Steam is one of the most widely used platforms for downloading and playing games on a MacBook. However if you no longer use it or need to free up storage space you may want to uninstall it completely. Removing the Steam app itself is straightforward but fully uninstalling Steam also means clearing the additional files it leaves behind.
This guide will walk you through how to properly uninstall Steam from your MacBook and remove associated data so you can reclaim valuable space.
Close Steam Completely First
Before anything else make sure Steam is not running in the background. Open the app and click Steam in the top left corner then select Quit Steam. If the app is frozen press Command and Option and Escape to open the Force Quit menu then choose Steam and click Force Quit.
Remove Steam from the Applications Folder
Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Locate the Steam icon and drag it into the Bin. You can also right-click on the Steam app and choose Move to Bin. At this point the application is gone but data and game files are still stored on your system.
Delete Steam’s Game Files and Data
To fully remove Steam you need to delete its support files. In Finder click Go in the menu bar then choose Go to Folder. Type in ~/Library/Application Support/Steam and press Return. This folder holds all your Steam games user settings and app data. Drag the entire Steam folder to the Bin.
Remove Steam-Related Caches and Preferences
You may also want to clean out Steam’s leftover files in other system folders. Repeat the Go to Folder process and enter ~/Library/Caches then check for any Steam-related files and delete them. Do the same in ~/Library/Preferences. Make sure only Steam files are deleted to avoid interfering with other apps.
Empty the Bin to Complete the Uninstall
Once you have removed all the necessary files right-click the Bin in your Dock and select Empty Bin. This action will permanently erase the Steam app and all associated data from your MacBook.
Can You Reinstall Steam Again Later
Yes you can reinstall Steam at any time by visiting the official website and downloading the latest version for macOS. Once installed sign in with your existing Steam account and redownload any purchased games. Local save data may be gone unless it was synced with your Steam Cloud.
Final Thoughts on Uninstalling Steam
Uninstalling Steam from a MacBook is simple and allows you to clear space or troubleshoot performance issues. By removing both the application and its data folders you make sure nothing is left behind. Whether you are taking a break from gaming or switching to another platform this step-by-step process ensures your Mac stays tidy and efficient.