Hey guys! Are you looking to free up some space on your PC or just get rid of a game you're no longer playing? Uninstalling Steam games is super easy, and I'm here to walk you through it step by step. Let's dive right in!

Why Uninstall Steam Games?

Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall a game from Steam:

• Freeing Up Disk Space: Games, especially modern AAA titles, can take up a massive amount of storage. Uninstalling them can give you back valuable space for other games, applications, or files.
• Improving Performance: If your hard drive is almost full, it can slow down your entire system. Removing large games can improve your PC's overall performance.
• Managing Your Game Library: Maybe you've finished a game and don't plan on playing it again anytime soon, or perhaps you just don't enjoy a game anymore. Keeping your library clutter-free can make it easier to find the games you actually want to play.
• Troubleshooting Issues: Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling a game can fix technical issues or bugs.

These are the main reasons that people are trying to uninstall steam games. Keep in mind that some games take more space than others so you should consider uninstalling the larger ones first.

Method 1: Uninstalling Through the Steam Client

This is the most common and straightforward way to uninstall a Steam game. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Steam Client: Launch the Steam application on your PC. Make sure you're logged into your account.
2. Navigate to Your Library: Click on the "Library" tab at the top of the Steam window. This will show you a list of all the games in your Steam library.
3. Find the Game You Want to Uninstall: Scroll through your library or use the search bar in the top-right corner to find the game you want to remove.
4. Right-Click on the Game: Once you've found the game, right-click on its name in the list. This will open a context menu.
5. Select "Manage" and then "Uninstall": In the context menu, hover over "Manage," and then click on "Uninstall" in the submenu that appears. This will initiate the uninstallation process.
6. Confirm the Uninstallation: A confirmation dialog box will pop up, asking if you're sure you want to uninstall the game. Click "Uninstall" to confirm. Steam will then begin uninstalling the game files from your computer. You'll see a progress bar indicating the status of the uninstallation. Once the process is complete, the game will be removed from your installed games list.

Additional Tips for Steam Client Uninstallation

• Verifying Uninstallation: After uninstalling, double-check that the game folder has been removed from your Steam installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common). Sometimes, residual files can remain, taking up space.
• Using Steam's Storage Manager: Steam has a built-in storage manager that helps you visualize your storage usage and uninstall games. You can find it under Steam > Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders. Click on the drive you want to manage, and it will show you which games are taking up the most space. From there, you can easily uninstall games.
• Cloud Saves: Don't worry about losing your game progress! Steam automatically backs up most game saves to the cloud. When you reinstall the game, your progress will be restored.

Method 2: Uninstalling Through Windows Settings

Another way to uninstall Steam games is through the Windows Settings app. This method is useful if you prefer using the Windows interface or if you're having trouble uninstalling through the Steam client.

1. Open Windows Settings: Click on the Start button and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to open Settings directly.
2. Go to Apps: In the Settings app, click on "Apps." This will take you to the Apps & features section, where you can see a list of all the applications installed on your computer.
3. Find the Game You Want to Uninstall: Scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar to find the Steam game you want to uninstall. Keep in mind that some games might be listed under their full title, while others might be abbreviated.
4. Select the Game and Click "Uninstall": Once you've found the game, click on it in the list. An "Uninstall" button will appear. Click on the "Uninstall" button to start the uninstallation process.
5. Confirm the Uninstallation: A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking if you're sure you want to uninstall the game. Click "Uninstall" to confirm. Windows will then begin uninstalling the game files from your computer.
6. Follow Any On-Screen Prompts: Some games may have their own uninstallers that require you to follow additional on-screen prompts. Make sure to follow these prompts to completely remove the game from your system.

Additional Tips for Windows Settings Uninstallation

• Troubleshooting Uninstall Issues: If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, such as error messages or the game not uninstalling completely, try restarting your computer and then attempting the uninstallation again.
• Checking for Residual Files: After uninstalling the game, check the game's installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common) to make sure all files have been removed. If there are any residual files, you can manually delete them.
• Using Third-Party Uninstallers: If you're having trouble uninstalling a game through Windows Settings, you can try using a third-party uninstaller program, such as Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller. These programs can help you remove all traces of the game from your system, including registry entries and leftover files.

Method 3: Deleting Local Content from Steam

This method is specifically for games that you want to remove from your computer but still keep in your Steam library. It's like archiving the game, so you can easily download and reinstall it later without having to repurchase it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Steam Client: Launch the Steam application on your PC and log into your account.
2. Navigate to Your Library: Click on the "Library" tab at the top of the Steam window.
3. Find the Game You Want to Remove: Locate the game you wish to remove from your computer.
4. Right-Click on the Game: Right-click on the game's name in the list to open the context menu.
5. Select "Manage" and then "Uninstall": In the context menu, hover over "Manage," and then click on "Uninstall" in the submenu that appears. This will initiate the process of deleting the local content.
6. Confirm the Deletion: A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking if you're sure you want to remove the local content. Click "Uninstall" to confirm. Steam will then remove the game files from your computer. The game will still appear in your library, but it will no longer be installed.

Benefits of Deleting Local Content

• Saves Disk Space: Deleting local content frees up disk space without removing the game from your Steam account.
• Easy Reinstallation: You can easily reinstall the game at any time by clicking the "Install" button on the game's page in your library.
• Keeps Your Library Organized: The game remains in your library, so you don't have to search for it if you decide to play it again in the future.

What to Do After Uninstalling

After uninstalling your Steam games, there are a few extra steps you can take to ensure everything is clean and tidy:

• Check for Leftover Files: Sometimes, uninstalling a game doesn't remove all of its files. Go to the game's installation directory (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common) and check if there are any remaining folders or files. If you find any, you can manually delete them.
• Clean Up the Registry: Some games create registry entries that aren't removed during uninstallation. You can use a registry cleaner program like CCleaner to remove these leftover entries. Be careful when using registry cleaners, as they can cause problems if used incorrectly. Always back up your registry before making any changes.
• Defragment Your Hard Drive: After uninstalling large games, your hard drive may become fragmented. Defragmenting your hard drive can improve performance by organizing the files on your drive. Windows has a built-in defragmentation tool that you can use.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Uninstalling Steam games on your PC is a breeze, whether you're doing it through the Steam client, Windows Settings, or by deleting local content. By following these steps, you can easily manage your game library, free up disk space, and keep your PC running smoothly. Happy gaming, and remember to keep your digital space as tidy as your real one! Uninstalling games on steam will really help with space issues, so you should consider doing that before you purchase a new hard drive.