Does uninstalling Steam uninstall games too?

Does Uninstalling Steam Uninstall Games Too?

When uninstalling Steam, users are often left wondering if all their games will be affected, including the game files and saved data. In this article, we will answer this question and provide further information on what happens during the uninstallation process of Steam.

What Does Uninstalling Steam Entail?

Uninstalling Steam is a process that removes the Steam application and its associated files from your computer. This means that all the games installed through Steam, as well as the Steam client, will be removed. When you uninstall Steam, all the game files, save data, and other relevant information will be deleted. However, this does not necessarily mean that all game files will be completely deleted.

What Happens to Game Files?

When you uninstall Steam, the game files themselves will not be deleted. Only the Steam client and its related files will be removed. This means that the actual game files, including any saved data, will still be present on your computer. However, these files will no longer be linked to the Steam client and will not be accessible through the Steam interface.

What About Saved Data?

Saved data, such as game saves and cloud saves, will also remain on your computer. Steam’s cloud saving feature saves your game data to a remote server, which is linked to your Steam account. When you uninstall Steam, this saved data will still be available on your computer, but it will not be accessible through the Steam client.

Reinstalling Steam and Game Files

If you decide to reinstall Steam, your game files will not automatically be reinstalled. However, you can reinstall game files by re-downloading them from the Steam store or by using a third-party tool. You will need to re-purchase any games that you no longer own, as uninstalled games will not retain their license.

Other Important Points to Consider

• Steam Library Backup: Steam allows you to create a backup of your game library, which includes all the game files and saved data. This backup can be used to restore your games and saved data in the event of a Steam client crash or uninstallation.

• Mod Files: Mod files, which are customized game files created by players, will not be removed during the uninstallation of Steam. However, some mods may require re-download and re-installation if the game files are re-installed.

• Achievements and Cloud Saves: Achievements and cloud saves will be lost if Steam is uninstalled and the game files are not preserved.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Steam will remove the Steam client and its associated files, but game files and saved data will remain on your computer. Reinstalling Steam and game files will require re-downloading and re-purchasing games that you no longer own. To preserve your game library, it is recommended to create a Steam library backup before uninstalling Steam. By understanding what happens during the uninstallation process, you can take steps to preserve your game files and saved data.