The fastest way to remove a game from Windows

The quickest method is to use the built-in uninstaller that most games come with. Open Settings (press Windows key + I), go to Apps, then Apps & Features, find the game in the list, click it, and select Uninstall. Windows will walk you through removing it. This removes the game files and frees up the disk space they were using.

If the game does not appear in Apps & Features, or if uninstalling through Settings leaves behind leftover files, you may need to use the game's own uninstaller program. Look in the game's folder (usually in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)) for a file called uninstall.exe or similar, and run that instead. This often removes more completely than the Windows method.

For games installed through Steam, Epic Games Launcher, or other gaming platforms, use the platform's built-in uninstall feature rather than Windows Settings. Each platform handles removal differently and knows where all the game files are stored.

Key Takeaways

  • The Windows Settings method (Apps & Features) works for most games and is the safest starting point for deletion.
  • Some games leave behind configuration files and save data even after uninstalling, which you may need to delete manually if you want to remove them completely.
  • Games installed through Steam, Epic Games Launcher, or other platforms should be uninstalled through that platform, not through Windows Settings.
  • Deleting a game folder directly without uninstalling first can leave broken registry entries and leftover files on your PC.
  • Check your disk space after uninstalling to confirm the game files were actually removed.

Uninstalling through Windows Settings step by step

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then press Enter. In the left sidebar, click Apps. Then click Apps & Features. Scroll through the list or use the search box at the top to find the game you want to remove.

Click the game name once to select it. A menu will appear with options including Uninstall. Click Uninstall. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm. Click Uninstall again. Windows will remove the game and its files. This usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes depending on how large the game is.

After the uninstall finishes, you may see a message saying the process is complete. Close any remaining windows. The game should no longer appear in your Apps & Features list.

Using a game's built-in uninstaller

If a game does not show up in Windows Settings, or if you want more control over what gets removed, use the game's own uninstaller. Navigate to where the game is installed. For most games, this is C:\Program Files\[Game Name] or C:\Program Files (x86)\[Game Name]. Open the folder and look for a file named uninstall.exe, unins000.exe, or something similar.

Double-click the uninstaller file. A window will open with options for how much to remove. Some uninstallers let you choose whether to keep save files and settings or remove everything. Select what you want and follow the prompts. The uninstaller will remove the game files when finished.

After the uninstaller closes, check the game's folder to see if anything remains. If there are leftover files or folders, you can delete them manually by right-clicking and selecting Delete. Be careful to delete only the game folder itself, not anything outside it.

Removing games from Steam, Epic, and other platforms

If you installed the game through Steam, open Steam and go to your Library. Right-click the game and select Manage, then Uninstall. Steam will remove the game files. Your save data is stored separately and will remain unless you delete it manually.

For Epic Games Launcher, open the launcher, click Library, find the game, click the three dots next to it, and select Uninstall. The launcher will remove the game files from your PC.

For Xbox App (Games Pass), open the app, go to My Games & Apps, find the game, click the three dots, and select Uninstall. Other platforms like GOG, Ubisoft+, and Origin/EA App follow similar steps — look for a menu or settings option next to the game name.

Cleaning up leftover files and save data

Even after uninstalling, some games leave behind save files, settings, and configuration folders. These usually do not take up much space, but if you want to remove them completely, you need to delete them manually. Save data is typically stored in one of two places: the game's installation folder (if any files remain there) or a hidden folder in your user directory.

To find hidden folders, open File Explorer and press Ctrl + H to show hidden files. Then navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local or C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming. Look for a folder with the game's name or the developer's name. You can delete this folder if you want to remove all traces of the game, including save files.

Be careful when deleting from AppData — only delete folders you are certain belong to the game you are removing. Deleting the wrong folder can break other programs. If you are unsure, leave the folder alone. It takes up minimal space and will not affect your PC's performance.

Checking disk space after deletion

After uninstalling, verify that the disk space was actually freed up. Right-click the drive (usually C:) in File Explorer and select Properties. The window will show how much space is used and how much is free. Compare this to what you saw before uninstalling. If the free space did not increase by roughly the size of the game, some files may still be on your drive.

If disk space did not change, run the uninstaller again or manually delete any remaining folders in the game's installation directory. You can also use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files that games sometimes leave behind. Press Windows key + R, type "cleanmgr", and press Enter. Select the drive and click OK. Check the boxes for temporary files and click OK again to remove them.

What to do if uninstalling fails

Sometimes an uninstaller will not work — it may crash, freeze, or say it cannot find files. If this happens, try restarting your PC and running the uninstaller again. Games sometimes lock files while they are running, and a restart can release those locks.

If the uninstaller still fails, try running it as administrator. Right-click the uninstall.exe file and select Run as administrator. This gives the uninstaller permission to delete protected files. If that does not work, you can manually delete the game folder. Open File Explorer, navigate to the game's folder, right-click it, and select Delete. This removes the game files but may leave behind registry entries and save data folders, which you can clean up separately using the AppData method described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete a game folder directly without using an uninstaller?

You can, but it is not recommended. Deleting the folder directly removes the game files but leaves behind registry entries (Windows configuration data) and save files in hidden folders. This wastes disk space and can clutter your system. Use the uninstaller first, then manually delete any leftover folders if needed.

Will uninstalling a game delete my save files?

Not always. Most uninstallers ask whether you want to keep save data. If you choose to keep it, your saves remain on your PC in hidden folders. If you want to delete saves too, you can do so manually through AppData after uninstalling, or select the option to remove everything during the uninstall process.

What if a game is installed on a different drive, not C:?

The uninstall process is the same. Windows Settings will find the game regardless of which drive it is on. If you use a built-in uninstaller, navigate to the drive where the game is installed instead of C:. The uninstaller will remove it from there.

Do I need to restart my PC after uninstalling a game?

Usually not. Most games uninstall without requiring a restart. However, if the uninstaller asks you to restart, do so. This ensures all files are fully removed and any registry changes are applied.

Why does a game still show in my library after uninstalling?

On Steam and Epic Games Launcher, games sometimes remain in your library even after uninstalling. This is normal — the launcher remembers that you own the game. The game files are gone, but the entry stays so you can reinstall it later if you want. You cannot remove the entry itself unless you remove the game from your account through the platform's website.