How to Uninstall Star Citizen: Short Guide

The world of gaming is vast, with titles spanning various genres, catering to a wide array of interests.

Star Citizen is a game that has garnered immense attention, both for its ambitious scope and its tumultuous development history.

For various reasons, gamers sometimes find themselves needing to uninstall such titles.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of how to uninstall Star Citizen from your computer, considering the nuances that make this process different from uninstalling a regular application.

Understanding the Complexity of Uninstalling Star Citizen

Before diving into the step-by-step guide, it’s essential to grasp why uninstalling Star Citizen might be different from removing a typical software application.

1. Size and Components: Star Citizen is a hefty game with numerous components. Merely deleting the game’s main folder might not rid your system of all associated files.
2. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) Launcher: The game utilizes a unique launcher, which can sometimes complicate the uninstallation process.
3. Updates and Patches: Regular updates and patches can lead to fragmented files spread across your system.

Preparation Before Uninstallation

To ensure a smooth process, it’s always a good idea to undertake certain preliminary steps.

1. Backup Important Data: Before making significant changes to any software on your computer, always back up essential game data. This includes saved game files, configurations, or any customized settings.
2. Close the Game and the Launcher: Ensure that both Star Citizen and the CIG Launcher are not running in the background. This can be confirmed using the task manager.
3. Internet Connection: Although not mandatory, it’s beneficial to maintain an active internet connection to ensure any linked accounts realize the game’s removal.

How to Uninstall Star Citizen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a detailed guide on uninstalling the game:

1. Using the Windows Uninstall Feature:

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
• From the list, find Star Citizen or CIG Launcher.
• Right-click and select Uninstall. Follow on-screen prompts.

1. Manual Uninstallation:

• Navigate to the folder where Star Citizen is installed. By default, this is usually in C:\Program Files.
• Locate the Star Citizen or RSI folder.
• Delete this folder.

1. Registry Clean-Up (Advanced):

• Press Windows + R, type in regedit and hit Enter.
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\.
• Find any folders named Star Citizen or CIG and delete them.
• Caution: Tweaking the registry can be risky. Only undertake this step if you’re confident in what you’re doing.

1. Third-Party Software:

• There are numerous third-party uninstaller tools available that can help in removing software, including Star Citizen, and ensure all residual files are deleted.

Post-Uninstallation Steps

Once the game is removed, a few more steps will help ensure that your system is entirely free from any remnants of Star Citizen.

1. Restart Your Computer: This helps in clearing out any temporary files and ensures that the removal has been complete.
2. Use a Disk Cleanup Tool: Windows has a built-in disk cleanup tool that can help remove temporary and unnecessary files resulting from the uninstallation process.
3. Verify with CIG Account: If you’re looking to completely distance yourself from Star Citizen, consider visiting the official website and checking your account settings. This isn’t a mandatory step but might be useful for those who wish to ensure a clean break.

Conclusion

Uninstalling software, particularly large-scale games like Star Citizen, can sometimes be more intricate than it seems at first glance.

However, by following this detailed guide, players can ensure they’ve thoroughly removed the game from their system.

Whether you’re making space for new games, troubleshooting, or merely taking a break, knowing how to uninstall Star Citizen correctly is an essential skill for any dedicated gamer.