Over time your PC can become cluttered with games you no longer play. Whether you are trying to free up space or simply tidy up your system, knowing how to properly delete a game from your PC ensures you do not leave behind unnecessary files. Removing a game can also help improve performance especially if your storage is nearing full capacity.
This guide explains how to delete a game on a PC regardless of whether you installed it via Steam, the Microsoft Store or directly from a downloaded setup file.
Deleting a Game Installed from Steam
If you downloaded and installed your game using Steam the process is quick and straightforward. Open the Steam app and go to your Library where all your installed games are listed. Right-click on the game you want to remove and select Manage, then click Uninstall.
A confirmation box will appear. Click Uninstall again to remove the game. Steam will delete all game files from your drive but your save data may remain in the Steam cloud if the game supports it. If you reinstall the game later your progress may still be there.
Deleting a Game from the Microsoft Store or Xbox App
Games installed from the Microsoft Store or Xbox app on Windows can be removed through your system settings. Click on Start, then open Settings. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps and scroll through the list to find the game you wish to delete.
Click on the three dots next to the game and select Uninstall. Confirm your choice to begin the removal process. The system will remove the game files and any associated temporary data stored locally.
Some cloud save data may still be stored in your Microsoft account but the game will no longer take up space on your device.
Deleting Games Installed from Other Sources
For games you installed manually from the web or from a third-party launcher like Battle.net, Origin or Epic Games Launcher the process will depend on the software used.
In most cases you can uninstall the game directly from the launcher. Open the launcher, locate your installed games list and look for the option to uninstall or remove. If that is not available you can go to Settings > Apps and uninstall the game through the standard Windows app manager.
If the game does not appear in your apps list you may need to run the original installer again and choose the uninstall option or look in the game’s installation folder for an uninstall executable.
Manually Deleting Game Files
If a game has already been deleted but some leftover files remain you can remove them manually. Go to the Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder and look for the game’s name. Delete the folder if it still exists.
You can also check the Documents or AppData folders under your user account for any remaining save files or configuration data. Be cautious when deleting files manually and only remove folders you are sure are related to the game.
Clearing Space and Final Checks
After uninstalling a game you might want to clear any cached data or run a disk cleanup to ensure your system regains all possible space. Type Disk Cleanup into the Start menu and follow the prompts to remove temporary files.
If you are using an SSD or limited storage laptop, clearing out old games and files can help keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Deleting a game from your PC is a simple process but it is worth doing it correctly to avoid clutter and save space. Whether you use a gaming platform like Steam or install games directly from the web the key is to use the built-in uninstall tools whenever possible and double-check for any remaining files afterwards. A clean system not only looks better but can also perform better especially if you are tight on storage.