Minecraft is one of the most popular games worldwide, but there may come a time when you need to uninstall it. Whether you’re freeing up storage space, troubleshooting issues, or switching to a different version, Windows 11 makes it easy to remove Minecraft from your PC. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method to completely uninstall Minecraft, including removing leftover files and reinstalling if needed.
Why Uninstall Minecraft?
There are a few common reasons users uninstall Minecraft:
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Freeing Up Storage: Minecraft worlds and mods can take up a lot of disk space.
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Troubleshooting: If the game is crashing or corrupted, a clean reinstall often fixes the problem.
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Switching Editions: Some players uninstall Bedrock Edition to install Java Edition (or vice versa).
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Starting Fresh: Removing old worlds, mods, or resource packs to reset everything.
Before You Uninstall: Backup Your Worlds
Uninstalling Minecraft can remove your worlds if you don’t back them up. To save them:
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Press Windows + R, type
%appdata%and hit Enter. -
Open the .minecraft folder (for Java Edition) or LocalState > games > com.mojang (for Bedrock Edition).
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Copy the saves folder (Java) or minecraftWorlds folder (Bedrock) to a safe location.
Method 1: Uninstall Minecraft from Settings
The easiest way to remove Minecraft is via Windows Settings.
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps > Installed apps.
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Scroll down or search for Minecraft.
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Click the three dots (…) next to Minecraft.
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Select Uninstall and confirm.
This works for both Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (from Microsoft Store) and Minecraft Launcher.
Method 2: Uninstall Minecraft Using Control Panel
For users who prefer the old interface:
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Press Windows + R, type
appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter. -
Find Minecraft Launcher or Minecraft in the program list.
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Right-click and choose Uninstall.
Method 3: Remove Minecraft Manually (Advanced)
If Minecraft won’t uninstall properly, you can delete it manually:
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Navigate to
%appdata%and delete the .minecraft folder. -
Go to
C:\\Program Files (x86)orC:\\Program Filesand remove any Minecraft folders. -
Clear Minecraft data in:
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%localappdata% -
%appdata% -
%temp%(optional cleanup)
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This ensures all leftover files, mods, and settings are completely removed.
Method 4: Uninstall Minecraft Launcher via Microsoft Store
If you installed Minecraft through the Microsoft Store:
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Open the Microsoft Store app.
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Click your profile icon > Library.
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Find Minecraft in the list, click the three dots (…) and choose Uninstall.
Optional: Reinstall Minecraft After Uninstall
If your goal is a clean reinstall:
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Download the latest Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net.
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Install and sign in with your Microsoft or Mojang account.
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Restore your saved worlds by copying them back into the saves or minecraftWorlds folder.
Troubleshooting Common Uninstall Issues
Minecraft Doesn’t Appear in Apps List
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Make sure you’re searching for “Minecraft Launcher” or “Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.”
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If it’s missing, delete the folders manually as described above.
Error During Uninstall
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Restart your PC and try again.
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Run Windows Troubleshooter for Apps from Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Launcher Keeps Reinstalling
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Sign out of Microsoft Store and Xbox app before uninstalling.
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Unlink Minecraft from Xbox app if necessary.
Tips for a Clean Uninstall
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Backup Your Worlds: Avoid losing hours of progress.
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Clear Cache: Delete
%temp%files to ensure no corrupted cache remains. -
Remove Mods/Resource Packs: Corrupted mods are a common cause of game issues.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Minecraft on Windows 11 is quick and straightforward when you follow the right steps. Whether you just want to free up space, fix crashes, or start fresh, the methods above ensure you completely remove Minecraft and any leftover data. And if you plan to reinstall, don’t forget to back up your worlds first — so you can jump right back into the game without losing progress.
FAQs
1. Will uninstalling Minecraft delete my worlds?
Yes, unless you back them up first. Always save the saves (Java) or minecraftWorlds (Bedrock) folder before uninstalling.
2. Can I uninstall Minecraft without uninstalling the launcher?
Yes, but most users simply uninstall the launcher to remove the game entirely.
3. Does uninstalling Minecraft remove mods and shaders?
Yes, if you delete the .minecraft folder. If you want to keep them, back them up first.
4. Can I uninstall Minecraft without losing my purchase?
Yes, your license is tied to your Microsoft/Mojang account. You can reinstall anytime.
5. Why is my Minecraft uninstall button greyed out?
You may not have admin rights. Sign in with an administrator account or use Control Panel to uninstall.