How to Completely Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher (and Remove All Traces)
If you’re looking to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher from your computer, whether it’s to free up space, troubleshoot issues, or simply because you no longer use it, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Uninstalling the launcher itself is relatively straightforward, but ensuring that all associated files and folders are also removed will prevent potential conflicts in the future and reclaim valuable storage. This article provides detailed instructions, including how to address common errors and completely eliminate all traces of the Epic Games Launcher from your system.
## Why Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher?
There are several reasons why you might want to remove the Epic Games Launcher:
* **Freeing up Disk Space:** The launcher and its associated games can take up a significant amount of storage space, especially if you have multiple games installed. Uninstalling them can free up valuable space, which can be used for other applications or files.
* **Troubleshooting Issues:** Sometimes, the Epic Games Launcher can experience issues such as crashes, errors, or slow performance. Uninstalling and reinstalling the launcher can often resolve these problems.
* **Reducing Clutter:** If you no longer use the Epic Games Launcher, removing it can help declutter your system and make it easier to find the applications you use regularly.
* **Preparing for a Clean Install:** If you plan to reinstall the launcher or any of its games, uninstalling it first can ensure a clean installation and prevent potential conflicts with older files.
* **Switching to Alternative Platforms:** You may prefer to use other gaming platforms like Steam, GOG Galaxy, or others and therefore want to remove unused launchers.
## Before You Begin: Important Considerations
Before starting the uninstallation process, consider the following:
* **Back Up Your Game Saves (If Necessary):** Epic Games usually stores game saves in the cloud. However, some games may save data locally. Check your game’s documentation or settings to determine where your saves are stored and back them up if needed. The default location for saves is usually in the `Documents` folder or within the specific game’s installation directory.
* **Close the Epic Games Launcher:** Ensure that the Epic Games Launcher is completely closed before attempting to uninstall it. Check the system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of your screen) to see if the launcher is still running in the background. If it is, right-click the icon and select “Exit” or “Quit.” Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look for any processes named “Epic Games Launcher” or associated with Unreal Engine. If you find any, select them and click “End Task.”
* **Administrator Privileges:** You will need administrator privileges to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher. Make sure you are logged in to an account with administrator access.
* **Internet Connection:** While not strictly required for the uninstallation process, having an internet connection is recommended, especially if you plan to reinstall the launcher later. This will allow you to download the latest version of the installer.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher
Here’s a detailed guide on how to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher using different methods:
### Method 1: Uninstalling Through Windows Settings (Recommended)
This is the most straightforward and recommended method for uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher.
1. **Open the Settings App:**
* Click the **Start** button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
* Click the **Settings** icon (the gear icon) in the Start menu. Alternatively, you can press the **Windows key + I** to open the Settings app directly.
2. **Navigate to Apps:**
* In the Settings app, click on **Apps** (or **Apps & Features** in older versions of Windows).
3. **Find the Epic Games Launcher:**
* In the Apps & Features list, scroll down until you find **Epic Games Launcher**. You can also use the search bar in the Apps & Features window to quickly locate it by typing “Epic Games Launcher.”
4. **Uninstall the Launcher:**
* Click on **Epic Games Launcher**. This will reveal the **Uninstall** button. Click on the **Uninstall** button.
* A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to uninstall the application. Click **Uninstall** again to confirm.
5. **User Account Control (UAC) Prompt:**
* You may see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking for permission to make changes to your device. Click **Yes** to continue the uninstallation process. This is because the uninstallation process needs admin privileges to remove files from protected locations.
6. **Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:**
* The Epic Games Launcher uninstallation wizard will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation. This might involve agreeing to terms and conditions, specifying uninstallation options (if any), and waiting for the process to finish.
### Method 2: Uninstalling Through the Control Panel (Alternative)
If you prefer using the classic Control Panel, here’s how to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher through it:
1. **Open the Control Panel:**
* Click the **Start** button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
* Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and press **Enter**. This will open the Control Panel application.
2. **Navigate to Programs and Features:**
* In the Control Panel, click on **Programs** and then click on **Programs and Features**. If you’re viewing the Control Panel in Category view, click on **Uninstall a program** under the Programs section.
3. **Find the Epic Games Launcher:**
* In the Programs and Features list, scroll down until you find **Epic Games Launcher**. You can also use the search bar in the top-right corner to quickly locate it by typing “Epic Games Launcher.”
