When you delete a purchased game on Steam, several things happen. First and foremost, the game itself will be uninstalled from your computer, freeing up storage space. This means that you will no longer be able to access and play the game directly from your computer without reinstalling it.
However, it’s important to note that deleting a game from your Steam library does not mean that you have permanently lost access to it. Unlike physical copies of games or some other digital platforms, Steam allows you to retain ownership of the games you purchase, even if you uninstall them.
So, what exactly happens when you delete a game from your Steam library? Here’s a breakdown:
1. Uninstallation: Deleting a game from your Steam library initiates the uninstallation process. Depending on the size of the game, this process may take a few moments or several minutes. Once the uninstallation is complete, the game will no longer be present on your computer’s hard drive.
2. Game Files Removal: Along with the uninstallation, Steam also removes the game files associated with the deleted game from your computer. This includes game data, save files, configuration settings, and any additional files that were installed along with the game. This helps to free up storage space on your computer.
3. Steam Cloud Sync: If you had enabled Steam Cloud synchronization for the game, your save files and game progress will be stored on the Steam servers. This means that even if you uninstall the game, your progress will be saved and can be retrieved if you decide to reinstall the game in the future.
4. Steam Library Availability: Deleting a game from your Steam library doesn’t remove it entirely from your account. The game will still be listed in your Steam Library, but with a “Not Installed” status. This means that you can easily reinstall the game at any time without having to repurchase it. Simply click on the game in your library and select “Install” to download and reinstall it.
It’s worth mentioning that once you’ve purchased a game on Steam, it is linked to your account permanently. You can always access and download the game again, even on different devices, as long as you log in with the same Steam account.
Deleting a purchased game on Steam is a convenient option if you want to free up storage space on your computer or simply remove a game that you no longer play. However, it’s important to note that once you delete a game, any in-game progress that was not backed up to the Steam Cloud will be lost. So, if you’re planning to reinstall the game in the future, it’s a good idea to ensure that your progress is properly synced with the Steam Cloud.
Deleting a purchased game on Steam uninstalls it from your computer, removes associated game files, but retains the game in your Steam Library for future reinstallation.