To remove games from your Epic Games library, you must uninstall them from your computer. The Epic Games launcher does not offer a feature to directly remove games from the library list itself, only to uninstall them from the system.
Have you ever looked at your Epic Games library and felt like it’s cluttered with games you no longer play? It can be a bit annoying, and you might wonder how to remove games from epic games library. Many players have faced this situation and wished for a clean, streamlined collection. This guide addresses that exact issue, providing clarity on what actions you can take.
Though you can’t directly remove games from the library listing itself, the primary method is uninstalling the games. Once a game is uninstalled, it’ll still show in your library. This can sometimes feel untidy, but at least you free up precious storage space on your computer. We’ll explain this simple process.
How to Remove Games from Epic Games Library
Okay, so you’ve got a bunch of games in your Epic Games library, and maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t play this anymore!” or “I need to make some space!” That’s totally normal. Digital game libraries can get crowded fast. Just like you might need to tidy your real-life bookshelf, you sometimes need to tidy your digital game shelf. Don’t worry; it’s not as tricky as you might think. This guide will walk you through all the ways you can remove games from your Epic Games library, including how to uninstall them, hide them, and even get a refund if you’ve made a purchase by mistake. We will explore everything to keep your library clean and organized!
Understanding Game Removal Options
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, it’s helpful to know that “removing” a game from your Epic Games library can mean a few different things. You might want to:
- Uninstall the Game: This gets rid of the game files from your computer, which frees up hard drive space. You can always reinstall it later.
- Hide the Game: This removes the game from your main library view, kind of like tucking it away on a back shelf. It doesn’t actually remove the game from your account; you can easily unhide it.
- Request a Refund: If you bought a game recently and didn’t like it, or accidentally purchased it, you can request a refund in some cases.
Each of these actions serves a different purpose, and knowing which one you need will help you keep your Epic Games library just the way you like it.
Uninstalling Games from Epic Games Launcher
Uninstalling a game is the most common way to free up space. It’s like deleting the game’s files off your computer. Here’s how you do it, step-by-step:
Step 1: Open the Epic Games Launcher
First things first, make sure the Epic Games Launcher is open on your computer. You can find it by looking for the Epic Games icon on your desktop or by searching for it in your computer’s start menu. You will usually find it with the blue background icon.
Step 2: Go to Your Library
Once the launcher is open, look for the “Library” button. It’s usually located on the left-hand side of the window. Clicking on “Library” will show you all the games connected to your account.
Step 3: Find the Game You Want to Uninstall
Now, scroll through your library until you find the game you want to uninstall. You can either browse through the list or use the search bar at the top to quickly locate your game.
Step 4: Click the Three Dots (Ellipsis)
When you find the game, you will notice three little dots (a.k.a. an ellipsis) next to the game’s name. Click on these dots to see a menu of options. The dots are usually found in the bottom right of the game’s poster art.
Step 5: Choose Uninstall
From the menu that pops up, select the “Uninstall” option. It’s usually one of the top options in that menu. A confirmation window will appear, asking you if you are sure you want to uninstall the game.
Step 6: Confirm the Uninstallation
Click “Uninstall” or “Yes” on the confirmation window to start the uninstallation. The launcher will now remove the game files from your computer. It may take a few minutes or longer depending on the size of the game. You can track the progress of the uninstall process from the download manager of the Epic Game Launcher. When the uninstall process finishes, the game is successfully uninstalled.
What Happens After Uninstalling?
After uninstalling, the game is no longer installed on your computer, freeing up your storage space. The game’s presence in your Epic Games library does not mean the game files are still on your machine. The game is still associated with your Epic Games account, and you can install it again whenever you want.
Hiding Games from Your Library
If you don’t want to completely uninstall a game but just want to clean up your view, hiding it is the way to go. Here’s how you can hide a game from your Epic Games library:
Step 1: Open the Epic Games Launcher and Go to Your Library
Same as before, get the launcher running and go to the “Library” section.
Step 2: Find the Game You Want to Hide
Locate the game that you wish to hide from your library. Scroll through or use the search bar to find it.
Step 3: Click the Three Dots (Ellipsis)
Just like with uninstalling, click the three dots (the ellipsis) next to the game’s name to open up the options menu. These are almost always on the bottom right side of the game poster.
Step 4: Choose “Hide Game”
From the options menu, click on “Hide game”. The game will disappear from the main library view.
Step 5: Finding Hidden Games
Hidden games are not permanently removed. If you ever want to see your hidden games, you can do the following. Go to the “Filter” button, it is usually next to the search bar. And from that filter menu, change the view to “Hidden”. Now you’ll see all the games you’ve hidden. To unhide a game, repeat steps 1-3, and then select the “Unhide Game” option from the options menu.
When to Use Hide Instead of Uninstall
Hiding a game is helpful when you want to temporarily clean up your library without having to redownload the game later. For example, you might hide games you’re not actively playing but might return to in the future. This keeps your main library focused on games you’re currently interested in.
Requesting Refunds for Epic Games
Sometimes, you might purchase a game and realize it isn’t what you expected, or it might even be a purchase by mistake. Epic Games has a refund policy that allows you to return certain games for a refund.
