How to Find Uninstalled Games on Steam
Steam is a popular digital distribution platform for PC games, and it offers a vast library of games to its users. Sometimes, you might uninstall a game, but still want to keep it in your Steam library. In this article, we will explore how to find uninstalled games on Steam.
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash Folder (Mac)
Before we dive into the process of finding uninstalled games on Steam, it’s essential to check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash Folder (Mac) for any deleted game files. This is because Steam may still have the game files stored in the Recycle Bin or Trash Folder even after uninstallation.
- Windows: Go to the Recycle Bin and check if the game files are still present. If they are, you can restore them and then uninstall the game again.
- Mac: Go to the Trash Folder and check if the game files are still present. If they are, you can restore them and then uninstall the game again.
Step 2: Check the Steam Library Folders
The next step is to check the Steam Library Folders for any uninstalled games. You can do this by following these steps:
- Windows: Go to the Steam folder (usually located in C:Program Files (x86)Steam) and navigate to the "steamapps" folder. Inside this folder, you will find subfolders for each game that you have installed.
- Mac: Go to the Steam folder (usually located in ~/Library/Application Support/Steam) and navigate to the "steamapps" folder. Inside this folder, you will find subfolders for each game that you have installed.
Step 3: Check the Steam Games Directory
Another way to find uninstalled games on Steam is to check the Steam Games Directory. You can do this by following these steps:
- Windows: Go to the Steam folder (usually located in C:Program Files (x86)Steam) and navigate to the "steamapps" folder. Inside this folder, you will find a subfolder called "common" which contains all the game files.
- Mac: Go to the Steam folder (usually located in ~/Library/Application Support/Steam) and navigate to the "steamapps" folder. Inside this folder, you will find a subfolder called "common" which contains all the game files.
What Happens if You Uninstall a Game on Steam?
When you uninstall a game on Steam, the game files are removed from your computer, but the game’s configuration files, saved games, and any other associated files are still stored in the Steam Library Folders. This means that even if you uninstall a game, you can still reinstall it and recover your saved games and configuration settings.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you find uninstalled games on Steam:
- Use the Steam Search Bar: You can use the Steam search bar to search for games that you have uninstalled. Simply type the name of the game in the search bar, and Steam will show you a list of results.
- Check the Steam Community: You can check the Steam Community for games that you have uninstalled. Go to the game’s community page and check the "Members" section to see if anyone has uploaded any game files.
- Use a Third-Party Tool: There are several third-party tools available that can help you find uninstalled games on Steam. These tools can search for game files on your computer and show you a list of results.
Conclusion
Finding uninstalled games on Steam can be a bit tricky, but by following these steps, you should be able to find the games you are looking for. Remember to check the Recycle Bin or Trash Folder, Steam Library Folders, and Steam Games Directory, and use the Steam search bar and Steam Community to help you find the games. With a little patience and persistence, you should be able to recover your uninstalled games and get back to playing them.