how to uninstall final fantasy 14

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30-03-2025

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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has captivated millions with its immersive world and engaging storyline. But sometimes, circumstances change, and you might need to uninstall the game. Whether you're freeing up hard drive space, switching platforms, or simply taking a break, this guide will walk you through the process of completely uninstalling Final Fantasy XIV on your PC, Mac, or PlayStation. We'll cover all the necessary steps to ensure a clean removal.

Uninstalling FFXIV on Your PC (Windows)

The process for uninstalling FFXIV on a Windows PC is fairly straightforward. However, be sure to back up any important character data before proceeding.

Step 1: Close the FFXIV Launcher and Game

Before you begin, ensure that the Final Fantasy XIV launcher and the game itself are completely closed. Check your system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen) for any lingering processes.

Step 2: Access the Control Panel

There are several ways to access your Control Panel. The easiest is usually to type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and select the top result.

Step 3: Uninstall Final Fantasy XIV

Once in the Control Panel, locate "Programs and Features" (or "Uninstall a program"). This may take a few moments depending on the number of installed programs you have. Find "FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE" in the list. Select it and click "Uninstall."

Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Prompts

The uninstaller will guide you through the process. Click through the prompts and let it complete the uninstall. This might take a few minutes depending on your computer’s speed.

Step 5: Delete Remaining Files (Optional but Recommended)

While the uninstaller typically removes most files, some residual files may remain. For a truly clean uninstall, manually delete the following folders (if they exist):

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Square Enix\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn
• C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\SquareEnix\FFXIV (This folder is hidden by default. You may need to enable viewing of hidden files and folders in your File Explorer settings.)
• C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\FFXIV_DX11 (or FFXIV_DX9, depending on your graphics settings)

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

Once all the files have been deleted, restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.

Uninstalling FFXIV on Your Mac

Uninstalling FFXIV on macOS is slightly different but still quite simple.

Step 1: Close the FFXIV Launcher and Game

Close the FFXIV launcher and the game completely before you begin.

Step 2: Locate the FFXIV Installer

Find the Final Fantasy XIV installer application in your Applications folder.

Step 3: Drag to Trash

Simply drag the Final Fantasy XIV installer application to the Trash. This will remove the game files.

Step 4: Empty the Trash

Empty the Trash to permanently delete the game files.

Step 5: Delete Remaining Files (Optional but Recommended)

As with Windows, some leftover files might exist. Manually delete these folders if present:

• /Library/Application Support/Square Enix/FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn
• ~/Library/Preferences/Square Enix/FFXIV_prefs.xml (This is a hidden file. You may need to show hidden files in Finder preferences.)

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer for good measure.

Uninstalling FFXIV on PlayStation

The process is even simpler on PlayStation consoles. You don't need to manually delete files.

Step 1: Highlight Final Fantasy XIV

On your PlayStation's home screen, highlight the Final Fantasy XIV game icon.

Step 2: Press the Options Button

Press the Options button on your controller.

Step 3: Select "Delete"

Choose the "Delete" option from the menu.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

Confirm that you want to delete the game.

Troubleshooting: Problems Uninstalling FFXIV

If you encounter any issues during the uninstall process, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Run as administrator: If the uninstall fails, try running the uninstaller as administrator. Right-click the uninstaller and select "Run as administrator."
• Restart your computer: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.
• Check for conflicting processes: Make absolutely sure all related FFXIV processes are closed.
• Use a third-party uninstaller: In rare cases, a third-party uninstaller (like Revo Uninstaller) can help remove stubborn files.

By following these steps, you can successfully uninstall Final Fantasy XIV and free up valuable storage space on your device. Remember to back up any important data before proceeding, and always consult the official Final Fantasy XIV website for the most up-to-date instructions.