4. **Uninstall the Launcher:**
* Click on **Epic Games Launcher** to select it. Then, click the **Uninstall** button that appears in the toolbar above the list of programs. Alternatively, you can right-click on **Epic Games Launcher** and select **Uninstall** from the context menu.
5. **User Account Control (UAC) Prompt:**
* You may see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking for permission to make changes to your device. Click **Yes** to continue the uninstallation process.
6. **Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:**
* The Epic Games Launcher uninstallation wizard will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
### Method 3: Using the Command Prompt (Advanced – Use with Caution)
This method is for more advanced users who are comfortable using the command prompt. Incorrectly using the command prompt can cause issues with your system, so proceed with caution.
1. **Open Command Prompt as Administrator:**
* Click the **Start** button (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
* Type “cmd” or “command prompt” in the search bar.
* Right-click on **Command Prompt** in the search results and select **Run as administrator**.
* You will see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking for permission. Click **Yes** to continue.
2. **Find the Uninstall String:**
* You need to find the uninstall string for the Epic Games Launcher. This string is a command that tells Windows how to uninstall the program. You can find it in the Windows Registry.
* Open the Registry Editor by pressing **Windows key + R**, typing “regedit”, and pressing **Enter**.
* Navigate to the following registry key:
`HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall`
* Under this key, you will see a list of subkeys, each representing an installed program. Look for a subkey that corresponds to the Epic Games Launcher. It might be named something like `{SOME_UNIQUE_ID}_is1` or contain “Epic Games Launcher” in its DisplayName value.
* Once you find the correct subkey, look for a value named **UninstallString**. This value contains the command that uninstalls the program.
3. **Run the Uninstall Command:**
* Copy the value of the **UninstallString**. It should look something like this:
`”C:\Program Files\Epic Games Launcher\Uninstall\Uninstall.exe”`
* Go back to the Command Prompt window.
* Paste the copied uninstall string into the Command Prompt window.
* Press **Enter** to execute the command. This will start the Epic Games Launcher uninstallation wizard.
4. **Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:**
* The Epic Games Launcher uninstallation wizard will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
**Important Note:** Using the Command Prompt method involves directly interacting with the Windows Registry. Incorrectly modifying the registry can lead to system instability or other issues. Therefore, this method should only be used by experienced users who are comfortable working with the command prompt and the registry.
## Removing Remaining Files and Folders (Important for a Clean Uninstall)
After uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher using any of the above methods, it’s important to manually remove any remaining files and folders to ensure a completely clean uninstall. This will prevent potential conflicts if you decide to reinstall the launcher later.
1. **Show Hidden Files and Folders:**
* By default, Windows hides some system files and folders. You need to enable the option to show hidden files and folders to find all the files associated with the Epic Games Launcher.
* Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
* Click on the **View** tab in the ribbon at the top of the File Explorer window.
* In the **Show/hide** section, check the box next to **Hidden items**. This will make hidden files and folders visible.
2. **Delete the Epic Games Launcher Installation Folder:**
* The default installation folder for the Epic Games Launcher is usually located at:
`C:\Program Files\Epic Games Launcher`
* Navigate to this folder in File Explorer. If the folder still exists after the uninstallation, delete it.
* You may need to confirm the deletion and provide administrator permissions.
3. **Delete the Epic Games Folder in ProgramData:**
* The ProgramData folder is a hidden folder that stores application data. The Epic Games Launcher may have files and folders in this location.
* Navigate to the ProgramData folder. It’s usually located at:
`C:\ProgramData`
* Look for a folder named **Epic**. If it exists, delete it.
* You may need to confirm the deletion and provide administrator permissions.
4. **Delete the Epic Games Folder in LocalAppData:**
* The LocalAppData folder is another hidden folder that stores application data.
* Navigate to the LocalAppData folder. It’s usually located at:
`C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local`
Replace `[Your Username]` with your actual Windows username.
* Look for a folder named **EpicGamesLauncher**. If it exists, delete it.
* You may need to confirm the deletion and provide administrator permissions.
5. **Delete the Epic Games Folder in Roaming:**
* The Roaming folder stores application data that can be synchronized across different computers.
* Navigate to the Roaming folder. It’s usually located at:
`C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming`
Replace `[Your Username]` with your actual Windows username.
* Look for a folder named **Epic Games Launcher**. If it exists, delete it.
* You may encounter a folder named **Epic Games**. If it exists, delete it as well.
* You may need to confirm the deletion and provide administrator permissions.
