Are you tired of playing Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) and want to uninstall it from your computer? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of uninstalling FFXIV. Whether you're looking to free up disk space or simply move on to a new game, we'll help you remove FFXIV from your system without any hassle.
Before You Begin
Before you proceed with the uninstallation process, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Back up your game data
If you have invested a significant amount of time and effort into playing FFXIV, you may want to back up your game data before uninstalling. This will allow you to restore your progress if you decide to reinstall the game in the future. Look for a folder named “My Games” or “Square Enix” in your Documents directory and make a copy of the FFXIV folder.
2. Cancel any subscriptions or memberships
If you have an active subscription or membership for FFXIV, make sure to cancel it before uninstalling the game. This will prevent any unexpected charges or fees from being incurred.
Uninstalling FFXIV
Now that you've taken the necessary precautions, let's move on to the uninstallation process:
Step 1: Close the game
Before you can uninstall FFXIV, you need to make sure the game is not running. Close the game if it is currently open, and exit any associated processes from the Task Manager.
Step 2: Uninstall from the Control Panel
The next step is to uninstall FFXIV from the Control Panel. Follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Click on “Uninstall a program” or “Programs and Features” (depending on your version of Windows).
- Scroll through the list of installed programs and locate “Final Fantasy XIV” or “FFXIV.”
- Right-click on the game and select “Uninstall” or “Remove.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 3: Delete leftover files and folders
After uninstalling FFXIV from the Control Panel, there may still be leftover files and folders on your system. To ensure a complete uninstallation, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing Windows key + E.
- Navigate to the installation directory of FFXIV. By default, this is usually “C:\Program Files (x86)\SquareEnix” or “C:\Program Files\SquareEnix.”
- Delete the FFXIV folder and any associated files or folders.
- Empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete the files.
Step 4: Remove registry entries (optional)
If you're comfortable working with the Windows Registry, you can also remove any leftover FFXIV registry entries. However, we recommend proceeding with caution as editing the registry can potentially cause system instability if done incorrectly. If you're unsure, it's best to skip this step or seek assistance from a knowledgeable individual.
Reinstalling FFXIV
If you change your mind and decide to reinstall FFXIV in the future, you can do so by following these steps:
- Visit the official FFXIV website and download the game installer.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to install the game.
- If you backed up your game data, copy the previously saved FFXIV folder back into the appropriate directory.
- Launch the game and log in with your Square Enix account to resume your progress.
And that's it! You now know how to uninstall FFXIV from your computer. Remember to back up your game data and cancel any subscriptions before proceeding with the uninstallation process. If you ever decide to reinstall the game, simply follow the steps outlined above. Happy gaming!