Is it safe to delete Steam files?
It is safe to delete Steam files as long as you follow the proper procedure and understand the consequences. Steam is a digital distribution platform for video games, and it stores various files on your computer to facilitate the downloading, installation, and management of your games. However, these files can take up a significant amount of space on your hard drive over time, and you may want to remove them to free up storage.
Before deleting any Steam files, it is crucial to understand the different types of files that are involved and their purposes. Here are some key files and folders related to Steam:
1. Steam.exe: This is the main executable file for the Steam client. Deleting this file would prevent you from launching the Steam application and accessing your games. Therefore, it is not recommended to delete this file if you still want to play games through Steam in the future.
2. SteamApps folder: This folder contains all the game files downloaded through Steam. If you delete this folder, you will lose all the installed games and their associated data. However, you can easily re-download and install the games later by logging into your Steam account.
3. Userdata folder: The userdata folder stores various settings and configurations specific to your Steam account. Deleting this folder would reset your preferences, such as saved game settings, controller configurations, and some game-specific settings. While this folder can be safely deleted, it is recommended to back up any important data within it before proceeding.
4. AppCache folder: The AppCache folder contains temporary data and cached information related to Steam and its games. Deleting this folder will not have any significant impact on your games or Steam client, as it will be regenerated automatically when you launch Steam again.
When deciding to delete Steam files, it is essential to consider your future gaming plans. If you want to continue playing your games through Steam, it is recommended to back up your game saves, screenshots, and any other personal data associated with the games. These files are typically stored in separate locations:
1. Save game files: Game saves are usually stored in a specific folder within the SteamApps folder or in your Documents folder. Look for a “Save” or “Savegame” folder within the game’s installation directory or in your “My Documents” or “My Games” folder. Copying these files to a separate location before deleting Steam files will allow you to restore your progress later.
2. Screenshots and other personal data: Steam allows you to take in-game screenshots and store them within its client. These files are saved in a separate folder on your computer. To locate this folder, open the Steam client, go to “View” in the top menu, select “Screenshots,” and click on the “Show on Disk” button. Copy any desired files to a different location before deleting Steam files.
Once you have backed up your game saves and any other personal data, you can safely proceed with deleting the Steam files you wish to remove. Simply locate the files/folders mentioned above and delete them using the appropriate method for your operating system (e.g., right-click and select “Delete”). It is worth noting that deleting these files will not remove your Steam account or any purchased games associated with it. You can always reinstall the Steam client and redownload your games at a later time.
It is safe to delete Steam files as long as you understand the consequences and follow the proper procedure. Backing up your game saves and any other personal data associated with the games is crucial before deleting any files. By doing so, you can free up storage space while still being able to reinstall and play your games through Steam in the future.