6. **Remove Registry Entries (Advanced – Use with Caution):**
* While not always necessary, you can also remove registry entries associated with the Epic Games Launcher. However, this step should only be performed by experienced users who are comfortable working with the Windows Registry. Incorrectly modifying the registry can lead to system instability.
* Open the Registry Editor by pressing **Windows key + R**, typing “regedit”, and pressing **Enter**.
* Back up your registry before making any changes. To do this, click **File** > **Export**, choose a location to save the backup, and give it a name.
* Search for registry keys and values that contain “Epic Games Launcher” or “Epic Games”. Be very careful not to delete any registry entries that are not clearly related to the Epic Games Launcher.
* Here are some registry locations you might want to check:
* `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Epic Games`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Epic Games`
* `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Epic Games` (for 64-bit systems)
* Delete any registry keys or values that are clearly associated with the Epic Games Launcher. To delete a key, right-click on it and select **Delete**. To delete a value, right-click on it and select **Delete**.
* After deleting the registry entries, close the Registry Editor.
7. **Empty the Recycle Bin:**
* After deleting all the files and folders, empty the Recycle Bin to permanently remove them from your system.
* Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select **Empty Recycle Bin**.
## Troubleshooting Common Uninstall Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter issues while uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
* **”Cannot Uninstall Because the Program is Running” Error:**
* This error occurs when the Epic Games Launcher or one of its associated processes is still running in the background. Make sure to close the launcher and any related processes before attempting to uninstall it. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and look for processes named “Epic Games Launcher” or associated with Unreal Engine. If you find any, select them and click “End Task.”
* **Uninstallation Process Gets Stuck or Fails:**
* If the uninstallation process gets stuck or fails, try restarting your computer and then attempt the uninstallation again. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues that are preventing the uninstallation from completing.
* **Missing Uninstall Files:**
* In rare cases, the uninstall files for the Epic Games Launcher may be missing or corrupted. If this happens, you can try reinstalling the launcher and then uninstalling it again. Download the latest version of the Epic Games Launcher installer from the official Epic Games website and run it. Then, follow the uninstallation steps outlined above.
* **Permissions Issues:**
* If you encounter permissions issues during the uninstallation process, make sure you are logged in to an account with administrator privileges. You may also need to take ownership of the files and folders that you are trying to delete. To take ownership of a file or folder, right-click on it, select **Properties**, go to the **Security** tab, click **Advanced**, and then change the owner to your user account.
* **Third-Party Uninstallers:**
* If you’re still having trouble uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher, you can try using a third-party uninstaller program. These programs are designed to completely remove applications and their associated files and registry entries. Some popular third-party uninstallers include Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller. These programs often have a “force uninstall” feature that can remove stubborn programs that are difficult to uninstall using the standard methods.
## Reinstalling the Epic Games Launcher
If you uninstalled the Epic Games Launcher to troubleshoot issues or perform a clean install, you can reinstall it by following these steps:
1. **Download the Latest Installer:**
* Go to the official Epic Games website ([https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/](https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/)) and download the latest version of the Epic Games Launcher installer.
2. **Run the Installer:**
* Locate the downloaded installer file (usually named something like “EpicInstaller.msi”) and double-click on it to run it.
3. **Follow the Installation Wizard:**
* The Epic Games Launcher installation wizard will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This might involve agreeing to terms and conditions, specifying the installation location, and waiting for the process to finish.
4. **Launch the Epic Games Launcher:**
* Once the installation is complete, launch the Epic Games Launcher by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop or in the Start menu.
5. **Log In to Your Account:**
* Enter your Epic Games account credentials (email address and password) and click “Sign In” to log in to your account.
6. **Install Your Games:**
* After logging in, you can reinstall any games that you previously had installed. Go to the “Library” section in the launcher, find the games you want to install, and click the “Install” button.
## Conclusion
Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher is a straightforward process, but ensuring a complete removal requires attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, including removing remaining files and folders, you can effectively uninstall the launcher and prevent potential future issues. Remember to back up your game saves if necessary, and always exercise caution when modifying the Windows Registry. Whether you’re freeing up space, troubleshooting problems, or simply moving on to other gaming platforms, this guide provides the information you need for a clean and successful uninstallation. Remember to be careful while deleting the registry. Deleting the wrong registry can cause issues for the entire system. If you’re not comfortable with the registry, it’s best to avoid editing it. By following these steps, you can ensure that the Epic Games Launcher is completely removed from your system.