How To Uninstall And Reinstall Minecraft

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In this tutorial, learn how to reinstall Minecraft.

Even if you adore a game, you may need to uninstall it on occasion — and Minecraft is no exception. We’re here to assist you to keep your game data safe while you’re attempting to fix a stubborn bug or temporarily free up some storage, regardless of whether you’re trying to fix a persistent bug or temporarily free up some storage.

We’ll show you how to reinstall Minecraft Bedrock and Java on multiple devices while retaining your saves in this article. We’ll also cover how to perform a clean reinstallation and answer a few frequently asked questions about backing up your Minecraft data.

See also: How To Download & Install Minecraft on PC

Keep Saves on PC Minecraft: Bedrock Uninstall and Reinstall

Let’s get started — locate your device’s Minecraft Bedrock reinstallation instructions below.

Windows Bedrock With Saves

Follow the steps below to uninstall Minecraft Bedrock from a Windows PC while keeping your saves and then reinstall it:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Press the “Win” and “R” keys at the same time, then type “%appdata% ” into the pop-up box.

3. To open the “Roaming” folder, press “Enter” or click “Ok.”

4. Open the “.minecraft” folder from the “Roaming” folder. Then, right-click the “saves” folder and select “save as.”

5. Select “Copy” from the dropdown menu, then save the folder to any safe location on your PC.

6. Return to the “Roaming” folder, right-click the “.minecraft” folder, and choose “Delete.” This will remove Minecraft from your computer. To reinstall Minecraft, follow these steps:

7. Open the Minecraft Launcher application. The installation will begin as a result of this.

8. Follow the on-screen instructions — you should only need to click “Next” a few times and then login in with your Minecraft account once the installation is finished.

9. Copy your “saves” folder to the safe location you’ve chosen.

 

10. Return to the “Roaming” folder, open the “.minecraft” folder, and paste your “saves” folder there.

In this video, we ae gonna show you how to reinstall Minecraft on Windows 10 PC:

Mac Bedrock With Saved

Reinstalling Minecraft Bedrock on a Mac differs differently from reinstalling it on a Windows computer; here’s how to accomplish it:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Open the “Finder” app, which has a blue square face as its icon.

3. At the top of the Finder window, click “Go,” then “Go to Folder…”

4. In the search window, type “~/Library/Application Support/minecraft” and press the “Enter” key. The folder “.minecraft” should now be visible.

5. Select “Copy” from the dropdown option when right-clicking the “saves” folder, then save the folder somewhere safe, such as the desktop.

6. Select “Delete” from the options when right-clicking the entire “.minecraft” folder, then confirm.

This should remove Minecraft from your computer.

To reinstall Minecraft, follow these steps:

7. Open the Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation process.

8. Close Launcher after following the on-screen directions and waiting for the process to finish.

9. From a safe area, copy the “saves” folder.

10. Paste your “saves” folder into the “.minecraft” folder once more.

Linux Bedrock With Saves

Only one script is required to remove Minecraft Bedrock from a Linux device. To uninstall and reinstall the game, follow the procedures below:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Open the “.minecraft” folder in your File Manager.

3. Select “Copy” from the context menu of the “saves” folder, then save it somewhere other than the “.minecraft” folder.

4. Use the “Ctrl” + “Alt” + “T” keyboard shortcut to open the Terminal.

5. To use the Terminal, type “rm -vr ~/.minecraft/*” and press the “Enter” key. Enter your password if one is required. All Minecraft files should be removed with this command.
To reinstall Minecraft, follow these steps.

6. Launch Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation procedure. To finish it, follow the on-screen directions.

7. From a safe area, copy the “saves” folder.

8. Paste your “saves” folder into the “.minecraft” folder once more.

Keep Saves on Mobile Minecraft: Bedrock PE Uninstall and Reinstall

If you’re playing Minecraft on a mobile device, you can maintain your saved games even if you reinstall the program. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for both Android and iPhone smartphones below.

IOS Bedrock PE With Saves

Follow the instructions below to reinstall Minecraft PE on your iPhone:

1. From the official website, download iExplorer. You’ll also need the iTunes software if you’re using a Windows PC.

2. Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable.

3. Navigate to “Apps” on your phone’s file management interface.

4. “Minecraft PE,” “Documents,” “Games,” and “com.mojang” will appear, click it.

5. Save the “MinecraftWorlds” folder somewhere safe, separate from the main Minecraft folder.

6. Tap and hold the Minecraft app icon on your phone. Tap the minus icon and confirm your action once it begins to wiggle. The game should now be uninstalled.

7. From the AppStore, reinstall Minecraft PE.

8. Reopen the “com.mojang” folder on your PC and rename the “MinecraftWorlds” folder.

Android Bedrock PE With Saves

To reinstall Minecraft PE on your Android device, follow the steps below:

1. Open the File Explorer app on your phone (the precise name may differ).

2. Navigate to the “Games” folder, then the “com.mojang” folder.

3. Copy and save the “MinecraftWorlds” folder somewhere other than the main “com.mojang” folder.

4. Remove the Minecraft PE app from your device. To uninstall Minecraft, hold down the Minecraft symbol and drag it to the upper-right corner of your screen, then confirm (for newer Android phones). If this method doesn’t work on your smartphone, go to the Settings app and do it that way.

