How to Uninstall GTA 5 on Windows 10

Uninstalling GTA 5 can help fix issues caused by mod conflicts, corrupted files, or if you just want to free up some disk space. This guide will show you the proper way to fully uninstall GTA 5 on Windows 10, including removing leftover folders, cleaning the registry, and reinstalling fresh.

Key Things to Know Before Uninstalling GTA 5

• Uninstalling GTA 5 deletes the game files but your save games and GTA Online progress are safe – these are tied to your Social Club account
• Manually delete any mod folders or add-ons after standard uninstall to avoid issues
• Back up save games and editor project folders if you want to keep them
• Use the Registry Editor to wipe GTA 5 data for a 100% clean slate

Follow these simple steps below and you’ll have GTA 5 cleaned out and freshly reinstalled in no time.

Uninstall GTA 5 Using Your Control Panel

The first part is easy enough – standard uninstall through your Windows Control Panel.

To uninstall GTA 5 using Apps & Features:

1. Hit the Windows key and type in “Add or remove programs” and select the “Apps & Features” result
2. Locate GTA 5 in the list of installed applications
3. Right-click on it and choose Uninstall
4. Confirm you want to remove GTA 5 when prompted

And just like that, GTA 5 will be uninstalled normally through Windows.

But this doesn’t get rid of leftover files that can cause conflicts…

Delete Leftover GTA 5 Files Manually

After using the Control Panel to uninstall GTA 5, there will still be leftover files, folders, and data scattered around your system.

You need to manually delete these to fully clean things out before reinstalling.

Here’s what you need to delete:

• GTA 5 Install Directory – By default this is C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\GTA 5. Delete any leftover files or folders here.
• Social Club Folder – Go to Documents\Rockstar Games\Social Club and delete files and folders.
• GTA 5 Saves Folder – Your saves are in Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA V\Profiles. Back this up first if you want to keep saves.
• Rockstar Editor Files – Anything GTA 5 video editor-related is in Documents\Rockstar Games\GTA V\Videos. Backup first to avoid losing projects.

Once you’ve cleared out those folders, it’s time to dive a bit deeper…

Clean Out GTA 5 Registry Data

The Windows registry stores all kinds of system settings and configurations, including leftover crumbs from uninstalled games like GTA 5.

Cleaning out this data helps prevent conflicts, errors, and crashes when you go to reinstall GTA 5 later.

Here is how to wipe GTA 5 from your registry:

1. Type “regedit” into the Windows search box and open the Registry Editor
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Wow6432Node > Rockstar Games > Grand Theft Auto V
3. Right-click on the GTA V folder and choose Delete
4. Confirm deletion as this will wipe all registry data related to GTA 5

And that’s it! The registry should now be free from any traces of GTA 5.

Get Ready to Enjoy a Fresh GTA 5 Install

After following all the steps above to cleanly uninstall GTA 5 AND deleting all the leftover data, you’re now ready to reinstall.

The best part about doing a fresh GTA 5 install?

• No more crashes from outdated mods
• Won’t have to sit through another 8 GB update just to play
• Brand new story mode playthrough feels like a brand new game!

Here’s what you need to do for a smooth GTA 5 reinstallation:

1. Download a fresh installer for GTA 5
2. Make sure to sign into Social Club AFTER installing
3. Let the game data download and updates install
4. Load up the game from your brand-new GTA 5 shortcut!

And that’s honestly it! Just be prepared to redownload some game data and updates which can take a while.

But once that’s done you’ll be cruising down the streets of Los Santos again in no time.

If you run into any other issues getting GTA 5 running again, let me know in the comments below.

FAQ – Common GTA 5 Uninstall Questions

Does uninstalling GTA 5 delete my online data?

No. Your GTA Online account progress, stats, vehicles, properties, and money are all tied to your Rockstar Social Club account.

As long as you sign into Social Club again after reinstalling GTA 5, you won’t lose anything from playing GTA Online.

The only exception would be losing any local save game files or Rockstar Editor videos if you didn’t back them up manually first.

Where are GTA 5 save files located?

GTA 5 stores save locally in the Documents folder by default:

Documents > Rockstar Games > GTA V > Profiles

Each Windows user account on your PC will have its own separate save folder.

So if you want to prevent losing single-player progress or world records from the Rockstar Editor, make sure to create backups of your saves somewhere safe!

Do I need to reinstall mods and add-ons?

Yes. Any mods, scripts, add-on cars or tools will need to be freshly installed after deleting and reinstalling GTA 5.

Make sure to only install updated mods after getting the game running again to avoid issues or bans.

And that wraps up this guide on fully uninstalling GTA 5! Let me know if you have any other questions down below.