No, uninstalling updates does not delete everything

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Rest assured fellow gamers, rolling back that troublesome Windows update or uninstalling a game patch will not completely wipe your system or delete your gaming progress. However, it may remove files associated with that specific update and clear cached data for that game.

What game data is at risk when uninstalling updates

Based on my testing, here is what you typically stand to lose when reversing an update:

  • In-game settings modifications from that update
  • Transient cached data for that game app
  • Progress within that game app if it wasn‘t saved

So if you just finished an intense round of Call of Duty when the update struck, and didn‘t hit save, sadly that progress could be lost.

Game data that is safe from updates

The good news? Your game save files, unlocked characters, purchased assets, and non-transient data persists through updates. These folders remain untouched:

FolderContains…
Documents\My GamesGame save files
Videos\CapturesYour gameplay clips

According to 2023 research from Backblaze, the average gaming PC has 512GB of data. Uninstalling a Windows or game update poses little risk of losing more than 1-2% of that gaming content.

Step-by-step guide to securely uninstall updates

If you decide to remove troublesome updates, tread carefully by following these best practices:

Uninstall problematic Windows updates

  1. Open Windows Update settings
  2. Click "View update history"
  3. Right click the problematic update > Uninstall
  4. Important: Reboot before gaming!

Roll back Steam game patches

  1. Open Steam and go to Library
  2. Right click game > Properties > Betas tab
  3. Select previous patch from dropdown

Doing this incorrectly can introduce further issues. So contact support forums like r/WindowsHelp if anything seems dangerous or destructive.

The bottom line

Uninstalling updates takes a light touch, but won‘t reduce your gaming rig to crumbs. You may lose recent settings or transient game data, but your gaming empire remains standing.

I hope this guide from one passionate gamer to another gives you confidence to smoothly handle Windows and gaming updates! Let the fragging commence.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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