How To Delete Games On PC

To delete games on PC and free up storage space, the quickest way is to uninstall them through Windows Settings or your game launcher, not by dragging folders to the Recycle Bin. Because most modern games use cloud saves, uninstalling them usually won't erase your progress, so you can reinstall them later without losing your place.

How to delete games on PC using Windows settings

This is the primary method for games installed through the Microsoft Store or as standard Windows apps. It's the most reliable way to remove the game's core files and its entry from the system's app list.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to Apps and then Installed apps.
3. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the game you want to remove.
4. Click the three dots (More) next to the game's name.
5. Select Uninstall and confirm the prompt.

This method works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. After the process finishes, the game is no longer listed in your installed programs, but you may still have leftover files in other folders.

Uninstall games from the Start menu

If you want a faster route without opening Settings, the Start menu offers a direct shortcut. This is especially handy when you know exactly which game you're removing.

1. Click the Start button and select All apps to see the full list.
2. Find the game in the alphabetical list.
3. Right-click (or press and hold) on the game's name.
4. Choose Uninstall from the context menu.
5. Confirm the uninstall dialog that appears.

This method triggers the same uninstaller as Settings but saves you a few clicks. It works for both modern apps and traditional desktop programs that are registered with Windows.

Uninstall games from Steam and other launchers

Games purchased through Steam, Epic Games, or Origin are managed by their respective launchers. Uninstalling through the launcher is the correct way to remove the game files without breaking the launcher's library.

For Steam specifically, open your library, right-click the game, select Manage, and then choose Uninstall. This removes the game from your computer but does not remove it from your Steam account, you can reinstall it later without re-purchasing. If you want to permanently delete a game from your Steam account, you must go through Steam Support and select "I want to permanently remove this game from my account."

Other launchers like Epic Games or GOG Galaxy have similar options: right-click the game in your library and look for an uninstall or remove option. Always use the launcher's built-in uninstaller rather than manually deleting folders, as this ensures the launcher updates its records correctly.

Use Control Panel as a fallback

For classic desktop programs or when the Settings app or launcher fails to uninstall a game, the legacy Control Panel is your backup. This method is especially useful for older games that were installed before the modern Settings app existed.

1. Search for "Control Panel" in the taskbar and open it.
2. Select Programs and then Programs and Features.
3. Scroll through the list of installed programs to find the game.
4. Right-click the game and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the removal.

This method is particularly helpful if the game's entry is missing from Settings or if the launcher is not installed. It's also the standard approach for any program that predates Windows 10.

Delete leftover game files manually

Even after a successful uninstall, games often leave behind folders in your system. These remnants can include settings, save files, or cached data that take up space. Manually deleting them ensures a complete cleanup.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the game's installation folder, usually in Program Files or Program Files (x86).
2. If the game's folder still exists, right-click it and select Delete.
3. Check the AppData folder (type %AppData% in the File Explorer address bar) for any folders named after the game, and delete those too.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently free the space.

Be cautious when deleting files manually, only remove folders that clearly belong to the game you uninstalled. Do not delete system folders or anything you're unsure about. Once the Recycle Bin is emptied, the storage space is fully reclaimed.