Does uninstalling Steam games delete games?

Does Uninstalling Steam Games Delete Games?

When you uninstall a game from your Steam account, you might be worried about losing your progress, game files, or even the game itself. But do not worry, as this article will clarify the process of uninstalling Steam games and what happens to your game data.

When You Uninstall a Game, What Happens?

Game Files and Saved Games Remain on Your Computer

When you uninstall a Steam game, the game files and saved games will remain on your computer. This is because the game files and saved games are stored locally on your computer, and uninstalling the game from Steam does not delete these files.

Steam Cloud Saves are Safe

Steam cloud saves are automatically saved to Steam’s servers, so if you uninstall a game, your progress will be saved and will remain accessible. As long as your game saves are synced with the Steam cloud, you can always recover your progress if you reinstall the game.

Manual Removal of Mod Files

When you uninstall a game, the game itself is deleted, but any custom mod files or data you created during gameplay will not be deleted automatically. You will need to manually remove these files from the game’s directory to avoid cluttering your computer.

What About DLCs and Expansions?

DLCs (Downloadable Content) and expansions are not automatically deleted when you uninstall a game. These files are still stored on your computer, and you can reinstall them if you decide to play the game again.

Summary Table: What Happens When You Uninstall a Steam Game

Conclusion

Uninstalling a Steam game does not delete the game files or saved games, unless you manually delete them. Steam cloud saves are safe, and you can recover your progress if you reinstall the game. Custom mod files and DLCs are not automatically deleted and can be reinstalled if needed. By understanding what happens when you uninstall a Steam game, you can make informed decisions about managing your game library.