Steam is one of the most popular digital distribution platforms for gamers, offering a vast library of games and a thriving community. However, there might be various reasons why you consider uninstalling Steam from your Windows computer. Perhaps you’re looking to free up some storage space, experiencing technical difficulties, or simply looking to take a break from gaming. Whatever the reason may be, this step-by-step guide is here to help you uninstall Steam from your Windows system, ensuring a clean removal process.
Uninstalling Steam involves more than just deleting the application from your computer. It requires careful steps to remove all associated files, settings, and even game data. In this guide, we will walk you through the process, guiding you every step of the way to ensure a complete removal of Steam from your Windows operating system. Whether you’re a novice user or an experienced gamer, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to successfully uninstall Steam and its related components without any hassle. So, let’s get started and take control of your gaming experience!
Step 1: Back Up Your Saved Games And Files
Before uninstalling Steam from your Windows computer, it is important to back up your saved games and files to ensure you don’t lose any important data. Steam provides a convenient backup feature that allows you to easily save and restore your game files.
To back up your saved games, open the Steam client and click on the “Steam” tab in the top-left corner. From the drop-down menu, select “Backup and Restore Games.” In the pop-up window, click on “Backup currently installed programs” and select the games you want to back up.
Next, choose a location on your computer or an external storage device to save the backup files. Click on “Next” and follow the prompts to complete the backup process. Keep in mind that larger games may take some time to back up, so be patient.
Additionally, it is a good idea to manually copy and save any important files or folders related to Steam, such as game save files, mods, or custom content. These files are often found in the “Steamsteamappscommon” folder or in your user folder’s “Documents” or “AppData” directories.
By following this step, you can ensure that your valuable game progress and files are safely backed up before proceeding with the uninstallation of Steam.
Step 2: Uninstalling Steam From The Control Panel
In this step, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling Steam from your Windows computer using the Control Panel. Follow these simple steps to easily remove the Steam software:
1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer. You can access it by searching for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, click on “Programs” or “Programs and Features,” depending on your version of Windows.
3. This will open a list of all the installed programs on your computer. Scroll down and find “Steam” in the list.
4. Right-click on “Steam” and select “Uninstall” or “Change.”
5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. You may be asked to confirm your action. If any additional pop-ups or messages appear, read them carefully and proceed accordingly.
6. Once the uninstallation process is complete, restart your computer to ensure any remaining files or processes related to Steam are closed.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully uninstall Steam from your Windows computer using the Control Panel.
Step 3: Removing Leftover Files And Folders
When uninstalling Steam from your Windows computer, it is important to ensure that all leftover files and folders are also removed. These remnants can take up unnecessary disk space and potentially cause issues if you decide to reinstall Steam in the future. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove these leftover files:
1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to the following directories and delete any Steam-related folders and files you find:
– C:Program FilesSteam
– C:Program Files (x86)Steam
– C:Users[Your Username]AppDataLocalSteam
– C:Users[Your Username]AppDataRoamingSteam
3. If you encounter any error messages stating that a file is in use and cannot be deleted, make sure Steam and any related processes are completely closed. You can check this by opening the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and ending any Steam-related processes.
4. Once you have deleted all the files and folders, empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove them from your system.
By following these steps, you can ensure a thorough uninstallation of Steam from your Windows computer, leaving behind no trace of the gaming platform.
Step 4: Deleting Steam Registry Entries
When uninstalling Steam from your Windows PC, it’s important to also remove any lingering registry entries associated with the program. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareValveSteam.
4. Right-click on the “Steam” folder and select “Delete.” Confirm the action when prompted.
5. Next, navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREValveSteam.
6. Similarly, right-click on the “Steam” folder and choose “Delete.” Confirm the deletion if prompted.
7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Deleting these registry entries will ensure that Steam is completely removed from your system. However, exercise caution while working with the Registry Editor as incorrect changes can cause system instability. Always double-check the paths and consider creating a backup of the registry before making any modifications.
Step 5: Removing Steam-related Traces With Third-party Software
In this step, we will discuss how to remove any remaining traces of Steam using third-party software to ensure a thorough uninstallation. While the previous steps cover most of the uninstallation process, there might still be some residual files left behind. To completely get rid of Steam and its associated files, follow these additional steps:
1. Research and download a reliable third-party uninstaller software. Revo Uninstaller and CCleaner are popular options.
2. Install and launch the software on your computer.
3. Select Steam from the list of installed programs within the uninstaller software.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the uninstallation process.
5. Once the uninstallation is complete, the software will scan your system for any remaining files and folders associated with Steam.
6. Review the scan results and select the option to delete all the detected traces.
7. Confirm the deletion and allow the software to remove the files.
8. Restart your computer to complete the process.
By using a third-party uninstaller software, you can ensure that all remnants of Steam are completely removed from your system, providing a clean slate for any future installations or troubleshooting.
Step 6: Verifying Successful Uninstallation And Troubleshooting Common Issues
After following the previous steps to uninstall Steam from your Windows computer, it is crucial to verify whether the process was successful or if any issues occurred during uninstallation. This step will help ensure that all traces of Steam are removed from your system and that there are no lingering files or registry entries.
To verify successful uninstallation, you can start by checking if the Steam folder is completely gone from your computer. Navigate to the installation directory, usually located in “C:Program Files (x86)Steam” or “C:Program FilesSteam”, and confirm that the folder does not exist.
Additionally, you should also check the “Add or Remove Programs” list in the Control Panel to ensure that Steam no longer appears in the installed programs list. If it is still listed, try using the uninstall option again or consider using a third-party uninstaller to remove any remaining traces.
In case you encounter any difficulties during the uninstallation process or face unexpected issues after uninstalling Steam, it is recommended to consult Steam’s support resources or visit their community forums. They provide detailed troubleshooting guides and assistance to resolve common problems that users may encounter during uninstallation.
FAQs
1. How do I uninstall Steam from Windows?
2. Can I uninstall Steam without losing my game progress?
3. What is the difference between uninstalling Steam and uninstalling a game?
4. Are there any alternative methods to uninstall Steam?
5. Will uninstalling Steam delete all my game files?
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, uninstalling Steam from your Windows device is a relatively simple process that can be accomplished in just a few steps. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can remove Steam and all its associated files from your computer without any hassle. Whether you are looking to free up disk space or no longer find yourself using Steam, this guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough that ensures a complete and seamless uninstallation process.
It is important to note that uninstalling Steam will result in the removal of all your installed games and their associated progress. Therefore, make sure to back up any important game files before initiating the uninstallation process. Also, keep in mind that once you uninstall Steam, you will no longer have access to its features, such as online multiplayer or access to your game library. However, if you decide to reinstall Steam in the future, you can easily do so following the same guide.