Gaming is a favorite pastime for many individuals. However, as time passes, we all move on to new titles, updated versions or better technology. As a result, it may become necessary to delete games from your computer to free up space or prevent clutter. Unfortunately, you may not always remember how to uninstall a game, leading to frustration and anxiety. Don’t worry, though; we are here to help you get rid of games you no longer need. In this blog, we will provide you the guidance on how to uninstall a game on a computer.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before proceeding to uninstall the games, you must prepare the following items:

  1. Computer
  2. Internet Connectivity
  3. Administrator Rights
  4. Mild patience and attentiveness

What Should I Pay Attention to?

Before deleting any game, there are some crucial points you must consider:

  1. Game Progress: Ensure you save your game progress before uninstallation, so you don’t have to begin from the start.
  2. Saved Game Files: Some games save the game files independently of the primary installation folder. It’s also vital to remove those files if present.
  3. Add-ons or Mods: If you’ve installed any add-ons, extensions or mods to the game, it is preferable to uninstall them before removing the game to avoid compatibility or file issues in the future.

Method 1: Using Control Panel

Deleting a game through the Control Panel is an effortless approach. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Start menu, and type “Control Panel” in the search box.
  2. Click on “Control Panel” to open it.
  3. Select “Programs and Features” from the Control Panel window.
  4. Choose the game you want to uninstall.
  5. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall."
  6. A new window will open. Follow the prompts to remove the game.

Pros

  1. This method is simple and straightforward to follow.
  2. You can see all installed programs in one place, making it easy to locate and uninstall games.

Cons

  1. It may not remove some game files.
  2. Windows may not provide an uninstall option for some games in Programs and Features.

Method 2: Using the Game’s Uninstall Program

Many games come with their own uninstall programs that are automatically installed alongside the game. To uninstall the game, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start menu and select the game you want to delete.
  2. Look for an Uninstall option either within the game itself or in the game’s folder.
  3. Click on “Uninstall” to initiate the process.
  4. Follow the prompts to remove the game entirely.

Pros

  1. If the game has an uninstall program, it will delete all game files.
  2. You don’t need to look for the game in the installed programs list.

Cons

  1. Not all games come with an uninstall option.
  2. Game uninstallers may not remove all game files or registry entries.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party Uninstaller

Sometimes, the Control Panel or game uninstaller cannot remove all game files or registry entries. Therefore, you may use third-party software to remove the game entirely. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Download a third-party uninstaller tool from a trusted source or the official website of the software program.
  2. Once downloaded, install and click on “Uninstall a Program.”
  3. Select the game, and click on the “Uninstall” button.
  4. Follow the prompts to remove the game successfully.

Pros

  1. Third-party uninstallers delete all game files and leftovers that can allow the game to run in the future.
  2. Most third-party software comes with additional features to optimize computer performance.

Cons

  1. The use of third-party uninstallers can slow down your computer or cause it to crash.
  2. Some third-party software may contain malware or viruses that could harm your computer.

Why Can’t I Delete A Game on A Computer: 1 and fix

If you cannot remove a game using any of the above methods, it may be because the game is currently running in the background. So, you must follow these steps:

  1. Press “Ctrl+Alt+Delete” and then select “Task Manager” from the given options.
  2. Look for the game’s processes running in the background, and click on “End Task” to stop it.
  3. Repeat the game uninstallation process.

Method 4: Manually Delete Game Files

This is the last option you should consider if none of the above methods works for you. Consequently, it isn’t easy and must be done correctly to avoid deleting other important files. Here is what you must do:

  1. Locate the game’s installed folder.
  2. Select all the game files by pressing “Ctrl+A.”
  3. Press “Shift+Delete’ to permanently delete the game files.
  4. If a dialogue box appears, click on “Yes” to delete files permanently.

Pros

  1. Manual deletion will remove all game files and leftovers.
  2. This is the last resort option to try when every other method fails.

Cons

  1. This method is tricky, and there’s a risk of deleting other essential files accidentally.
  2. It’s time-consuming and requires thorough knowledge of computer files management.

Suggestions

Before uninstalling any game, it is always wise to research the consequences and ensure you save all game files and data. Furthermore, try to uninstall games regularly to prevent building up unnecessary files on your computer. In addition, avoid the use of third-party software unless you have trouble removing the game through the Control Panel or game uninstaller. Always follow the steps correctly, and never forget to perform a final check to guarantee all game files have been removed.

Five FAQs about Deleting Games on A Computer

Q1: Does uninstalling a game delete save data?

A1: Uninstalling a game won’t delete Save Data. But it is always better to back up your data before uninstalling.

Q2: How long does it take to uninstall a game?

A2: Uninstalling a game usually takes a few minutes, depending on your computer’s speed and the game’s size.

Q3: Can I re-install a game after uninstalling it?

A3: Yes, you can re-install a game after uninstalling it. But keep in mind that you’ll lose all data and progress you had before uninstalling.

Q4: Is it necessary to delete all game files permanently?

A4: It’s not essential to delete all game files unless you need more storage or want to permanently remove the game.

Q5: How to recognize game files?

A5: The game files are usually in the same folder that the game is located. These files have a unique icon and extension.

Conclusion

Uninstalling games from your computer is an easy process that can be done through Control Panel, game uninstallation programs, or third-party software. It’s essential to ensure that you save your game data correctly, remove add-ons or modifications before uninstallation, and follow the process thoroughly to avoid removing other essential files. If a game is difficult to remove using regular methods, additional steps can be taken to ensure its deletion. We hope that the methods outlined above help you delete games from your computer with ease.

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