Understanding the Refund Policy
Epic Games’ refund policy is simple: You can request a refund for a game within 14 days of your purchase, as long as you have played less than two hours of it. There are some exceptions, such as pre-purchased games or situations that go against Epic Games policies. Always check the official terms and conditions on their website for the most up-to-date information.
Step 1: Go to Epic Games Account Page
To start a refund request, you have to go to the official Epic Games Website. Log in to your account. Then, find the “Account” tab and click it, or hover on your profile name and click it.
Step 2: Find Transaction History
In the account settings, you should see an option named “Transactions”. Click on this to see your past transactions in Epic Games. Here, you will find the list of all the games you have bought from Epic Games Store.
Step 3: Initiate Refund
Find the game you want a refund for. Check the game name, order ID, date, and make sure it is the correct transaction. If everything is correct, click on the game and you will see a “Refund” button. Click on the “Refund” button. Epic Games may ask you about your reason for the refund, which you should fill out properly.
Step 4: Submit your request
Once you fill out the required information, submit your refund request. It may take a few days to a week for them to process. Epic Games will contact you through your email about the status of your refund.
Things to Keep in Mind When Requesting a Refund
- Playtime: Remember, you need to have less than two hours of playtime for a game to be eligible for a refund.
- Timeframe: You must request a refund within 14 days of purchase.
- Refund Method: You will usually get your refund in the same way you paid for the game.
- Bundle Limitations: There may be different refund rules for game bundles or special offers.
- Account Bans: Getting too many refunds, in a short period of time might give you an account ban from Epic Games, and they may not refund you your money.
Managing Multiple Accounts
Some users might have multiple Epic Games accounts. If you want to remove games from all accounts, you need to repeat the steps for each account separately. Here’s how you can manage this:
Step 1: Identify Each Account
First, make sure you know which account has which games. Keep a list or use a simple way to keep track of your accounts.
Step 2: Log Out and Log In
When you are logged into one account, log out of it, and then log in to another one. You need to log in to the account that you want to change.
Step 3: Repeat Removal Steps
Repeat the uninstalling, hiding, or refund steps for each account. Be careful to do it for the correct account each time. Remember each Epic Games account is its own identity, so the steps you do in one account does not carry out into another.
Keeping Track of Your Accounts
Having multiple accounts can be confusing. Here’s how to keep it manageable:
- Write it Down: Keep a written list of all your accounts, along with the email address for each one.
- Use Different Browsers: You can use different browsers to keep multiple accounts logged in at the same time.
- Don’t Share Passwords: Make sure each account has its own unique password for safety.
- Epic Games Account Security: Ensure your security and safety of each account by enabling 2-factor authentication on every account.
Tips for Keeping Your Library Organized
Keeping your Epic Games Library organized is good for your gaming experience. Here are some tips for how to do it:
Regularly Uninstall Games
Uninstall games you are not using often, this frees up your space on your device.
Use the Hide Feature
Use the hide function for games that you don’t want to uninstall but want to keep them away from your main view.
Check Game Details
Before buying a game, check the game’s specifications to see if it meets your standards and if you will actually like it.
Be Mindful of Purchases
Make sure to not impulsively purchase games, especially if you have doubts. This helps keep your library clean and reduces the need for refunds.
Create Folders for Games
If you have a lot of games, making folders helps a lot. You can categorize games based on genre, or any other method that you like. But sadly, Epic Games Launcher does not have a folder function yet. Epic Games may add that in the future.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things might not go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Uninstallation Issues
If a game won’t uninstall, there are a few things you can try:
- Restart the Launcher: Close the Epic Games Launcher and reopen it. Then try uninstalling the game again.
- Restart Your Computer: Sometimes a restart fixes any issues. Restart your computer and try again.
- Check for Background Processes: Make sure that there are no background process that is holding up the uninstall process. Check the task manager.
- Epic Games Support: If all else fails, contact Epic Games support for more assistance.
Hiding/Unhiding Issues
If a game doesn’t hide, here’s what you can try:
- Restart the Launcher: This can fix issues with game library display.
- Check Your Filter: Ensure that you have the correct filter settings to view your games.
- Try again: Check if you have a good internet connection. Then try again.
Refund Issues
If you’re having trouble with a refund, consider these:
- Double-Check Eligibility: Ensure your game meets the criteria for refund (less than 2 hours of play and within 14 days of purchase).
- Contact Support: If you’re not sure why your refund was rejected, contact Epic Games support.
- Be Patient: It may take some time for the refund process. Be patient and wait until you get a reply from them.
Removing games from your Epic Games library is a simple process once you understand the different options available. Whether you are looking to uninstall, hide, or request a refund, the steps are easy. Keeping your library organized not only saves space but also makes gaming more enjoyable. Regularly reviewing your games helps you keep your library focused on what you are actively playing and helps you discover new games as well. By applying these methods, you can create a perfectly curated library, and stay focused on your favorite titles without any mess.
How To Remove Game From Library Epic Games
Final Thoughts
You can easily hide games from your Epic Games library instead of permanently deleting them. This keeps your library organized without losing access. The hiding feature works well to manage the list.
To actually remove a game, you must request a refund if eligible. This completely removes the game from your account. If you purchased the game long ago, a refund is unlikely, and hiding is your best solution.
In summary, you don’t have full deletion. To learn ‘how to remove games from epic games library’, you typically hide them, or request a refund for permanent removal.
