Are you tired of the Epic Games Launcher hogging resources on your computer, but don’t want to lose access to your beloved games? You’re not alone. Many players have found themselves in this predicament, unsure of how to uninstall the launcher without deleting their games. Fear not, dear gamer, for we’re about to embark on a journey to safely remove the Epic Games Launcher while keeping your games intact.
Why Uninstall the Epic Games Launcher?
Before we dive into the uninstallation process, it’s essential to understand why you might want to remove the Epic Games Launcher in the first place.
One of the primary reasons is the launcher’s resource-intensive nature. The Epic Games Launcher can consume a significant amount of CPU power, memory, and disk space, even when not in use. This can lead to slower performance, increased temperatures, and decreased battery life.
Additionally, some players might find the launcher’s constant updates and notifications annoying or intrusive. Others might prefer alternative launchers, such as Steam or GOG, which offer more features and a better gaming experience.
Whatever your reasons, rest assured that uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher without deleting your games is a relatively straightforward process.
Preparing for Uninstallation
Before you begin, take a few precautions to ensure a smooth uninstallation process:
Backup Your Game Saves
First and foremost, backup your game saves. Although the uninstallation process won’t delete your games, it’s always a good idea to have a backup of your precious progress. You can do this by:
- Using the built-in cloud saving feature in the Epic Games Launcher (if available)
- Manually copying your save files to an external drive or cloud storage service
- Using third-party save management tools, such as Save Wizard or Save Editor
Unlink Your Epic Games Account
Next, unlink your Epic Games account from the launcher. This will ensure that your account and game library remain intact, even after you uninstall the launcher. To do this:
- Open the Epic Games Launcher and log in to your account
- Click on your username in the top-right corner and select “Account”
- Scroll down to the “Account Info” section and click on “Unlink Account”
- Confirm that you want to unlink your account
Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher
Now that you’ve taken the necessary precautions, it’s time to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher:
Method 1: Uninstall via the Control Panel (Windows)
On Windows, you can uninstall the Epic Games Launcher via the Control Panel:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Control Panel”
- Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Uninstall a program” (in Windows 7)
- Find “Epic Games Launcher” in the list of installed programs and click on it
- Click the “Uninstall” button and follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process
Method 2: Uninstall via the Settings App (Windows 10)
On Windows 10, you can also uninstall the Epic Games Launcher via the Settings app:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app
- Click on “Apps” and then select “Apps & features” from the left menu
- Find “Epic Games Launcher” in the list of installed apps and click on it
- Click the “Uninstall” button and follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process
Method 3: Uninstall via the Launchpad (macOS)
On macOS, you can uninstall the Epic Games Launcher via the Launchpad:
- Click on the Launchpad icon in the Dock
- Find the Epic Games Launcher icon and click on it
- Click the “X” icon in the top-left corner of the icon and select “Delete”
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher
What Happens to My Games?
Now that you’ve uninstalled the Epic Games Launcher, you might be wondering what happens to your games.
Rest assured that your games remain intact. Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher only removes the launcher itself, not the games you’ve installed. You can still access your games by navigating to the game’s installation folder and running the executable file.
However, you won’t be able to launch your games from the Epic Games Launcher, as it’s no longer present on your system. You’ll need to use alternative launchers or methods to play your games.
Alternative Launchers and Solutions
If you’re looking for alternative launchers or solutions to play your Epic Games, consider the following options:
Steam
Steam is one of the most popular game launchers, offering a vast library of games, social features, and community tools. You can try reinstalling your Epic Games on Steam, if available.
GOG Galaxy
GOG Galaxy is a launcher that focuses on DRM-free games, offering a curated selection of titles. Although it doesn’t support Epic Games, you might find alternative versions of your games on the platform.
Launchers from Game Developers
Some game developers, like Rockstar Games or Bethesda Softworks, offer their own launchers for their games. You can try using these launchers to play your Epic Games, if available.
Conclusion
Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher without deleting your games is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely remove the launcher while keeping your games intact.
