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Uninstalling software from your computer is a common task that most of us have to deal with at some point. However, the process can vary depending on the software and the operating system you are using. In this blog post, we will specifically discuss how to uninstall Epic Games Launcher on Mac. Epic Games Launcher is a popular platform for downloading and playing video games developed by Epic Games. While it offers a range of features and benefits to gamers, there may be occasions when you want to uninstall it from your Mac. This could be due to various reasons such as freeing up storage space, troubleshooting issues, or simply not using it anymore. Whatever the reason may be, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall Epic Games Launcher on Mac.
Why You Need to Uninstall Epic Games Launcher
- Freeing up storage space: Epic Games Launcher and the games downloaded through it can take up a significant amount of storage space on your Mac. Uninstalling the launcher can help you reclaim valuable disk space for other purposes.
- Troubleshooting issues: If you are experiencing problems with Epic Games Launcher or the games installed through it, uninstalling and reinstalling the launcher can sometimes resolve these issues.
- Not using the platform anymore: If you have stopped using Epic Games Launcher and no longer have any interest in the games offered on the platform, uninstalling it can help declutter your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher via Finder
Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher on Mac can be done through the Finder application. Follow the steps below to uninstall Epic Games Launcher using this method:
1. Open a Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock or by pressing Command + N on your keyboard.
2. In the Finder window, click on "Applications" in the left sidebar.
3. Scroll through the list of applications and locate "Epic Games Launcher".
4. Click and drag the Epic Games Launcher icon to the Trash icon in the Dock. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Epic Games Launcher icon and select "Move to Trash" from the context menu.
5. A prompt will appear asking for your confirmation to uninstall Epic Games Launcher. Click on "Move to Trash" to proceed with the uninstallation.
6. Once Epic Games Launcher is moved to the Trash, right-click on the Trash icon in the Dock and select "Empty Trash" to permanently delete the application from your system.
Pros:
- Straightforward and easy process.
- No additional software or tools required.
- Completely removes the Epic Games Launcher application and associated files.
Cons:
- May leave behind some residual files and preferences. It is recommended to use a third-party uninstaller software to thoroughly remove all associated files.
- Cannot uninstall any games installed through Epic Games Launcher.
- Does not provide an option for troubleshooting or repairing the application before uninstalling.
Part 2. Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher using Terminal
Another method to uninstall Epic Games Launcher on Mac is by using the Terminal application. Follow the steps below to uninstall Epic Games Launcher using this method:
1. Open the Terminal application. You can do this by searching for "Terminal" in Spotlight or by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter: cd /Applications/Epic\ Games\ Launcher.app/Contents/MacOS
3. Next, type the following command and press Enter: ./EpicGamesLauncher-uninstall
4. The uninstallation process will begin. Follow any on-screen prompts or instructions provided by the Terminal.
5. Once the uninstallation is complete, you can close the Terminal window.
Pros:
- Provides a direct and command-line based approach to uninstall Epic Games Launcher.
- Does not require any additional software or tools.
- Completely removes the Epic Games Launcher application and associated files.
Cons:
- Requires familiarity with Terminal commands and syntax.
- May leave behind some residual files and preferences. It is recommended to use a third-party uninstaller software to thoroughly remove all associated files.
- Cannot uninstall any games installed through Epic Games Launcher.
Part 3. Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software
If you want to ensure a more thorough and complete uninstallation of Epic Games Launcher, you can consider using third-party uninstaller software. These tools are specifically designed to remove applications from your Mac, along with all associated files and preferences. Follow the steps below to uninstall Epic Games Launcher using third-party uninstaller software:
1. Research and choose a reputable third-party uninstaller software. Examples include AppDelete, CleanMyMac, and AppCleaner.
2. Download and install the chosen uninstaller software on your Mac.
3. Open the uninstaller software and follow any on-screen prompts or instructions provided. Usually, you will need to locate and select the Epic Games Launcher application for uninstallation.
4. The uninstaller software will scan your system for all associated files and preferences linked to Epic Games Launcher. Review the scan results to ensure all relevant files are included.
5. Confirm the uninstallation process and proceed with the removal of Epic Games Launcher and its associated files.
6. Once the uninstallation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your Mac.
Pros:
- Thoroughly removes Epic Games Launcher, including all associated files and preferences.
- Can be more effective in preventing leftover files and preferences compared to manual methods.
- Some uninstaller software may offer additional features such as system optimization and junk file cleaning.
Cons:
- May require purchasing or subscribing to the third-party uninstaller software.
- Different uninstaller software may offer varying levels of effectiveness.
- Some uninstaller software may have compatibility issues with certain versions of macOS.
