Uninstall Final Fantasy 14 Properly

To uninstall Final Fantasy 14 properly on Windows, use the official launcher’s uninstaller or the Windows Settings app, then delete the remaining game folder and the My Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn folder to remove all local data. On PlayStation, simply delete the game from your console storage, and on Mac, drag the application to the Trash and remove the related folders. This guide covers the exact steps for each platform, what to do about your subscription, and how to back up your settings before you start.

Why Uninstalling Correctly Matters

Final Fantasy 14 (FFXIV) is a large game that installs files in several locations. A simple drag-to-Trash or delete-folder approach often leaves behind configuration files, logs, and cached data that can clutter your drive or cause issues if you reinstall later. Proper uninstallation removes all traces, freeing up the most space and ensuring a clean slate. It also prevents problems with the launcher if you decide to return to the game.

Before You Uninstall: Backup and Subscription

Before removing the game, consider what you might want to keep:

• Character settings and UI layouts are stored in the My Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn folder (on Windows). Copy this folder to an external drive or cloud storage if you plan to reinstall.
• Screenshots are also saved in that same folder under screenshots. Back them up if they matter to you.
• Your subscription and account are tied to your Square Enix account, not your local files. Uninstalling the game does not cancel your subscription. You must log into the Mog Station (the official account management site) and cancel your subscription separately if you want to stop paying.

If you are uninstalling because of a technical issue, try repairing the game first via the launcher’s configuration menu—this can save you from a full reinstall.

Uninstalling on Windows (PC)

There are two reliable methods on Windows: using the official uninstaller or using the Windows Settings app. Both work, but the official uninstaller is more thorough.

Method 1: Using the Official Uninstaller

1. Open the Start Menu and search for “Final Fantasy XIV”.
2. You should see a folder named “FINAL FANTASY XIV”. Expand it and click “Uninstall”. This launches the game’s uninstaller.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. The uninstaller will remove the game files and the launcher.
4. After it finishes, manually check for leftover files in the default installation folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\SquareEnix or C:\Program Files\SquareEnix). If the folder still exists, delete it.

Method 2: Using Windows Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on older Windows versions).
3. Search for “Final Fantasy XIV”.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Uninstall. Confirm when prompted.

After either method, delete the My Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn folder to remove saved settings and logs. If you used a custom installation path, also delete that folder.

Uninstalling on PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

On PlayStation, the process is straightforward:

1. From the home screen, highlight the Final Fantasy XIV icon.
2. Press the Options button on your controller.
3. Select Delete and confirm.

This removes the game and its data from your console. Note that your save data (character settings, hotbars) may be stored in the cloud if you have PlayStation Plus, or locally. You can delete local save data from Settings > Storage > Saved Data, but this is optional. Your account and subscription remain active.

Uninstalling on Mac

For macOS, the game installs to /Applications/FINAL FANTASY XIV. To uninstall:

1. Quit the game and the launcher.
2. Drag the FINAL FANTASY XIV folder from Applications to the Trash.
3. Also delete the settings folder at ~/Documents/My Games/FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn.
4. Empty the Trash.

There is no separate uninstaller for Mac; this manual removal is the standard method.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

• “Cannot uninstall because the game is running” – Make sure the launcher and game are completely closed, including in the system tray (Windows). Check Task Manager for processes like ffxiv.exe or ffxivlauncher.exe and end them if needed.
• Leftover files after uninstall – Always check the installation folder and the My Documents folder. These are the two main places FFXIV stores data.
• Reinstall issues – If you reinstall and see errors, it’s often because old config files conflict with new ones. Deleting the My Documents folder fixes this.
• Subscription still active – Uninstalling does not cancel your subscription. You must cancel via the Mog Station.

What About the Free Trial and Reinstalling?

If you are on the free trial, uninstalling is the same process. Your trial progress is tied to your Square Enix account, so you can reinstall later and continue. If you plan to reinstall, consider downloading the game via the official launcher rather than using an old installer, as the launcher will fetch the latest version. Also note that the game requires a stable internet connection for the launcher to download updates, so a slow connection can make the process lengthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does uninstalling FFXIV cancel my subscription?

No. Uninstalling the game only removes local files. Your subscription remains active until you cancel it through the Mog Station. If you want to stop paying, log in to the Mog Station and cancel your subscription before or after uninstalling.

Will I lose my character if I uninstall?

No. Your character data is stored on Square Enix’s servers, not on your device. Uninstalling will not delete your character. You can reinstall later and pick up where you left off.

How do I completely remove FFXIV from my PC?

Use the official uninstaller or Windows Settings, then manually delete the SquareEnix installation folder and the My Documents\My Games\FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn folder. This removes all local data.

Can I move FFXIV to another drive instead of uninstalling?

Yes, but it’s not a simple copy-paste. You need to uninstall the game, then reinstall it to the new drive using the launcher. Alternatively, some users have successfully moved the folder and updated the registry, but this is not officially supported and can cause errors.

Why is the uninstaller not showing up?

If you don’t see the uninstaller in the Start Menu, use Windows Settings > Apps. If the game is not listed there, you may have a corrupted installation. In that case, manually delete the installation folder and the My Documents folder, then clean the registry with a trusted tool (at your own risk) or reinstall the game to overwrite the files before uninstalling again.

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