Uninstall Renpy [portable] 🏆

One nuance that often surprises users is that uninstalling Ren'Py does not automatically remove the Python packages or modules that the user may have installed for specific projects. Since Ren'Py bundles its own Python environment, deleting the main folder takes care of those dependencies. However, if the user installed additional system-wide Python packages for use with Ren'Py (e.g., via pip for external tools), those remain and must be uninstalled separately.

: Permanent removal requires clearing your Recycle Bin or Trash. 🛠️ Removing Residual Data

Ren’Py does not use a traditional Windows installer, meaning it will not appear in your "Apps & Features" or "Control Panel" menus. To remove it completely, you must delete its files manually. Step 1: Delete the Main SDK Folder

Click in the top menu bar, hold down the Option (Alt) key, and click Library . Inside the Library folder, open Application Support . Find the folder named RenPy . Drag the RenPy folder to the Trash . Step 3: Clear Saved Application States uninstall renpy

To fully uninstall , you need to remove the launcher, the game projects, and the persistent data stored in your system folders. Since Ren'Py is typically distributed as a standalone folder rather than a traditional installer, the process often involves manual deletion. 1. Remove the Ren'Py Launcher If you installed Ren'Py by downloading a ZIP or 7z file: Locate the Folder

To uninstall Ren'Py properly, one must locate the main Ren'Py directory. This folder contains the launcher executable ( renpy.exe on Windows, renpy.app on macOS, or renpy.sh on Linux), the renpy and lib subdirectories, and crucially, the rapt and renios folders for mobile builds. Deleting this entire folder removes the engine itself. However, the user’s projects—the visual novels they have created or are developing—are usually stored elsewhere, often within a projects or games subfolder inside the same directory. If the user intends to keep their creative work, they must first move these project folders to a new location before deletion. Ren'Py also generates persistent data, such as recent project lists, editor preferences, and SDK update caches. On Windows, these are sometimes saved in %APPDATA%\RenPy ; on macOS, in ~/Library/RenPy ; and on Linux, in ~/.renpy . A thorough uninstall should include deleting these hidden folders as well.

If you are planning to transition to a different engine or need to troubleshoot a specific deployment error, let me know. Your current (Windows, Mac, Linux) One nuance that often surprises users is that

Press Win + R , type %appdata% , and delete the RenPy folder.

If your goal is a fresh reinstall, you must clear all three locations. If you only want to update the software, removing the installation folder is usually enough. How to Uninstall Ren'Py on Windows

Since Ren'Py runs from whichever folder you unzipped it into, removing it is as simple as deleting that folder. : Permanent removal requires clearing your Recycle Bin

This comprehensive guide covers how to completely remove Ren’Py, its launcher settings, and all associated project data across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Understanding Where Ren'Py Stores Files

When you boot the fresh Ren'Py launcher for the first time, click and manually reset the Projects Directory to a new, empty folder. Freeing Up Space from Android/iOS Build Tools

Following these steps ensures that your storage space is fully reclaimed and no corrupt configuration files interfere with future installations of the engine. If you want to troubleshoot a specific error, tell me: What version are you running?

Linux users generally download the tar.bz2 archive, extract it, and run the launcher script via the terminal. To remove it, you simply need to delete the directory and the hidden configuration files. 1. Remove the SDK Directory