What happens when you uninstall a game?

Answered by Jason Smith

When you uninstall a game, several things happen depending on the platform you are using. Let’s break it down for different platforms:

1. Console (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation):
– The game itself is removed from your console’s hard drive or storage.
– Any updates or patches associated with the game are also deleted.
– However, your game saves and progress are usually retained. These are typically stored separately and are not deleted when uninstalling the game. So, you don’t have to worry about losing your progress.

2. PC (Windows):
– Similar to consoles, the game is removed from your computer’s storage.
– Any associated updates or patches are also deleted.
– In most cases, your game saves are not deleted. They are usually stored in a separate location on your computer. However, it’s always a good idea to manually backup your game saves, just to be safe.

3. Mobile (iOS and Android):
– When you uninstall a game from your mobile device, the game’s app and associated files are deleted.
– Your game progress, achievements, and other data are often stored in the cloud, tied to your account. So, even if you uninstall the game, your progress is usually preserved. However, this may vary depending on the game and the developer’s implementation.

It’s worth noting that some games may have additional files or data that are not automatically removed when you uninstall the game. These files may include game settings, temporary files, or additional content downloaded during gameplay. If you want to completely remove all traces of a game from your device, you can manually delete these files as well.

In my personal experience, I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled games numerous times without losing my progress or game saves. Developers understand the importance of preserving player data, and they often provide mechanisms to ensure that your progress is retained even after uninstalling a game.

So, rest assured, uninstalling a game typically only removes the game itself and associated updates, while your game saves and progress remain safe.