If you’re looking to uninstall Steam on Windows 10, it’s a pretty straightforward process. You’ll mainly need to navigate through your computer’s settings, locate the Steam application, and remove it. This guide will walk you through each step so you can easily and efficiently uninstall Steam from your Windows 10 system.
How to Uninstall Steam on Windows 10
This section will provide a step-by-step guide to uninstalling Steam from your Windows 10 computer. Following these steps will ensure that Steam is fully removed from your system.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
First, you need to open the Control Panel on your computer.
To do this, click on the Start menu and type "Control Panel" into the search bar. Select the Control Panel from the search results to open it.
Step 2: Go to "Programs and Features"
Once the Control Panel is open, find and click on "Programs and Features."
This section lists all the programs installed on your computer, making it easy to manage them.
Step 3: Find Steam in the List
Scroll through the list of programs until you find Steam.
The list is usually in alphabetical order, so you should find Steam near the top.
Step 4: Click on Steam and Select "Uninstall"
Click on the Steam entry in the list to highlight it, then click the "Uninstall" button at the top of the list.
A confirmation window will pop up, asking if you’re sure you want to uninstall Steam. Confirm that you do.
Step 5: Follow the On-Screen Instructions
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
This might take a few minutes, and you may need to confirm a few more prompts along the way.
Once you’ve completed these steps, Steam and all its files will be removed from your computer. You might need to restart your computer to finalize the removal completely.
Tips for Uninstalling Steam on Windows 10
- Make sure to back up any saved games or files before uninstalling Steam.
- You can also uninstall Steam via the Settings app under "Apps."
- Sometimes, leftover files may remain. Consider using a third-party uninstaller for thorough removal.
- If you have multiple Steam games, consider uninstalling them individually before removing Steam.
- Check your system’s "Program Files" folder to make sure all Steam-related files are deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling Steam delete my games?
Uninstalling Steam will delete your installed games, but your game saves may remain if they are stored in the cloud or a different folder.
Can I reinstall Steam after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall Steam at any time by downloading the installer from the official Steam website.
Do I need to uninstall Steam to troubleshoot issues?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, verifying game files or reinstalling individual games can fix issues without uninstalling Steam.
How do I back up my saved games before uninstalling Steam?
You can usually find saved games in your user documents or within the game’s own folder. Copy these files to a safe location.
Will Steam keep my game library after reinstallation?
Yes, as long as you log in with the same account, your game library will be available to you.
Summary
- Open the Control Panel.
- Go to "Programs and Features."
- Find Steam in the list.
- Click on Steam and select "Uninstall."
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Steam on Windows 10 is a simple and effective way to free up some space or troubleshoot issues. Whether you’re moving on to other platforms or just need to clear up your system, Steam’s uninstallation process is user-friendly and straightforward. Remember to back up any crucial game data before you begin, so you don’t lose your hard-earned progress.
If you ever want to reinstall Steam, the process is just as easy—download the installer, and you’re good to go. For more tips and tricks on managing your software, feel free to explore other articles or guides. Happy gaming!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.