Gaming

Can I delete Steam from my Mac?

Yes, you can delete it

Yes, you can delete Steam from your Mac. Deleting the app alone does not remove your personal data or games, but fully removing its associated folders will erase everything locally stored.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

See how much space Steam really takes before you decide

Steam data usually takes 5 GB – 500 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application: Steam
Typical data size: 5 GB – 500 GB
Category: Gaming
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam

What happens when you delete Steam

Specific to Steam

Your game licenses remain linked to your account and can be redownloaded later. However, you will lose any local saves, account data, and screenshots stored in ~/Library/Application Support/Steam unless they were synced via Steam Cloud. Removing the app's data clears space ranging from 5 GB – 500 GB.

Where your Steam data lives

These folders hold your own Steam data. Deleting the app leaves them in place; removing them is what actually deletes it.

~/Library/Application Support/Steam App data · Steam client files, installed games, account data and caches Back up first: your data~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata App data · per-account game settings, local saves and screenshots Back up first: your data

Account and sync: Games are licensed to your Steam account and can be downloaded again; saves are only safe if the game uses Steam Cloud or you back them up.
Your files: Screenshots taken with the Steam overlay are stored per account inside the userdata folder.

Risks of removing Steam data

Some users should avoid deleting certain folders because local project files or unsynced saves are permanently lost. Since the app stores the client and games in one location on macOS, erasing that directory removes all installed content. Additionally, a login agent remains in LaunchAgents if only the application icon is deleted.

Uninstall games within the app to remove their folders cleanlyBack up saves for games that do not use Steam CloudNote any library folders located on external drivesQuit the app from its menu before removing files

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How to delete Steam completely

Quit Steam, move it to the Trash, then remove what it left in ~/Library/Application Support/Steam. The full step-by-step guide:

Try it without risk

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Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.

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After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.

Frequently asked questions

Will deleting Steam delete my files?

No. Removing the app doesn't touch documents you saved in other folders. Only the app and, if you remove them, its own support files are deleted.