Does Deleting Steam Client Delete Games?
When you uninstall Steam, you might be wondering what happens to your games. Will they be deleted along with the client, or will they remain intact? In this article, we’ll delve into the answer and provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to expect.
Does Uninstalling Steam Delete Games?
When you uninstall Steam, it does not directly delete your games. Your game files will remain on your computer, including the installation folders, saves, and DLCs. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you reinstall Steam, the games will not be automatically reinstalled. You’ll need to re-download or re-install each game separately.
- If you delete the Steam installation folder, your game files will also be deleted. This includes the entire Steam directory, which can be found at
C:Program Files (x86)Steamon Windows or/steamon Mac. - If you uninstall a game from Steam, it will remove the game’s installation files from your computer, but your saved games and DLCs will remain.
What Happens to Mods and DLCs?
When you uninstall a game, mods and DLCs are not deleted. These files are stored separately from the game’s installation files and can be accessed independently. If you reinstall the game, you’ll need to re-download or re-install mods and DLCs separately.
How to Prevent Losing Game Files When Uninstalling Steam
To ensure you don’t lose your game files when uninstalling Steam, follow these steps:
- Back up your game files: Copy the entire Steam directory to an external hard drive or cloud storage service before uninstalling Steam.
- Move game files outside the Steam directory: Move your game files to a different location on your computer before uninstalling Steam.
- Uninstall games separately: Uninstall games one by one to prevent accidental deletion of game files.
How to Reinstall Games After Uninstalling Steam
If you need to reinstall a game after uninstalling Steam, follow these steps:
- Re-download game files: Go to the game’s page on Steam and re-download the game files.
- Re-install game: Run the installer to reinstall the game.
- Re-download mods and DLCs: Re-download mods and DLCs separately to ensure they’re re-installed correctly.
Table: Steam Uninstall Process
| Step | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uninstall Steam | Remove the Steam client from your computer. |
| 2 | Back up game files | Copy the entire Steam directory to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. |
| 3 | Move game files | Move your game files to a different location on your computer. |
| 4 | Uninstall games | Uninstall games one by one to prevent accidental deletion of game files. |
| 5 | Re-download game files | Re-download game files from the Steam store. |
| 6 | Re-install game | Run the installer to reinstall the game. |
| 7 | Re-download mods and DLCs | Re-download mods and DLCs separately to ensure they’re re-installed correctly. |
In conclusion, deleting Steam client does not directly delete your games. However, it’s essential to back up your game files and move them to a safe location to prevent accidental deletion. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth uninstallation and re-installation process for your Steam games.