How to Uninstall Steam on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever found yourself baffled and asking, “How to uninstall Steam on Mac?” If this sounds like your situation, then you’re definitely in the right place! This article promises a simple guided walkthrough that will help clear up any confusion. You’ll learn how to permanently remove the application from your computer—not only that, but we also cover handy tips for smoother processes and troubleshooting possible issues along the way.

Feeling stuck with removing Steam on Mac? No worries, the process is simpler than it seems. Start by quitting Steam completely—do this by choosing ‘Quit’ from the drop-down menu located under its icon.

After ensuring its closure, take a trip towards your application folder—where you can easily drag and drop steam into the bin. Remember though, occasionally leftover files in ‘Library’ might persist even after uninstallation. Hence, a thorough check is necessary to avoid potential disruptions.

What is Steam?

In simple terms, Steam is a digital platform that provides its users with access to thousands of video games. Created by the famous game developer, Valve Corporation, it offers an extensive library of games of different genres that can be bought or played for free.

Not only does it provide a plethora of game choices, but Steam also allows users to interact within its community. Users can engage in discussions, share content, and even create their own games. Updates and patch notes are automatically handled by the Steam client itself – making it a convenient platform for every gaming enthusiast.

Also Read: How to Format an SD Card on a Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: Uninstalling Steam Manually

Uninstalling Steam manually from your Mac is a straightforward process. This method is helpful when you want to remove Steam entirely, including the application and its associated files, from your machine. By following the steps below, you can ensure that Steam does not leave behind any residual files that could take up unnecessary space on your computer.

• Open Finder: Begin by navigating to the Applications folder through a new Finder window on your Mac.
• Locate and Remove Steam: Scroll through your applications to find Steam. Once located, right-click on it and select “Move To Trash,” or simply drag the application icon to your Trash.
• Access Hidden Library Folder: Click on “Go” in the top Menu Bar of Finder. The Library folder might be hidden by default; holding down the Option key will reveal it in the drop-down menu. Click on it once it becomes visible.
• Navigate to Application Support: In the Library window, go to Application Support > Steam. This is where additional files related to Steam are stored.
• Select Files for Removal: Depending on whether you want a complete uninstall or choose to keep some data (like game downloads), remove all contents except for the /steamapps folder if choosing to retain game data.
• Empty Trash: Finally, right-click on the Trash icon located in your Dock and select “Empty Trash”. Doing so completes the uninstallation process and frees up disk space previously occupied by Steam.

Following this procedure will ensure that Steam is thoroughly removed from your Mac, including both application files and supplementary data stored within system folders.

Method 2: App Cleaner and Uninstaller

For Mac users looking for a thorough approach to uninstalling applications, Nektony’s App Cleaner & Uninstaller offers a comprehensive solution. This tool not only removes the applications themselves but also identifies and eliminates all associated files, ensuring no leftovers take up unnecessary space on your hard drive. Follow these steps for a clean uninstall:

• Launch the Application: Open Finder, navigate to your Applications folder, and double-click on App Cleaner & Uninstaller to start the program.
• Wait for an Initial Scan: Upon launching, the application will automatically scan your system. Allow it to complete this phase until you see your installed applications listed within its interface.
• Select the Target Application: In the list of applications presented in the left pane, find and click on the application you wish to remove (e.g., Steam) to view all related files in detail.
• Choose Files for Removal: Use the “Select All” option or manually check the boxes next to each file you want deleted with that application.
• Confirm Removal: Click on the “Remove” button located at bottom right corner of your window and confirm your choice when prompted to proceed with file deletion.
• Review Deletion Confirmation: After clicking ‘Remove’, you will be shown a summary of successfully deleted files. Confirm by clicking “Close”.

These simple steps allow Mac users to efficiently manage their installed software by ensuring no unwanted residual files remain after deletion, thanks once again to Nektony’s App Cleaner & Uninstaller tool.

Tips for a Smooth Uninstallation Process of Steam on Mac

I understand that the process of uninstalling Steam on Mac can be tedious, especially if it’s your first time. But worry not! I’ve gathered some simple tips to ensure a smooth uninstallation process and avoid any hitches along the way.

1. Exit Steam Completely: Before you start the uninstallation process, make sure you’ve completely exited out of Steam. You might have minimized it or left it running in the background unknowingly. So, double-check for any active steam processes in your dock to avoid any problems during uninstallation.
2. Backup Save Files: Some people forget this critical step when they’re eager to remove an application from their system. Do note that when you uninstall Steam, all data associated with your games could also vanish; important save files included! So before proceeding with the process, back up any essential game progress.
3. Take Note of Your Credentials: If there are chances you’ll re-download Steam in the future, do yourself a favour by remembering or documenting your credentials — username and password would suffice. This will save you potential headaches down the line.
4. Follow Steps Carefully: Now this sounds quite obvious but it is often overlooked because we get complacent believing we know what to do next ─ sometimes skipping ahead only to find an issue has sprung up because a step was ignored or done improperly.
5. Ensure You Have Admin Rights: If multiple users use your Mac and you aren’t signed in as an administrator, then there may be some restrictions halting your ability to uninstall applications including Steam.
6. Remove All Related Files and Folders: Simply dragging Steam into bin won’t delete all related files from your Mac system completely; some Nuggets might still be hidden away in corners of system folders such as ‘Library’. Detailed instructions furthering ‘how to delete these leftover files’ are given below for clearer understanding.

These tips don’t guarantee a problem-free uninstallation 100% of the time — because, hey, technology can be unpredictable ─ but adhering to them surely increases your chances of not bumping into common roadblocks along the way!

Also Read: How to Export GarageBand Project as MP3: Step-by-Step Guide

FAQs

Also Read: How to Connect External Monitor to Macbook Pro? Quick Guide!

Conclusion

Ultimately, I hope my guide on “How to Uninstall Steam on Mac” proves helpful. It’s crucial to remember that uninstalling Steam or any application is not about merely dropping it into the trash bin. Some residual files and data can clutter your system if not eliminated properly.

By carefully following the steps I’ve outlined – from making sure Steam is correctly exited before uninstallation, to diligently discarding associated files in the Library folder – you can ensure a completely clean removal of the application and games you no longer need.