Completely Uninstall ReShade: A Step-by-Step Guide
ReShade is a powerful and popular post-processing injector that enhances the visual fidelity of games by adding various effects like anti-aliasing, color correction, and ambient occlusion. However, there might come a time when you want to uninstall ReShade. Perhaps you’re experiencing performance issues, compatibility conflicts, or simply no longer need its features. A clean uninstall is crucial to avoid lingering files that could potentially cause problems down the line. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to completely remove ReShade from your system, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free experience.
Why Uninstall ReShade?
Before diving into the uninstallation process, it’s important to understand why you might need to remove ReShade in the first place. Common reasons include:
* **Performance Issues:** ReShade’s effects can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting your game’s frame rate. If you’re experiencing noticeable slowdowns, uninstalling ReShade might improve performance.
* **Compatibility Conflicts:** ReShade can sometimes conflict with certain games or other software, leading to crashes, graphical glitches, or other unexpected behavior.
* **Changing Preferences:** You might simply decide that you no longer want or need the visual enhancements that ReShade provides.
* **Troubleshooting:** When diagnosing game issues, it’s often helpful to eliminate potential conflicts by uninstalling ReShade.
* **Clean Installation:** If you plan to reinstall ReShade, a clean uninstall ensures that any previous configuration files or corrupted data are removed, preventing potential problems.
Understanding the Uninstall Process
Unlike standard software with dedicated uninstallers, ReShade integrates directly into the game’s files. Therefore, the uninstallation process involves manually removing these injected files. This guide covers both the general approach and specific steps for different scenarios.
General Steps for Uninstalling ReShade
The following steps provide a general outline for uninstalling ReShade. Specific details may vary depending on the game and how you installed ReShade. Adapt these instructions to your specific circumstances.
Step 1: Identify the Game Directory
The first step is to locate the game directory where ReShade was installed. This is the folder containing the game’s executable file (.exe). Common locations include:
* **Steam Games:** Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Browse…” This will open the game’s installation folder in File Explorer.
* **Other Platforms:** For games from other platforms like Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, or Origin, consult the platform’s documentation or settings to find the installation directory. Usually, you can find the location by right-clicking the game in the launcher and selecting an option like “Manage” or “Installation Directory.”
* **Standalone Games:** If you installed the game from a disc or downloaded it directly, the installation directory is the folder you chose during the installation process. If you’re unsure, check the game’s shortcut properties (right-click the shortcut, select “Properties,” and look at the “Target” field).
Step 2: Remove ReShade Files
Once you’ve located the game directory, carefully remove the following files and folders:
* **ReShade64.dll or ReShade32.dll:** This is the main ReShade DLL file. The specific name (64 or 32) depends on whether the game is 64-bit or 32-bit. If you’re unsure, delete both; the game will typically only use one.
* **dxgi.dll or d3d11.dll or d3d9.dll:** ReShade often injects itself using these DLL files, depending on the game’s DirectX version. Delete the one (or ones) present in the game directory. Some games may use different DirectX versions and thus different DLLs, so check for all three.
* **ReShade.ini:** This file contains ReShade’s configuration settings. Deleting it will remove any custom settings you’ve made.
* **ReShade-Shaders Folder:** This folder contains the shader effects used by ReShade. Deleting it will remove all shaders, including any custom ones you’ve added. This folder is typically in the same directory as the game executable.
* **Any other ReShade-related files or folders:** Look for any other files or folders with “ReShade” in their name and delete them. These might include log files or other supporting files.
**Important:** Be extremely cautious when deleting files in the game directory. Deleting the wrong files could prevent the game from running. If you’re unsure about a file, it’s best to leave it alone or create a backup before deleting it. Consider copying the entire game folder to another location as a backup before proceeding with the deletion.
Step 3: Verify Game File Integrity (Recommended)
After removing ReShade files, it’s highly recommended to verify the integrity of your game files, especially if you’re using a platform like Steam. This process checks for any missing or corrupted files and automatically downloads them. To verify game file integrity on Steam:
1. Right-click on the game in your Steam library.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Local Files” tab.
4. Click “Verify integrity of game files…”
Steam will then scan the game files and download any necessary replacements. This can help resolve any issues caused by accidentally deleting game files during the ReShade uninstallation process.
For other platforms, consult their respective documentation for instructions on verifying game file integrity. Some platforms like GOG Galaxy also have a similar verification feature.
