How to Uninstall Steam Client but Keep Games?
Uninstalling Steam client does not automatically delete the games you have installed through the platform. However, it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure that your games are safe and can be reinstalled at a later date. In this article, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling Steam client while keeping your games intact.
Can I Uninstall Steam Client without Losing My Games?
The answer is yes. You can uninstall Steam client without losing your games, but you need to take some steps to ensure that your games are safely stored on your computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
Step 1: Move the Steam Apps Folder
The Steam apps folder contains all your installed games and saves. To ensure that you don’t lose your games, you need to move this folder to a safe location before uninstalling Steam client. To do this:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the Steam directory, usually located at
C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamapps. - Select all the files and folders within this directory, right-click, and select Cut.
- Move the cut files and folders to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or a different folder on your computer.
Step 2: Uninstall Steam Client
Once you have moved the Steam apps folder to a safe location, you can uninstall Steam client. To do this:
- Go to the Settings app on your computer and select Apps.
- Find Steam in the list of installed apps and click on it.
- Click on the Uninstall button and follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 3: Restore Your Games
After uninstalling Steam client, you can reinstall your games from the Steam apps folder. To do this:
- Go to the Settings app on your computer and select Apps.
- Click on the Add a feature button and select Install a game.
- Navigate to the location where you moved the Steam apps folder and select the game you want to reinstall.
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
Additional Tips
- Make sure to back up your Steam save files before uninstalling Steam client. You can do this by copying the
C:Program Files (x86)Steamsteamappssavesfolder to a safe location. - If you have any custom settings or configurations for your games, make sure to note them down before uninstalling Steam client. You can reapply these settings after reinstalling the game.
- If you are experiencing any issues with your games after reinstalling Steam client, try reinstalling the game again or seeking help from the game’s support team.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Steam client does not automatically delete your games, but it is essential to take certain precautions to ensure that your games are safely stored on your computer. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can uninstall Steam client while keeping your games intact. Remember to move the Steam apps folder to a safe location, uninstall Steam client, and restore your games after reinstalling the client.