Are you looking to free up some space or take a break from the battlefields of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)? If you’re unsure how to uninstall PUBG from your Steam library, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and offer tips for managing your steam library effectively.
Understanding the Basics of PUBG and Steam
Before diving into the uninstallation process, let’s briefly discuss what PUBG and Steam are, so you understand the context of your actions.
What is PUBG?
PUBG, short for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, is a multiplayer battle royale game developed and published by PUBG Corporation. It quickly gained popularity for its intense gameplay, large open maps, and strategic elements. Players compete against each other to be the last person or team standing.
What is Steam?
Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation that allows users to purchase and download games. It provides social networking features, cloud saving, and automatic updates. The software has a vast library of games, including PUBG, making it a go-to platform for gamers.
Why Uninstall PUBG from Steam?
While PUBG is an exhilarating experience, you might consider uninstalling it for several reasons:
- Storage Space: High-end games like PUBG consume significant storage space on your hard drive. Uninstalling can help free up room for new games or files.
- Performance Issues: If your computer struggles with performance while playing PUBG, uninstalling may help improve its overall speed and efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstall PUBG from Steam
Follow these steps to uninstall PUBG from your Steam library easily.
Step 1: Open Steam
Begin by launching the Steam application on your computer. If you haven’t installed Steam yet, you can download it from the official website.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Library
Once you’re logged into your account, you will see a menu at the top of the window. Click on the “Library” tab, which will take you to your collection of games.
Step 3: Locate PUBG
Scroll through your list of games to find PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. You can also use the search function in the library by typing “PUBG” into the search bar.
Step 4: Right-Click on PUBG
After locating PUBG, right-click on the game title. This action will bring up a context menu with various options.
Step 5: Select ‘Uninstall’ Option
From the context menu, click on the “Manage” option to reveal more choices. Then select “Uninstall.”
Step 6: Confirm Uninstallation
A confirmation window will pop up, asking if you are sure you want to uninstall the game. Confirm your decision by clicking “Uninstall.”
Step 7: Wait for the Uninstallation Process
Steam will take a few moments to uninstall PUBG from your device. You’ll see a progress bar that indicates the status of the uninstallation.
Alternative Methods to Uninstall PUBG
Uninstalling PUBG through Steam is the most straightforward method, but if you’re facing issues, there are alternative ways to uninstall the game.
Using Windows Settings
If you prefer to do it through your computer’s settings, follow these steps:
Windows 10/11:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
- Type Settings and press Enter.
- Click on Apps.
- In the Apps & features section, scroll down to find PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
- Click on it and select Uninstall.
Windows 7:
- Click on the Start menu.
- Go to Control Panel.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a Program.
- Find PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds in the list and click on it.
- Click on Uninstall.
Cleaning Up Residual Files
Uninstalling the game may leave some residual files on your system. To ensure that your computer is completely cleared of PUBG data, consider performing the following steps:
- Navigate to the Steam directory. Usually, it can be found at
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\Common\. - If there is a PUBG folder, delete it manually.
- Check the Documents folder for any saved data related to PUBG and delete it if necessary.
Reinstalling PUBG in the Future
If you decide to return to PUBG after taking a break, reinstalling is quite straightforward. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Steam
Launch the Steam application and log in to your account.
Step 2: Go to Your Library
Navigate back to your Library.
Step 3: Install PUBG
Search for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds in your Library. Click the game title, and you will see an option that says “Install.” Click on it, and Steam will begin downloading and installing the game again.
Managing Your Steam Library Effectively
As you are cleaning up your library, it’s essential to manage your Steam library effectively to avoid clutter and make navigation easier.
Organize by Categories
You can create categories for different games, such as “Completed,” “Currently Playing,” and “To Play.”
- Right-click on the game in your library.
- Select “Set Categories.”
- Choose your preferred categories or create new ones.
Hide Uninstalled Games
To keep your library looking tidy, you can hide games you have uninstalled or do not play anymore. Right-click the game and select “Manage,” then choose the option to hide it.
Conclusion
Uninstalling PUBG from Steam doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Whether you’re aiming to free up space or take a hiatus from the game, following the steps and tips outlined in this guide will help you do it efficiently.
Taking a break is perfectly normal, and if you ever decide to return, the seamless reinstall process ensures you can dive back into the action whenever you’re ready. Happy gaming, whether it’s in the trenches of PUBG or exploring new gaming experiences!
How do I uninstall PUBG from Steam?
To uninstall PUBG from Steam, first, launch the Steam client on your computer. Once the client is open, navigate to your Library, where you will find a list of your games. Locate PUBG in the list, right-click on it, and select “Manage” from the drop-down menu. After that, click on “Uninstall” to begin the process.
A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you are sure you want to uninstall the game. Click “Delete” to confirm the uninstallation. The game files will be removed from your computer, and you’ll be able to download it again anytime in the future if you wish.
Will uninstalling PUBG delete my game progress?
No, uninstalling PUBG from Steam will not erase your game progress. Your progress, including any unlocked items or achievements, is saved on the PUBG servers. Therefore, once you reinstall the game, you will be able to access your account and resume playing with all of your previous progress intact.
However, it’s important to make sure that you are signed into your account when you uninstall and reinstall the game. That way, any progress linked to your account will still be there once you log back in after the reinstall.
What happens to my installed mods when I uninstall PUBG?
When you uninstall PUBG, any mods you have installed will also be removed from your system. This means that if you’ve added any modifications to enhance your gameplay or alter the game’s appearance, you will need to reinstall those mods after you have reinstalled PUBG in the future.
To ensure a smooth transition when you wish to play with mods again, it’s recommended to keep a backup of your mod configurations or notes on how to reinstall them. This can save you time the next time you install the game.
Can I reinstall PUBG after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can easily reinstall PUBG after you have uninstalled it from Steam. To do this, simply return to your Steam Library and search for PUBG in your game list. You will notice that it will appear with the option to install instead of play since it was uninstalled.
Click the “Install” button, and Steam will begin the process of downloading and reinstalling PUBG for you. Once the download is complete, you can start playing the game again as if you never uninstalled it.
Will uninstalling PUBG free up disk space?
Absolutely, uninstalling PUBG will free up disk space on your computer. The game can take up a significant amount of hard drive space due to its graphics, updates, and additional content. By uninstalling it, you will reclaim the space that was previously allocated to the game.
If you find that your disk space is limited and you’re looking to optimize your storage, removing games you no longer play regularly can be a beneficial step. You can always reinstall games that you decide to play again later.
Is there a way to uninstall PUBG without using Steam?
While the recommended method to uninstall PUBG is through the Steam client, you can also uninstall it through your computer’s control panel or settings if necessary. Navigate to the Control Panel on your Windows PC, go to “Programs,” then select “Programs and Features.” From there, look for PUBG in the list, right-click on it, and choose “Uninstall.”
However, this method may not remove all of the gaming files and configurations linked to your Steam account. Therefore, it’s generally best practice to uninstall the game through Steam to ensure a complete removal of all game-related files from your system.