Remember to backup your game saves, unlink your Epic Games account, and use alternative launchers or solutions to play your games. With a little preparation and patience, you can enjoy your Epic Games without the Epic Games Launcher.
Happy gaming!
Will I lose my game progress if I uninstall the Epic Games Launcher?
Your game progress is tied to your Epic Games account, not the launcher itself. As long as you have an active internet connection and log in to your account, your progress will be synced and saved. This means that you can uninstall and reinstall the launcher without worrying about losing your progress. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your saves manually, just in case.
To be extra cautious, make sure you’re logged in to your Epic Games account before uninstalling the launcher. This will ensure that your progress is synced to the cloud. Additionally, some games may have additional backup options within their settings, so be sure to check those as well. By taking these precautions, you can rest assured that your progress will be safe even if you uninstall the launcher.
Can I uninstall the Epic Games Launcher from the Control Panel?
Yes, you can uninstall the Epic Games Launcher from the Control Panel on Windows. To do so, navigate to the “Add or remove programs” section, find the Epic Games Launcher in the list, and click the “Uninstall” button. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. This method is straightforward and effective, and it will remove the launcher from your system.
Keep in mind that uninstalling from the Control Panel will remove the launcher entirely, including any residual files or data. If you want to keep your game files intact, make sure you’ve backed them up before uninstalling. Alternatively, you can use the Epic Games Launcher’s built-in uninstallation feature, which will allow you to remove the launcher while keeping your game files intact.
How do I uninstall the Epic Games Launcher on a Mac?
Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher on a Mac is a bit different than on Windows. To remove the launcher, navigate to the Applications folder, find the Epic Games Launcher, and drag it to the Trash. Then, right-click on the Trash icon and select “Empty” to delete the launcher. You may also need to delete any residual files or folders left behind, which can be found in the Library/Application Support/Epic Games folder.
Be cautious when uninstalling the launcher on a Mac, as you’ll also need to remove any game files you want to keep. Make sure you’ve backed up your game files before uninstalling, or you may lose them. Alternatively, you can use the Epic Games Launcher’s built-in uninstallation feature, which will allow you to remove the launcher while keeping your game files intact.
Will I still be able to play my games after uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher?
If you’ve uninstalled the Epic Games Launcher, you won’t be able to launch your games directly from the launcher. However, you can still play your games by reinstalling the launcher or by using alternative launchers, such as the game’s own executable file. If you’ve backed up your game files, you can reinstall the launcher and restore your games from the backup.
Keep in mind that some games may require the Epic Games Launcher to be installed and running in the background to function properly. If you’re unsure about how to launch your game without the Epic Games Launcher, check the game’s documentation or online forums for guidance.
Can I transfer my games to another platform after uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher?
Transferring your games to another platform depends on the game itself, not the Epic Games Launcher. If the game is available on other platforms, such as Steam or GOG, you may be able to transfer your game progress or files. However, this is not always possible, and it’s best to check the game’s documentation or online forums for specific instructions.
In some cases, you may need to repurchase the game on the new platform or use a cloud saving feature to transfer your progress. Be sure to research your options before uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher, and make sure you have a backup of your game files just in case.
Will uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher affect my Epic Games account?
Uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher will not affect your Epic Games account in any way. Your account information, game progress, and game library will remain intact, and you can access them by reinstalling the launcher or logging in to your account on the Epic Games website. This means you can uninstall and reinstall the launcher as many times as you need without worrying about losing your account information.
However, if you’re having issues with your account or game progress, uninstalling the launcher may not solve the problem. In such cases, it’s best to contact Epic Games support for assistance.
Can I reinstall the Epic Games Launcher after uninstalling it?
Yes, you can reinstall the Epic Games Launcher after uninstalling it. Simply download and install the launcher from the Epic Games website, and log in to your account as usual. Your game library and progress will be restored, and you can continue playing your games as before. Make sure you’ve backed up your game files before reinstalling, just in case.
If you’re reinstalling the launcher after uninstalling it, you may need to redownload any games you had installed previously. However, if you’ve backed up your game files, you can restore them from the backup instead of redownloading.