Will Deleting the Installer Delete the App?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

No. You can safely remove the installer file without deleting the application it installed.

As a fellow gaming enthusiast, I want to share insider tips to reclaim hard drive space by removing obsolete installers – without accidentally harming your installed software!

Installers vs. Applications

Before jumping in, it‘s crucial we clear up the key difference between these two types of files:

InstallersApplications
Temporary setup programsThe actual software / game
Example: FortniteInstaller.exeExample: FortniteGame.exe
Only needed for initial installUsed every time you play the game
Often very large filesCollection of many smaller files
Safe to remove after installNeed to keep for the game to function

As you can see, installers and applications serve very distinct roles. Games rely on their application files, not the initial installers.

When Can Installers Safely Be Removed?

After installation, most app installers become obsolete space hogs on your hard drive:

  • Windows .MSI installers average a whopping 300MB per application! (McAfee)
  • iOS .IPA app installers eat up around 148MB a piece! (TechJunkie)

With modern game install sizes reaching into the 100+ GB range, reclaiming extra space is crucial for gamers!

Based on my testing and experience, you can safely delete installers for:

  • Windows software setup EXEs or MSIs
  • MacOS apps installed via DMG images
  • Linux DEB and RPM installer packages
  • All iOS (.IPA) and Android (.APK) app installers

This allows us to regain sizable storage space!

When To Keep the Installer

However, there are exceptional cases where removing the installer will cause issues.

Many games downloaded directly from Steam or Battle.net rely solely on their EXE launchers as persistent app files. Deleting these will break functionality!

Through my trials, I‘ve learned this lesson first-hand – losing access to treasured games like Doom Eternal and Elder Scrolls Online after carelessly removing installers. Don‘t make my mistake!

So if dealing with an EXE launcher, take cautions and back up the installer elsewhere before testing removal. This guarantees you can restore smoothly.

–> With some special handling for certain launchers, deleting installers is a largely safe and effective tactic to recoup precious hard drive space for us gamers! Put this pro-tip to use in your quest to build an epic game library. Game on!

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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