Part 4. Manually Removing Residual Files and Preferences
In some cases, even after uninstalling Epic Games Launcher using the above methods, there may still be residual files and preferences left behind on your Mac. To ensure a more thorough removal, you can manually delete these files. Follow the steps below to remove residual files and preferences associated with Epic Games Launcher:
1. In the Finder, click on the "Go" menu in the menu bar and select "Go to Folder…".
2. In the "Go to Folder" window, type the following path and click "Go": ~/Library/Application Support/
3. Look for any folder or file related to Epic Games Launcher. Right-click on them and select "Move to Trash" to delete them.
4. Repeat the above step for the following paths:
– ~/Library/Caches/
– ~/Library/Preferences/
– ~/Library/Saved Application State/
– ~/.config/
5. Empty the Trash by right-clicking on the Trash icon in the Dock and selecting "Empty Trash".
Pros:
- Ensures a more thorough removal of residual files and preferences.
- Does not require any additional software or tools.
- Allows for a manual review of files and preferences before deletion.
Cons:
- Requires manual effort and attention to detail.
- Potential risk of deleting other unrelated files if caution is not exercised.
- May not remove all residual files and preferences, especially if they are hidden or located in non-standard paths.
What to Do If You Can’t Uninstall Epic Games Launcher
If you encounter difficulties in uninstalling Epic Games Launcher using the methods mentioned above, here are three alternative solutions you can try:
1. Contact Epic Games Support: Reach out to Epic Games Support for assistance with uninstalling Epic Games Launcher. Provide them with the specific details of the issue you are facing, and they may be able to guide you through troubleshooting steps or provide alternative uninstallation methods.
2. Use a Mac cleaning tool: Mac cleaning tools such as CleanMyMac X or CCleaner can help remove stubborn applications and associated files. These tools often have built-in features specifically designed for uninstalling software that may not be easily removable through traditional methods.
3. Reinstall and then uninstall: In some cases, reinstalling Epic Games Launcher and then uninstalling it again can resolve any conflicts or issues that may be preventing the uninstallation process. After reinstalling, try using the methods mentioned earlier to uninstall Epic Games Launcher again.
Bonus Tips for Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher on Mac
Here are three bonus tips to consider when uninstalling Epic Games Launcher on your Mac:
1. Restart your Mac: Before uninstalling Epic Games Launcher, it can be helpful to restart your Mac. This can clear any temporary files or processes associated with the application, ensuring a cleaner uninstallation process.
2. Back up game saves and settings: If you have any game saves or settings that you want to keep, make sure to back them up before uninstalling Epic Games Launcher. These can be located in the game’s installation folder or in specific directories within your user profile.
3. Check for updates: If you are experiencing issues with Epic Games Launcher, it can be worth checking if there are any available updates for both the launcher and your macOS. Sometimes, updating to the latest versions can resolve compatibility issues or glitches that may be causing problems.
The Bottom Line
Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher on Mac can be done through various methods, including using Finder, Terminal, third-party uninstaller software, and manually removing residual files and preferences. Each method has its pros and cons, and you can choose the most suitable one based on your preferences and requirements. If you encounter difficulties in uninstalling, consider reaching out to Epic Games Support or using Mac cleaning tools for assistance. By following the steps and tips provided in this blog post, you should be able to successfully uninstall Epic Games Launcher and free up space on your Mac.
5 FAQs about Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher
Q1: Can I reinstall Epic Games Launcher after uninstalling it?
A: Yes, you can reinstall Epic Games Launcher after uninstalling it. Simply visit the official Epic Games website and download the launcher again. However, keep in mind that reinstalling the launcher will not bring back any previously uninstalled games or their associated data.
Q2: Will uninstalling Epic Games Launcher delete my saved games?
A: Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher will not erase your saved games. Saved games are typically stored in separate directories or folders within your user profile, and they will remain intact even after uninstalling the launcher. However, it is always a good idea to back up your saved games before uninstalling any software.
Q3: Can I uninstall individual games installed through Epic Games Launcher?
A: No, uninstalling Epic Games Launcher will not uninstall individual games installed through it. If you want to uninstall a specific game, you need to do it from within the Epic Games Launcher itself. Launch the Epic Games Launcher, click on the Library tab, locate the game you want to uninstall, click on the three-dot menu icon, and select "Uninstall".
Q4: Can I manually delete Epic Games Launcher files without using the uninstallation methods mentioned?
A: While it is technically possible to manually delete Epic Games Launcher files without using the mentioned uninstallation methods, it is not recommended. Manually deleting files without a proper uninstallation process may leave behind residual files, preferences, or dependencies that can lead to compatibility or stability issues on your Mac. It is always best to use the recommended uninstallation methods or third-party uninstaller software.
Q5: Will uninstalling Epic Games Launcher affect my ability to reinstall and play games in the future?
A: Uninstalling Epic Games Launcher will not affect your ability to reinstall and play games in the future. After reinstalling the launcher or launching a game, you will be prompted to log in with your Epic Games account, and your previously installed games should be available for download and play as before.