How do I delete all traces from a game on Steam?

How do I delete all traces from a game on Steam?

Deleting a game on Steam can sometimes leave behind residual files that take up space on your computer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of removing all traces of a game from your Steam account.

Removing a Game from Steam

To remove a game from your Steam account permanently, follow these steps:

• Log into Steam Support.
• Select "Games, Software, etc."
• Search for the game you want to remove using the search function.
• Click on the game and select "I want to permanently remove this game from my account."
• Confirm your decision by clicking "Ok, remove the listed games from my account permanently."

Deleting Local Content

To delete local content, you can follow these steps:

• Close the game.
• Right-click on the game in the Steam library.
• Select "Delete Local Content" and confirm your decision.

Using the Steam Client Console

You can also use the Steam client console to delete save data and other files related to the game. To do this:

• Run Steam with the console enabled.
• Type the following commands:
  • achievement_clear <appid> <achievement name="">
  • reset_all_stats <appid>
• Note: Replace <appid> with the actual app ID of the game, and <achievement name=""> with the name of the achievement you want to reset.

Deleting Save Files

Save files can take up a significant amount of space on your computer, and deleting them can be a good way to free up space. To delete save files, follow these steps:

• Find the save file location for your game. This can be done by searching for "save files" in your game’s directory.
• Delete the save files, or move them to an external drive if you want to keep them.

Using the Steam Cleaner Tool

Steam has a built-in cleaner tool that can help you remove residual files and data from your games. To use the cleaner tool:

• Go to the Steam settings.
• Click on the "In-Game" tab.
• Click on the "Configure" button next to the "Steam Cleaner" setting.
• Select the files and data you want to remove.
• Click "Ok" to confirm the removal.

Why Remove Residual Files?

Removing residual files can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Free up disk space: Residual files can take up a significant amount of space on your computer, and deleting them can help free up space.
• Improve game performance: Residual files can sometimes cause problems with game performance, such as lag or crashes.
• Remove unnecessary data: Residual files are often unnecessary and can be safely deleted.

What to Do If You Run into Problems

If you run into problems while removing residual files, here are some steps you can take:

• Check your game’s settings: Check your game’s settings to see if there are any options to disable or delete residual files.
• Use a third-party cleaning tool: There are many third-party cleaning tools available that can help you remove residual files.
• Contact Steam support: If you are still having problems, you can contact Steam support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Deleting all traces of a game on Steam can be a straightforward process, but it may require some effort and technical knowledge. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to remove residual files and data from your games. Remember to always back up your save files before deleting them, and to contact Steam support if you need further assistance.