Uninstall Renpy ((new)) May 2026

To completely uninstall Ren'Py, delete its unzipped Software Development Kit (SDK) folder directly, as it does not use a traditional system installer. To purge all residual settings, developer caches, and persistent game data, you must also manually remove the hidden data directories.

Follow this comprehensive guide to wipe Ren'Py completely from Windows, macOS, and Linux. Phase 1: Delete the Core Ren'Py SDK

Because Ren'Py runs directly out of its extracted directory, it will not appear in your system's "Add or Remove Programs" list.

Windows: Locate your renpy--sdk folder (commonly in Downloads, C:\, or your desktop), right-click it, and click Delete. Empty your Recycle Bin.

macOS: Find the renpy- folder in your Applications or Downloads directory, drag it to the Trash, and empty the Trash.

Linux: Delete the extracted directory using your file manager or execute rm -rf ~/renpy--sdk/ in the terminal. Phase 2: Clear Hidden AppData and Cache Folders

Ren'Py stores preferences, persistent data, and project registries outside the main SDK folder. If you reinstall Ren'Py later, it will remember previous configurations unless you delete these paths. How tf do I uninstall renpy? - Lemma Soft Forums

Uninstalling Ren'Py is unusual compared to most software because it doesn't typically appear in your "Add or Remove Programs" list. Since it is a portable application, removal primarily involves manually deleting its folders. 1. Removing the Launcher (The Engine)

To remove the core Ren'Py development environment, locate the folder you originally unzipped it into (often named something like renpy-8.x-sdk) and delete the entire directory. This removes the engine, the launcher, and any built-in documentation or tutorials. 2. Deleting Project Files

If you created games, they are stored in the projects directory within your Ren'Py folder by default.

To scrap a project: Simply delete that specific game's folder from the projects directory.

Launcher Settings: Ren'Py stores some configuration data (like your preferred text editor) outside the main SDK folder so they remain even if you delete the launcher. 3. Clearing Persistent Data & Saves

Even after deleting the main folder, "leftover" files like save data and persistent variables may still exist on your system. These are often stored in hidden system folders: Quickstart — Ren'Py Documentation

Ren’Py is unique because it doesn't use a standard "installer" in the traditional sense; instead, it runs as a "portable" application that is simply extracted from a compressed file. Consequently, there is no entry for it in your system's "Add or Remove Programs" list. uninstall renpy

To fully remove Ren’Py and its associated data, follow these steps: 1. Delete the Main Application Folder

Because Ren'Py is extracted into a standalone directory (e.g., renpy-8.5.2-sdk), uninstalling is as simple as deleting that entire folder.

Windows: Locate the folder where you unzipped the download and move it to the Recycle Bin.

macOS: Drag the Ren’Py folder from your Applications (or wherever you moved it after mounting the DMG) to the Trash. 2. Back Up or Remove Your Projects

Normally, deleting Ren’Py won't delete your game projects if you saved them in a separate directory. However, if your project folders are located inside the main Ren’Py directory, they will be deleted along with the app.

Action: Before deleting the main folder, move your individual game project folders to a safe location if you plan to continue working on them later. 3. Clear Persistent Data and Save Files

Even after deleting the application, Ren’Py often leaves behind "persistent data" (like your preferences or game progress) and save files in hidden system folders. To perform a "clean" uninstall, you should remove these as well:

Windows: Navigate to %APPDATA%/RenPy/ (usually C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\RenPy\). Delete the folder corresponding to your game or the launcher. macOS: Check ~/Library/RenPy/ and delete relevant folders.

Linux: Look for the hidden .renpy directory in your home folder. 4. Remove Text Editor Integration

If you installed a text editor like Visual Studio Code through the Ren’Py launcher, that editor will remain on your system even if you delete Ren’Py. You must uninstall the editor separately using your system’s standard uninstall tool if you no longer need it.

Are you looking to completely wipe your progress for a specific game, or are you trying to troubleshoot an error with the launcher itself? Quickstart — Ren'Py Documentation

To "uninstall" the Ren'Py engine, you do not use a standard uninstaller; instead, you simply delete the folder where you extracted it. Because Ren'Py is a standalone "portable" application, it doesn't register itself in your operating system's programs list or create a Start Menu shortcut automatically. How to Completely Remove Ren'Py

Delete the SDK Folder: Locate the renpy- folder (often found in your Documents or Downloads) and move it to the Trash/Recycle Bin. To completely uninstall Ren'Py , delete its unzipped

Remove Project Data (Optional): Deleting the engine folder usually won't delete your game projects unless you saved them inside that folder. Most projects are stored in a separate directory defined in your Ren'Py Preferences.