Step 4: Test the Game
After completing the above steps, launch the game to confirm that ReShade has been successfully uninstalled. If the game runs without any errors or ReShade effects, the uninstallation was successful.
Specific Scenarios and Troubleshooting
The general steps outlined above should work for most games, but here are some specific scenarios and troubleshooting tips:
Scenario 1: Game Crashes After Uninstalling ReShade
If the game crashes after removing ReShade files, it’s likely that you accidentally deleted a crucial game file or that the game is still trying to load ReShade. Try the following:
* **Verify Game File Integrity:** As mentioned earlier, this is the first thing you should do. It will replace any missing or corrupted files.
* **Check for Remaining ReShade Files:** Double-check the game directory for any remaining ReShade files that you might have missed. Pay close attention to DLL files.
* **Update Graphics Drivers:** Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can sometimes cause crashes. Update to the latest drivers from the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website.
* **Reinstall the Game:** As a last resort, try reinstalling the game. This will ensure that all necessary files are present and that there are no conflicts with ReShade.
Scenario 2: ReShade Effects Still Appear in the Game
If you’ve removed all the ReShade files but the effects are still visible in the game, it’s possible that the game is using a cached version of ReShade or that ReShade is installed in a different location. Try the following:
* **Clear Shader Cache:** Graphics drivers often cache shader files to improve performance. Clearing the shader cache can force the game to reload the shaders without ReShade effects. The method for clearing the shader cache varies depending on your graphics card:
* **NVIDIA:** Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Manage 3D settings,” and click “Shader Cache Size.” Change the setting to “Driver Default” or disable it entirely. You can also use driver cleaning utilities like DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) for a more thorough cleaning.
* **AMD:** Open the AMD Radeon Settings, go to “Gaming,” select the game, and click “Shader Cache.” Disable it.
* **Intel:** The Intel Graphics Command Center typically doesn’t have a specific shader cache setting. Updating to the latest drivers can sometimes clear the cache.
* **Check Other Game Directories:** It’s possible that ReShade is installed in a different directory than the one you’re currently checking. Search your entire hard drive for ReShade-related files.
* **Restart Your Computer:** A simple restart can sometimes resolve issues by clearing temporary files and caches.
Scenario 3: Unable to Delete ReShade Files
Sometimes, you might encounter errors when trying to delete ReShade files, indicating that the files are in use or that you don’t have the necessary permissions. Try the following:
* **Close the Game:** Make sure the game and any related processes are completely closed. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to check for running processes and end them if necessary.
* **Run as Administrator:** Try running File Explorer as an administrator. Right-click on the File Explorer icon and select “Run as administrator.”
* **Take Ownership of the Files:** If you don’t have the necessary permissions to delete the files, you can try taking ownership of them:
1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to delete.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Security” tab.
4. Click “Advanced.”
5. Next to “Owner,” click “Change.”
6. Enter your user account name and click “Check Names.” If your account is found, click “OK.”
7. Check the box that says “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.” If you are taking ownership of the folder.
8. Click “Apply” and “OK.”
9. Back in the “Properties” window, click “Edit.”
10. Select your user account.
11. Check the box that says “Full control” under “Allow.”
12. Click “Apply” and “OK.”
* **Use a File Unlocker Tool:** If you’re still unable to delete the files, you can use a file unlocker tool like IObit Unlocker or Unlocker. These tools can force-unlock files that are being used by other processes.
Uninstalling ReShade from Specific Games
While the general steps remain the same, here are some notes for uninstalling ReShade from some popular games:
* **Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V):** In addition to the standard ReShade files, GTA V might also have a `dinput8.dll` file that ReShade uses. Make sure to delete this file as well.
* **Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2):** Similar to GTA V, RDR2 might have a `dinput8.dll` file. Also, check for any ReShade-related files in the game’s root directory and subfolders.
* **Cyberpunk 2077:** Cyberpunk 2077 is known for its complex file structure. Make sure to check all subfolders in the game directory for ReShade files, including the `bin` and `x64` folders.
* **The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt:** The Witcher 3 can use different DirectX versions, so make sure to check for `d3d11.dll` and `d3d9.dll`. Also, check for any ReShade-related files in the game’s `bin` folder.