5. From the Google Play Store, reinstall Minecraft PE.

6. Return to the “com.mojang” folder in File Explorer and rename the “MinecraftWorlds” folder.

Keep Saves on Console Minecraft: Bedrock Uninstall and Reinstall

On consoles, keeping your Minecraft data safe during reinstallation is far easier than on a computer. Instructions for various console models can be found further down this page.

PS4 Bedrock With Saves

PS4 stores your Minecraft data to cloud storage automatically, so you don’t have to worry about backing up your worlds. To reinstall the game, follow the procedures below:

1. Open the Games Menu from the main console menu.

2. Then, on your controller, hit the “Options” key – a little oval button to the right of the touchpad – to find Minecraft Bedrock.

3. “Delete” is the option to choose. Minecraft will be removed, but your saves will not be lost because they are kept in a separate location. When prompted if you want to delete the application’s saved data, select “No.”

4. Log in to your PlayStation Store account and go to the Library section.

5. You should be able to install Minecraft Bedrock without paying if you look for it in the Library and select “Download.” Then, as usual, follow the PS4 setup instructions.

6. Your saves should show in the game automatically once you’ve installed it.

Xbox One Bedrock With Saves

Your Minecraft data is kept in the cloud if you’re an Xbox Live member. To reinstall the game, follow these steps:

  1. Start your Xbox and hit the Xbox button on your controller.
  2. Go to “My Games & Apps” and look for Minecraft.
  3. On your controller, press the Menu (Start) button.
  4. Select “Uninstall” from the menu. If you’re using Xbox Live, your saves should be stored in the cloud.
  5. Return to the main menu and select “My Games and Apps.”
  6. Select “Full Library,” then “All Owned Games” from the drop-down menu. Minecraft should still be in this location — pick “Install” after selecting the game title. All of your saves should be installed with the game.

Nintendo Switch Bedrock With Saves

On the Nintendo Switch, you’ll have to manually back up your data first. Follow the procedures below to do so and reinstall the game:

  1. Highlight Minecraft on the main menu, then click the “+” key on your Switch to reveal the game settings.
  2. Select “Save Data Cloud” from the left sidebar, then choose a user and confirm your activity.
  3. Select “manage Software” from the left sidebar, then “Delete Software,” and confirm to delete Minecraft.
  4. Return to the main menu and click the yellow shopping bag icon at the bottom of the screen to access the Nintendo Shop.
  5. To see the games you already possess, go to your profile icon and click “Redownload.”
  6. Wait for Minecraft to install by clicking the cloud icon next to it. Your previous saves should be immediately restored.

Keep Saves on Legacy Console Minecraft: Uninstall and Reinstall

Minecraft may also be reinstalled on older systems like the PS3 and Xbox 360. Continue reading to learn how to do so.

PS3 Legacy Bedrock With Saves

The process of reinstalling Minecraft on a PS3 is similar to that of reinstalling it on a PS4. You cannot, however, move your Minecraft data from an older PlayStation version to a PS4 or PS5. Follow the procedures below to reinstall the game on the same console:

  1. Open the Games Menu from the main console menu.
  2. Then, on your controller, hit the “Options” key – a little oval button to the right of the touchpad – to find Minecraft Bedrock.
  3. Choose “Delete.” Minecraft will be removed, but your saves will not be lost because they are kept in a separate location. When prompted if you want to delete the application’s saved data, select “No.”
  4. Log in to your PlayStation Store account and go to the Library section.
  5. You should be able to install Minecraft Bedrock without paying if you look for it in the Library and select “Download.” Then, as usual, follow the PS3 setup instructions.
  6. Your saves should show in the game automatically once you’ve installed it.

PS Vita Legacy Bedrock With Saves

You can’t transfer Minecraft data from PS Vita to PS4 like you can from PS3, but you can save your data if you reinstall the game on the same device. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open content Manager from the main menu, then go to “Online Storage.”
    “PS Vita System -> Online Storage” should be selected.
  2. Select “Copy” from the drop-down menu next to Minecraft Legacy.
  3. Return to the main menu and look for the Minecraft icon there. Tap it a few times and hold it for a few seconds. Tap the three-dot icon next to it once it begins to wiggle.
  4. Select “Delete” and confirm your decision.
  5. Open PS Store from the main menu and tap the three-dot icon in the corner of your screen.
  6. Then choose “Download List” from the drop-down menu.
  7. Tap “Download” after you’ve found Minecraft. It should be free to download and install.
  8. Select “Online Storage -> PS Vita System” from the “Online Storage” menu.
  9. Select Minecraft Legacy from the drop-down menu and hit “Copy.”

Xbox 360 Legacy Bedrock With Saves

The steps for reinstalling content on an Xbox 360 are identical to those for an Xbox One. Here’s how to delete Minecraft while retaining your saved on your console:

  1. Start your Xbox and hit the Xbox button on your controller.
  2. Go to “My Games & Apps” and look for Minecraft.
  3. On your controller, press the Menu (Start) button.
  4. Select “Uninstall” from the menu. If you’re using Xbox Live, your saves should be stored in the cloud.
  5. Return to the main menu and select “My Games and Apps.”
  6. Select “Full Library,” then “All Owned Games” from the drop-down menu. Minecraft should still be in this location — pick “Install” after selecting the game title. All of your saves should be installed with the game.