Clear AppData/Persistent Files: Ren'Py stores configuration settings and "persistent" save data outside the main folder. To wipe these:

Windows: Press Win + R, type %AppData%, and delete the RenPy folder. macOS: Look in ~/Library/RenPy/. Cleaning Up Game Artifacts for Developers

If your goal is to "clean" a game for distribution rather than uninstalling the engine itself: Delete Ren'py Saves

To uninstall Ren'Py, you simply delete the folder where it was unzipped. Since Ren'Py is a standalone application that does not use a traditional installer, it does not appear in your operating system's "Add or Remove Programs" list. How to Remove Ren'Py Completely Delete the main folder

: Locate the directory where you originally unzipped the Ren'Py files (often named renpy- ) and move it to the Trash/Recycle Bin. Clear Project Data (Optional)

: If you want to remove your specific game projects, delete the individual folders within the directory of the Ren'Py folder. Wipe Persistent Data

: Ren'Py often saves "persistent" data (like unlocked gallery items or seen dialogue) in a separate location. To clear this for a specific project: Ren'Py Launcher Select your project on the left. Delete Persistent on the right side of the screen. Manual Save Deletion

: If you are trying to remove save files from a specific visual novel you were playing, navigate to the game’s folder, find the game/saves directory, and delete the files inside. Important Considerations Android Keys : If you have generated an Android Key

for publishing games, ensure you back it up before deleting the directory if you plan to use it again. Reinstallation

: If you are "uninstalling" to fix errors, you can simply download a fresh version from the official Ren'Py site and unzip it to a new location. transfer your existing projects to a newer version of Ren'Py before you delete the old one? Quickstart — Ren'Py Documentation

To fully uninstall Ren’Py, you need to remove the application files and the persistent data stored in your system folders

. Since Ren’Py is often distributed as a standalone folder rather than a traditional installer, the process may vary slightly based on how you first set it up. 1. Remove the Ren’Py Launcher For Portable/Zip versions: How to Completely Uninstall RenPy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Simply find the folder where you extracted Ren’Py (e.g., your desktop or a dedicated "Dev" folder) and delete the entire directory. For Installed versions (Windows): Control Panel and navigate to Programs > Programs and Features or a specific version (e.g., "Ren'Py 8.x") in the list. Right-click and select For macOS: Drag the Ren’Py application from your Applications folder to the 2. Clear Persistent Data and Save Files

Ren’Py stores "persistent" data (like unlocks and settings) and save games in hidden system directories. To do a "full feature" uninstall, you must clear these: , and press Enter. Find and delete the In the Finder "Go" menu, hold the key to reveal the hidden folder. Navigate to Library/RenPy and delete the relevant game folders. and delete the contents. 3. Back Up Your Projects (Recommended)

Before deleting everything, ensure you have backed up your actual game projects. Uninstalling the launcher usually does not affect your project files, but it is best practice to move your project directory to a safe location before a full wipe. You can find your current project path in the Preferences menu of the Ren’Py launcher. 4. Troubleshooting Uninstallation

If the program does not appear in your "Add or Remove Programs" list or refuses to delete: Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter to force a removal.

Manually delete any remaining shortcuts on your desktop or start menu. cleanly reinstall a specific version of Ren'Py after this? How to uninstall a game in Windows 11 & 10 the SAFE way

How to Completely Uninstall RenPy: A Step-by-Step Guide for Windows, Mac, and Linux

Ren’Py is a fantastic visual novel engine used by thousands of developers and hobbyists worldwide. However, there may come a time when you need to remove it from your system. Perhaps you are cleaning up old development environments, switching to a newer version, or troubleshooting a persistent error.

Unlike standard software, Ren’Py does not come with a traditional installer (on most platforms). This “portable” nature is great for running multiple versions, but it complicates the uninstallation process. Simply deleting the folder often leaves behind hidden files, cache data, and registry entries (on Windows) that can clutter your hard drive or interfere with future installations.

In this guide, we will walk you through the complete process to uninstall RenPy thoroughly, covering Windows, macOS, and Linux.

For Linux

Uninstall Ren'Py Engine:
- If you installed Ren'Py using a package manager, use it to uninstall:
  - For Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt-get remove renpy
  - For Fedora: sudo dnf remove renpy
- If you installed Ren'Py manually, navigate to the installation directory and run ./uninstall.sh if available.
Remove Ren'Py Projects and Files:
- Open a file manager.
- Navigate to the directory where Ren'Py projects are stored (usually ~/renpy or a custom directory).
- Delete the Ren'Py folder if you wish to remove all associated files.

Solution 3: Use Safe Mode (Windows)

Restart your PC and press F8 (or Shift + Restart).
Select Safe Mode with Networking.
Delete the Ren’Py folder normally.

Solution 5: Take Ownership (Windows)

Right-click the Ren’Py folder > Properties > Security > Advanced > Change owner to your user account. Then delete.

Q1: Does uninstalling Ren’Py delete my visual novel games?

Only if your games (projects) were saved inside the Ren’Py installation folder. If you built distributions (PC/Mac/Linux builds of your game), those are standalone and unaffected.

Step 4: Check for Leftovers

Even after this, the uninstaller may not delete your projects or settings. Navigate to:

C:\Program Files\RenPy (or wherever you installed it)
Delete any remaining Ren’Py folder manually.

Note: The "Install" option is rarely used. Most users skip it, meaning Method 2 is for you.

Step 3: Remove Hidden Preference Files

macOS stores app preferences in the Library folder.

In Finder, click Go in the menu bar, then Go to Folder... (or press Shift + Command + G).
Type: ~/Library/Preferences/
Look for files named org.renpy.renpy.plist or similar. Delete them.
Also check: ~/Library/Saved Application State/org.renpy.renpy.savedState – delete if present.