 6: Wait for the Process to Complete

Steam will then begin the uninstallation process. The time it takes will depend on the size of the game. You can monitor the progress in the download bar at the bottom of the Steam window. Once the process is complete, the game will be removed from your installed list.

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Method 2: Uninstalling Through Your Computer’s Settings

Another way to uninstall Steam games is through your computer’s built-in settings. This method is particularly useful if you’re having trouble uninstalling through the Steam client.

Step 1: Open Your Computer’s Settings

Windows: Click on the Start button, then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to open Settings directly.
macOS: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select “System Preferences.”

Step 2: Navigate to Apps or Programs

Windows: In the Settings app, click on “Apps.” This will take you to the “Apps & Features” section, where you can see a list of installed applications.
macOS: In System Preferences, click on “Applications.” Then, select “Utilities” and open “Activity Monitor”. From there, find Steam and any related processes to ensure they are not running during the uninstall.

Step 3: Find the Steam Game

In the list of installed apps or programs, scroll through to find the Steam game you want to uninstall. The list is usually in alphabetical order, so it should be relatively easy to locate.

Step 4: Uninstall the Game

Windows: Click on the game in the list, and an “Uninstall” button will appear. Click on the “Uninstall” button, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
macOS: Drag the application icon to the Trash, or right-click and select "Move to Trash". Empty the Trash to completely uninstall the application. Ensure all related files and folders are also removed from the system.

Step 5: Confirm and Wait

Confirm your decision to uninstall the game and wait for the process to complete. This might take a few minutes, depending on the size of the game.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Uninstallers

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive uninstallation, you might consider using a third-party uninstaller. These tools not only remove the game files but also clean up any associated registry entries and leftover files that can clutter your system. Some popular options include:

Revo Uninstaller: A powerful uninstaller that can thoroughly remove programs and their associated files.
IObit Uninstaller: Another great option with a user-friendly interface and robust uninstalling capabilities.
CCleaner: While primarily a system cleaner, CCleaner also includes an uninstaller feature that can help remove programs.

How to Use a Third-Party Uninstaller

Download and Install: Download and install your chosen uninstaller from its official website.
Launch the Uninstaller: Open the uninstaller program on your computer.
Select the Game: In the uninstaller’s interface, find the Steam game you want to remove from the list of installed programs.
Uninstall: Select the game and click the “Uninstall” button. The uninstaller will typically perform an initial uninstall, followed by a scan for leftover files and registry entries.
Remove Leftover Files: Follow the uninstaller’s prompts to remove any remaining files and registry entries associated with the game.

Important Considerations

Before you uninstall a game, keep these points in mind:

Cloud Saves: Steam usually stores your game progress in the cloud. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check that your saves are backed up before uninstalling, especially for games that don’t support cloud saves.
Game Data: Uninstalling a game will remove the game files from your computer. If you plan to play the game again in the future, you’ll need to redownload it.
Modifications: If you’ve installed any mods for the game, uninstalling the game will remove them as well. Make sure to back up any mods you want to keep before uninstalling.
Check for Hidden Files: Sometimes, game files might be located in different folders. Use file explorer to search game files in documents and appdata folders.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to uninstall a Steam game. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Game Won’t Uninstall: If the game refuses to uninstall, try restarting your computer and trying again. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling through your computer’s settings or using a third-party uninstaller.
Error Messages: If you receive error messages during the uninstallation process, try verifying the game files through Steam. Right-click on the game, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify integrity of game files.”
Insufficient Permissions: Make sure you have administrator privileges on your computer. Right-click on the Steam icon and select “Run as administrator” to launch Steam with elevated privileges.
Game Still Shows as Installed: If the game still appears in your library after uninstalling, try restarting Steam. If that doesn’t work, you might need to manually delete the game files from your Steam installation directory.

Keeping Your System Clean

After uninstalling games, it’s a good practice to perform some system maintenance to keep your computer running smoothly. Here are a few tips:

Run Disk Cleanup: Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and other unnecessary data from your hard drive.
Defragment Your Hard Drive: If you’re using a traditional hard drive (HDD), defragmenting it can help improve performance.
Update Your Drivers: Make sure your graphics card drivers are up to date. This can help improve gaming performance and prevent compatibility issues.
Scan for Malware: Run a scan with your antivirus software to ensure your system is free from malware.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Uninstalling Steam games on your PC is a straightforward process, whether you choose to do it through the Steam client, your computer’s settings, or a third-party uninstaller. By following these steps, you can easily free up disk space, improve your computer’s performance, and keep your game library organized. Remember to consider cloud saves and back up any important data before uninstalling. Happy gaming, and happy cleaning!