The Epic Games Launcher is a popular gaming platform that allows users to download and play games developed by Epic Games. However, there may come a time when you no longer wish to have the launcher installed on your Mac. Whether you are looking to free up space on your hard drive or simply no longer use the platform, this blog post will guide you through the steps to remove the Epic Games Launcher from your Mac. We will explore several different methods and provide detailed instructions for each, ensuring that you are able to completely uninstall the launcher from your device.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods of removing the Epic Games Launcher, there are a few things you should have ready:
1. Your Mac computer
2. Administrator access
3. Internet connection (for some methods)
4. Backup of your game files if necessary (some methods may result in the deletion of your game files, so it is important to have a backup if you wish to keep them)
What Requires Your Focus?
When removing the Epic Games Launcher from your Mac, there are a few key areas that require your attention:
1. Uninstalling the application itself: This involves removing the launcher from your Applications folder and ensuring that any associated files and folders are also deleted.
2. Removing game files: Depending on the method you choose, your game files may be deleted along with the launcher. If you wish to keep your game files, it is important to create a backup before proceeding.
3. Cleaning up any leftover files: Even after uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher, there may still be some residual files and folders left behind. It is important to locate and delete these files to ensure a clean removal of the launcher from your Mac.
Method 1: How to Remove Epic Games Launcher via Finder
Removing the Epic Games Launcher using Finder is one of the simplest methods. Follow the steps below to uninstall the launcher from your Mac:
1. Open Finder and go to the "Applications" folder.
2. Locate the Epic Games Launcher application.
3. Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher and select "Move to Trash."
4. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the application.
Pros | Cons
———————————|———————————————-
1. Easy and straightforward process to uninstall the Epic Games Launcher. | 1. May leave behind residual files and folders.
2. Requires no additional software. | 2. Game files may be deleted along with the launcher.
Method 2: How to Remove Epic Games Launcher via Launchpad
If you prefer to use Launchpad to uninstall applications on your Mac, you can follow these steps to remove the Epic Games Launcher:
1. Open Launchpad from the Dock or by pressing the F4 key on your keyboard.
2. Locate the Epic Games Launcher icon.
3. Click and hold on the Epic Games Launcher icon until it starts shaking.
4. Click the "X" button that appears on the top left corner of the icon.
5. Click "Delete" in the confirmation prompt to remove the launcher.
Pros | Cons
——————————————|——————————————
1. Quick and straightforward method. | 1. May leave behind residual files and folders.
2. Requires no additional software. | 2. Game files may be deleted along with the launcher.
Method 3: How to Remove Epic Games Launcher via Terminal
For advanced users who prefer using Terminal commands, this method allows you to remove the Epic Games Launcher using the command line. Follow the steps below:
1. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder in the Applications folder, or by using Spotlight (press Command + Space and type "Terminal").
2. Type the following command and press Enter: `cd /Applications`
3. Type the following command and press Enter: `sudo rm -rf Epic\ Games\ Launcher.app`
4. Enter your administrator password when prompted (Note: your password will not be visible as you type).
5. Press Enter to execute the command and remove the Epic Games Launcher.
Pros | Cons
——————————————|—————————————————————
1. Advanced users can uninstall the Epic Games Launcher using command line. | 1. Requires knowledge of Terminal commands.
2. Provides more control over the uninstallation process. | 2. Game files may be deleted along with the launcher.
Method 4: How to Remove Epic Games Launcher via App Cleaner & Uninstaller
If you prefer a third-party application that specializes in completely uninstalling software from your Mac, you can use App Cleaner & Uninstaller. Follow the steps below to remove the Epic Games Launcher using this software:
1. Download and install App Cleaner & Uninstaller from the developer’s website.
2. Open App Cleaner & Uninstaller.
3. Select the Epic Games Launcher from the list of installed applications.
4. Click the "Remove" button to uninstall the launcher.
5. Confirm the removal when prompted.
Pros | Cons
————————————————|——————————————————-
1. Specialized software for complete uninstallation. | 1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. Removes associated files and folders. | 2. Potential cost (depending on the software).
Why Can’t I Remove Epic Games Launcher?
There may be several reasons why you are unable to remove the Epic Games Launcher from your Mac. Here are a few common reasons and their fixes:
1.
Q1: The launcher is running in the background and cannot be deleted.
A: Close the Epic Games Launcher and any associated processes running in the background. You can do this by right-clicking on the launcher icon in the Dock and selecting "Quit," or by using Activity Monitor to force quit any related processes.
2.
Q2: I receive an error message stating that the launcher is in use and cannot be deleted.
A: In some cases, the Epic Games Launcher may be running a background process that prevents it from being deleted. You can try restarting your Mac and then immediately attempting to delete the launcher. Alternatively, you can use Activity Monitor to force quit any related processes before uninstalling the launcher.
3.
Q3: I no longer have access to my game files after uninstalling the launcher.
A: If your game files were stored within the Epic Games Launcher, they may have been deleted along with the launcher. To prevent this from happening, it is important to create a backup of your game files before uninstalling the launcher.
Implications and Recommendations
After removing the Epic Games Launcher from your Mac, there are a few implications and recommendations to keep in mind:
1. If you wish to reinstall the Epic Games Launcher in the future, you can download it directly from the Epic Games website.
2. Ensure that all associated files and folders are deleted to free up disk space.
3. Consider using a cleaner tool to scan for and remove any residual files to ensure a complete removal of the launcher.
5 FAQs about Removing Epic Games Launcher
Q1: Can I reinstall the Epic Games Launcher after removing it?
A: Yes, you can reinstall the Epic Games Launcher by downloading it from the Epic Games website.
Q2: Will removing the Epic Games Launcher delete my game files?
A: Depending on the method you choose, your game files may be deleted along with the launcher. It is important to create a backup of your game files before proceeding with the removal.
Q3: How can I ensure that all associated files and folders are deleted?
A: After uninstalling the Epic Games Launcher, you can manually search for any leftover files and folders using Finder. Additionally, you can use a cleaner tool to scan for and remove any residual files.
Q4: Is there a way to remove the Epic Games Launcher without deleting my game files?
A: Some methods may result in the deletion of your game files along with the launcher. To prevent this, create a backup of your game files before proceeding with the removal.
Q5: Are there any alternatives to the Epic Games Launcher for Mac gaming?
A: Yes, there are several other gaming platforms available for Mac, such as Steam, GOG, and Origin, which offer a wide selection of games for download and play.
Final Words
Removing the Epic Games Launcher from your Mac can be done using several different methods. Whether you choose to uninstall it manually via Finder or Terminal, use a software tool like App Cleaner & Uninstaller, or through Launchpad, it is important to ensure that all associated files and folders are deleted for a clean removal. Remember to create a backup of your game files before proceeding and consider using a cleaner tool to scan for any residual files. By following the steps provided in this blog post, you can easily remove the Epic Games Launcher and free up space on your Mac.