If you’ve decided it’s finally time to say goodbye to Minecraft on your Windows 11 rig, uninstalling isn’t too complicated, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. It’s mainly about making sure all those files and settings are cleaned up properly, especially if you’re trying to free up space or troubleshoot odd issues.
Uninstalling Minecraft on Windows 11
This process is pretty straightforward and should only take a few minutes. The key is to use the right menu paths and verify that everything is gone for good, especially if you’re switching to another version or just tidying up clutter.
Step 1: Open Settings
Start by clicking Start and then selecting Settings. You can also press Windows + I which is faster. Once you’re in, look for Apps in the left sidebar. That’s where all the installed programs are tucked away.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps & Features
Click on Apps, then go to Apps & Features. This is the real meat of things, showing you a list of all installed apps. Sometimes, on separate Windows setups, you might get a different layout, but it should be similar enough—find Minecraft there.
Step 3: Find Minecraft
You can scroll through the list or just type “Minecraft” in the search box. Since there may be different versions (like the Bedrock Edition or Java), make sure you’re uninstalling the right one. A little extra tip: on some setups, Minecraft might appear as just “Minecraft for Windows” or “Minecraft Launcher,” so double-check which one you’re removing.
Step 4: Uninstall Minecraft
Hit on Minecraft then press the Uninstall button. Confirm any prompts, and sometimes Windows will throw in a quick question about whether you want to remove leftover files. It’s a good idea to do that, especially if you want to reclaim space.
Quick tip: After uninstalling, if you’ve got leftover folders or files, check out C:\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft. Deleting that folder can clear caches and avoids leftover clutter. But be careful—if you still want your worlds, back them up first!
Tips for Uninstalling Minecraft on Windows 11
- Backup Your Saves: Always back up your worlds if you care about your progress. Usually found in
C:\Users\your username\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\saves. - Check for Mods: If you installed mods, remove or disable them before uninstall. Otherwise, you might leave some weird leftover files that confuse future installs.
- Reinstall Later: If you decide to come back, just download again from the official Minecraft site or the Microsoft Store.
- Different Versions: Keep in mind, Minecraft Java and Bedrock are separate installs. Make sure you’re uninstalling the correct one to avoid confusion.
- Extra Cleanup: For extra tidiness, delete leftover folders in
%AppData%or%LocalAppData%. On Windows, you can quickly get there by typing %AppData% in the Run dialog (Win + R).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Minecraft after uninstalling?
Yep, you definitely can. Just download it again from Microsoft Store or the official site. Some folks worry about losing their saves—if you back them up, no problem.
Will uninstalling delete my worlds?
Uninstalling itself doesn’t delete your worlds if you’ve saved them properly in the designated folders. But, of course, good practice is to back them up just in case.
How much space does uninstalling free up?
Depends on how many worlds or mods you had, but usually a few hundred megabytes to a gigabyte. Not massive, but every little bit helps if you’re tight on space.
Are there multiple versions of Minecraft on Windows 11?
Sure, like the Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. They install separately, so you might need to uninstall both if you’re getting rid of everything.
Will I lose my purchases?
Nah, your account *wears* the purchase, so no worries. Once reinstalled, you’ll just log in and re-download without losing anything.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps.
- Access Apps & Features.
- Find Minecraft.
- Click Uninstall and confirm.
Uninstalling Minecraft on Windows 11 is really just about following those steps, but don’t forget to back up your worlds beforehand if they matter. After that, it’s a matter of a couple of clicks, and you’re done. Because Windows, of course, has to make it a little harder than it should be. Still, once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty smooth sailing. Good luck clearing up space or switching versions—whatever the reason, this method gets the job done.
Fingers crossed this helps anyone trying to tidy up their game library or troubleshoot some weird bugs. Just something that worked on multiple machines.