Which Steam files can I delete?

Which Steam Files Can I Delete?

As a Steam user, you may have noticed that your Steam folder is filled with various files and folders. While it’s essential to keep some of these files intact, others can be safely deleted to free up space on your hard drive. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying which Steam files can be deleted and how to do it safely.

What Happens if I Delete Steam Files?

Before we dive into the process of deleting Steam files, it’s essential to understand what happens if you delete them. Deleting Steam files will not affect your games or game saves. However, deleting certain files can cause issues with game installation, updates, and performance. Therefore, it’s crucial to be cautious when deleting files and only remove those that are safe to delete.

Which Steam Files Can I Delete?

Here are some Steam files that you can safely delete:

• Setup files: These files are used to install games on your computer. Once a game is installed, you can safely delete the setup files.
• Language files: If you only play games in one language, you can delete the language files for other languages.
• Demo files: Demo files are used to test games before purchasing them. If you’ve already purchased a game, you can safely delete the demo files.
• Cache files: Cache files are used to store temporary data while playing games. Clearing the cache can help improve game performance and free up space on your hard drive.

What Should I Not Delete?

Here are some Steam files that you should not delete:

• Game files: These files contain the actual game data and are essential for playing the game.
• Save files: Save files contain your game saves and are essential for preserving your progress.
• User data files: These files contain your Steam account information and are essential for logging in to your account.
• Steam executable files: These files are used to run the Steam client and are essential for using the Steam service.

How to Delete Steam Files

To delete Steam files, follow these steps:

1. Open the Steam folder: The Steam folder is usually located in the following directory: C:Program Files (x86)Steam
2. Identify the files you want to delete: Look for files and folders that you can safely delete, such as setup files, language files, demo files, and cache files.
3. Right-click on the file and select "Delete": Right-click on the file and select "Delete" to delete it.
4. Confirm the deletion: A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when deleting Steam files:

• Use the Steam client to clear the cache: Instead of deleting the cache files manually, you can use the Steam client to clear the cache. To do this, go to the Steam settings, select the "Downloads" tab, and click on "Clear Download Cache".
• Use a backup system: Before deleting any files, make sure you have a backup system in place to prevent data loss.
• Be cautious when deleting files: Deleting files can cause issues with game installation, updates, and performance. Be cautious when deleting files and only remove those that are safe to delete.

Conclusion

Deleting Steam files can help free up space on your hard drive and improve game performance. However, it’s essential to be cautious when deleting files and only remove those that are safe to delete. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can safely delete Steam files and keep your Steam library organized and clutter-free.