Using ReShade’s Auto-Uninstall Feature (If Available)
Some versions of ReShade offer an auto-uninstall feature during the installation process. If you remember seeing this option when you installed ReShade, you can try running the ReShade installer again and selecting the uninstall option. However, this feature is not always reliable and might not remove all ReShade files. It’s still recommended to manually check the game directory and remove any remaining files.
Preventing Future Issues
To prevent future issues with ReShade, consider the following:
* **Keep ReShade Updated:** If you plan to continue using ReShade, make sure to keep it updated to the latest version. Newer versions often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements.
* **Use a Clean Installation:** When installing ReShade, always start with a clean installation to avoid conflicts with previous versions or corrupted files.
* **Back Up Your Game Files:** Before installing or uninstalling ReShade, consider backing up your game files. This will allow you to easily restore the game to its original state if something goes wrong.
* **Monitor Performance:** Keep an eye on your game’s performance after installing ReShade. If you notice any significant slowdowns, consider adjusting the ReShade settings or uninstalling it altogether.
* **Read Installation Guides:** Always read the installation guides and documentation provided with ReShade. This will help you understand the installation process and avoid common mistakes.
Advanced Uninstallation Techniques
For particularly stubborn cases where ReShade refuses to be completely removed, or where you suspect deep-level integration, consider these advanced techniques. **Warning: These techniques are for advanced users only. Incorrectly modifying system files or the registry can cause serious system instability. Proceed with extreme caution and back up your system before attempting these steps.**
1. Registry Cleaning
ReShade *may* leave behind registry entries, although this is less common. Use the Registry Editor (regedit) with extreme caution. Before making any changes, back up your registry by going to File -> Export and saving the file.
Search (Ctrl+F) for the following terms:
* `ReShade`
* `ReShade64`
* `ReShade32`
* Specific shader names you may have used (e.g., `MXAO`, `Bloom`, etc.)
* The game’s executable name (e.g., `gta5.exe`)
Carefully examine each entry before deleting it. Only delete entries that are clearly related to ReShade. Deleting the wrong registry entries can cause serious system problems.
**Important: Back up your registry before making any changes!**
2. System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
These Windows utilities can scan for and repair corrupted system files. While they are unlikely to directly remove ReShade components, they can help resolve conflicts or issues that might arise from incomplete uninstallation. To run SFC:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click and select “Run as administrator”).
2. Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
To run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management):
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete.
3. Check Windows Defender Exclusions (and other Anti-Virus Software)
It’s rare, but some anti-virus programs might flag ReShade files and quarantine them. This can sometimes leave remnants that interfere with the game even after deleting what you *think* are all the ReShade files. Check your anti-virus software’s quarantine or exclusion lists. If ReShade files are listed, remove them from the quarantine and *then* manually delete them from the game directory, if they are still present.
4. Examine and Reset Game Configuration Files
Some games store configuration settings, including graphics options, in separate configuration files (e.g., `.ini` files, `.cfg` files). ReShade might have altered these files. If you’re still having issues, locate these configuration files (usually in the game directory or in your user profile’s Documents folder under a folder for the game). Deleting or resetting these files will revert the game to its default settings, which may resolve conflicts. Note: you will lose any custom settings you have made in the game by doing this.
5. Use a Dedicated Uninstaller Utility (Caution Advised)
While not specifically designed for ReShade, some advanced uninstaller utilities (like Revo Uninstaller Pro) can scan for associated files and registry entries. However, using these tools on core game files is risky. Only use this as a last resort and be extremely careful about what you delete.
**Warning: These utilities can be aggressive and may delete important files if not used correctly. Create a system restore point before using any uninstaller utility.**
Reinstalling ReShade
If you uninstalled ReShade to troubleshoot a problem and now want to reinstall it, follow the official ReShade installation instructions carefully. Make sure you download the latest version from the official website ([https://reshade.me/](https://reshade.me/)).
Remember to choose the correct DirectX version for your game during the installation process. If you’re unsure, you can usually find this information in the game’s settings or documentation.
Conclusion
Uninstalling ReShade requires a bit more manual effort than typical software. By following these detailed steps and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure a clean and complete removal, resolving potential performance issues, compatibility conflicts, or simply reverting to the game’s original visuals. Remember to always back up your game files and proceed with caution when deleting files in the game directory. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can successfully uninstall ReShade and enjoy your games without any unwanted visual enhancements.