Are you tired of cluttering your Steam library with games you no longer play or never intend to play again? Do you want to free up some disk space and declutter your digital collection? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to permanently delete a game from Steam, making it disappear from your library forever.
Why Delete a Game from Steam?
Before we dive into the deletion process, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to delete a game from Steam:
- Free up disk space: Games can take up a significant amount of storage space on your computer, especially if you have a large collection. Deleting games you no longer play can help you reclaim some much-needed disk space.
- Declutter your library: A cluttered Steam library can be overwhelming and make it harder to find the games you actually want to play. By deleting unused games, you can keep your library organized and tidy.
- Remove distractions: If you’re trying to focus on a specific game or genre, deleting games that distract you from your goals can help you stay on track.
- Protect your account: If you’ve purchased a game that you no longer want or need, deleting it can help prevent unauthorized access or use by others.
Preparing for Deletion
Before you start the deletion process, make sure you’re prepared:
- Back up your save files: If you want to keep your save files, make sure to back them up before deleting the game. You can do this by creating a copy of the save files and storing them in a separate location.
- Uninstall any mods or DLCs: If you have any mods or DLCs (downloadable content) installed for the game, you’ll need to uninstall them before deleting the game.
- Close the game and Steam: Ensure that both the game and Steam are closed before attempting to delete the game.
The Deletion Process
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get started with the deletion process!
Method 1: Deleting a Game from the Steam Library
Step 1: Open Steam and Access Your Library
Open Steam and log in to your account. Click on the “Library” tab at the top of the Steam window to access your game library.
Step 2: Find the Game You Want to Delete
Scroll through your library and find the game you want to delete. You can use the search bar at the top of the window to find the game quickly.
Step 3: Right-Click the Game and Select “Uninstall”
Right-click on the game you want to delete and select “Uninstall” from the context menu.
Step 4: Confirm the Uninstallation
Steam will prompt you to confirm that you want to uninstall the game. Click “Uninstall” to proceed.
Step 5: Wait for the Uninstallation to Complete
Steam will uninstall the game and remove it from your library. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the game.
Step 6: Permanently Delete the Game
Once the uninstallation is complete, you’ll need to permanently delete the game from your Steam account. To do this, go to the “Store” tab and click on the “Account” dropdown menu. Select “Account Information” and then click on “Games” under the “Account” section. Find the game you just uninstalled and click on the “Remove” button next to it. Confirm that you want to permanently delete the game, and it will be removed from your Steam account forever.
Method 2: Deleting a Game from the Steam Folder
Step 1: Locate the Steam Folder
Find the Steam folder on your computer. The default location is usually “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam” or “C:\Program Files\Steam”.
Step 2: Find the Game Folder
Inside the Steam folder, find the folder corresponding to the game you want to delete. The folder name will typically match the game’s title.
Step 3: Delete the Game Folder
Delete the game folder and all its contents. This will remove the game files from your computer.
Step 4: Permanently Delete the Game from Steam
Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to permanently delete the game from your Steam account.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Game Won’t Uninstall
If the game won’t uninstall, try the following:
- Restart Steam: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue.
- Check for updates: Ensure that Steam and the game are up to date.
- Disable any mods or DLCs: If you have any mods or DLCs installed, try disabling them and then attempt to uninstall the game.
Game Files Not Deleted
If the game files are not deleted after uninstallation, try the following:
- Manually delete the game folder: Use Method 2 to delete the game folder and its contents.
- Check for Steam Cloud saves: If the game is using Steam Cloud saves, you may need to delete the cloud saves as well.
Conclusion
Permanently deleting a game from Steam is a straightforward process, but it requires some preparation and caution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can remove any unwanted games from your library and free up some much-needed disk space. Remember to back up your save files and uninstall any mods or DLCs before deleting the game. Happy gaming!
What happens when I delete a game from my Steam library?
When you delete a game from your Steam library, it removes the game from your list of installed games and frees up space on your hard drive. However, it’s important to note that deleting a game does not necessarily mean it’s completely gone. Steam retains a record of your game ownership, which means you can always reinstall the game if you want to play it again in the future.
Additionally, deleting a game from your Steam library does not refund your purchase or remove any achievements or progress you’ve made. If you’re looking to get rid of a game permanently, you’ll need to take further steps, which are outlined in this guide.
Will deleting a game from my Steam library delete my game saves?
Deleting a game from your Steam library will not automatically delete your game saves. Steam Cloud saves are stored separately from the game itself, so even if you delete the game, your saves will still be accessible if you reinstall the game in the future. However, if you’re looking to get rid of a game permanently, it’s a good idea to delete your game saves as well to free up space on your Steam Cloud storage.
To delete your game saves, go to Steam settings > Cloud > Cloud Synchronization, and click “Delete Saved Game Data” next to the game you want to remove. This will permanently delete your game saves, so make sure you’re certain before doing so.
How do I permanently delete a game from my Steam account?
To permanently delete a game from your Steam account, you’ll need to remove the game from your Steam library and then delete the game’s associated data from your Steam account. This involves deleting the game’s files from your computer, removing the game from your Steam library, and deleting the game’s data from your Steam Cloud storage.
Follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure that the game is completely removed from your Steam account. Note that once you’ve permanently deleted a game, you’ll no longer be able to access it or reinstall it from your Steam library.
Can I delete a game from my Steam library if I’m not the game’s owner?
If you’re not the game’s owner, you won’t be able to delete the game from your Steam library. Only the account holder who purchased the game can delete it from their Steam library. If you’re playing a game on a shared computer or account, you’ll need to ask the account holder to delete the game for you.
Alternatively, if you’re playing a game on a shared Steam Family Library, you may be able to remove the game from your own library, but this will not delete the game from the shared library. To delete the game from the shared library, the account holder who owns the game will need to delete it.
Will deleting a game from Steam affect my Steam level or achievements?
Deleting a game from Steam will not affect your Steam level or achievements. Your Steam level is based on your overall experience points, which are earned through various activities on Steam, including completing achievements, participating in discussions, and purchasing games. Deleting a game will not remove any experience points you’ve earned from playing that game.
Your achievements are also tied to your Steam account, not to individual games. Even if you delete a game, your achievements will still be visible on your Steam profile. If you’re looking to get rid of a game permanently, deleting the game will not affect your overall Steam experience.
Can I reinstall a game after deleting it from my Steam library?
If you’ve deleted a game from your Steam library, you can always reinstall it if you want to play it again in the future. Since Steam retains a record of your game ownership, you can easily reinstall the game from your Steam library.
To reinstall a game, go to your Steam library, click on the “Games” tab, and scroll down to the “Not Installed” section. Find the game you want to reinstall and click the “Install” button next to it. Steam will then download and install the game, and you’ll be able to play it again.
Is it possible to recover a deleted game from Steam?
Unfortunately, once you’ve permanently deleted a game from your Steam account, it’s gone for good. Steam does not keep backups of deleted games, and there is no way to recover a deleted game. This is why it’s essential to be certain before deleting a game, as once it’s gone, you won’t be able to get it back.
If you’re unsure about deleting a game, consider uninstalling it instead, which will remove the game from your computer but leave your game saves and ownership intact. This way, you can always reinstall the game in the future if you change your mind.