Keep Saves on Minecraft Java: Uninstall and Reinstall

Learn how to keep your saves while reinstalling Minecraft Java Edition on your PC in this section.

Windows Minecraft Java With Saves

Follow the steps below to maintain your Minecraft saves while reinstalling the game on a Windows PC:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Press the “Win” and “R” keys at the same time, then type “%appdata% ” into the pop-up box.

3. To open the “Roaming” folder, press “Enter” or click “Ok.”

4. Open the “.minecraft” folder from the “Roaming” folder. Then, right-click the “saves” folder and select “save as.”

5. Select “Copy” from the dropdown menu, then save the folder to any safe location on your PC.

6. Return to the “Roaming” folder, right-click the “.minecraft” folder, and choose “Delete.” This will remove Minecraft from your computer.

7. Open the Minecraft Launcher application. The installation will begin as a result of this.

8. Follow the on-screen instructions — you should only need to click “Next” a few times and then login in with your Minecraft account once the installation is finished.

9. Copy your “saves” folder to the safe location you’ve chosen.

10. Return to the “Roaming” folder, open the “.minecraft” folder, and paste your “saves” folder there.

In this video, we are gonna show you how to reinstall Minecraft on Windows 10 PC:

 

Mac Minecraft Java With Saves

Reinstalling Minecraft Java is similar to reinstalling Minecraft Bedrock. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Open the “Finder” app, which has a blue square face as its icon.

3. At the top of the Finder window, click “Go,” then “Go to Folder…”

4. In the search window, type “~/Library/Application Support/minecraft” and press the “Enter” key. The folder “.minecraft” should now be visible.

5. Select “Copy” from the dropdown option when right-clicking the “saves” folder, then save the folder somewhere safe, such as the desktop.

6. Select “Delete” from the options when right-clicking the entire “.minecraft” folder, then confirm. This should remove Minecraft from your computer.

7. Open the Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation process.

8. Close Launcher after following the on-screen directions and waiting for the process to finish.

9. From a safe area, copy the “saves” folder.

10. Paste your “saves” folder into the “.minecraft” folder once more.

Linux Minecraft Java With Saves

It’s simple to reinstall Minecraft Java on Linux — just follow the steps below:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Open the “.minecraft” folder in your File Manager.

3. Select “Copy” from the context menu of the “saves” folder, then save it somewhere other than the “.minecraft” folder.

4. Use the “Ctrl” + “Alt” + “T” keyboard shortcut to open the Terminal.

5. To use the Terminal, type “rm -vr ~/.minecraft/*” and press the “Enter” key. Enter your password if one is required. All Minecraft files should be removed with this command.

6. Launch Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation procedure. To finish it, follow the on-screen directions.

7. From a safe area, copy the “saves” folder.

8. Paste your “saves” folder into the “.minecraft” folder once more.

Fresh Start for Minecraft Bedrock: Complete Uninstall and Reinstall

If you want to permanently delete your Minecraft data, read this section to learn how to do it on your device.

Bedrock Windows

Follow the steps below to erase all Minecraft data from your Windows PC:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Press the “Win” and “R” keys at the same time, then type “% appdata%” into the pop-up box.

3. To open the “Roaming” folder, press “Enter” or click “Ok.”

4. Right-click the “.minecraft” folder in the “Roaming” folder.

5. Choose “Delete.” This will completely remove Minecraft from your computer, including all of your saved games.

6. Start the Minecraft Launcher application. The installation process will now begin.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions — you should only have to click “Next” a few times and then login in with your Minecraft account once the installation is finished.

Bedrock MacOS

Here’s how to get rid of all of your Minecraft files on your Mac:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before beginning the removal process.

2. Start by opening the “Finder” app, which has a blue square face as its icon.

3. Go to Folder…” after clicking “Go” at the top of the Finder window.

4. In the search window, type “~/Library/Application Support/minecraft” and press the “Enter” key. The folder “.minecraft” should now be visible.

5. Select “Delete” from the options when right-clicking the entire “.minecraft” folder, then confirm. This should completely remove Minecraft from your Mac, including all of your saved games.

6. Open the Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation process.

7. Wait for the process to finish after following the on-screen directions.

Bedrock Linux

There are only four stages to deleting Minecraft files from a Linux device, which are listed below:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Use the “Ctrl” + “Alt” + “T” keyboard shortcut to open the Terminal.

3. To use the Terminal, type “rm -vr ~/.minecraft/*” and press the “Enter” key. Enter your password if one is required. All of your Minecraft files, including saves, should be removed with this command.

4. Launch Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation procedure. To finish it, follow the on-screen directions.

Fresh Start for Minecraft PE (Bedrock): Complete Uninstall and Reinstall

Follow the steps below to remove Minecraft PE from your phone permanently.

Minecraft PE Using Android

To completely remove all of your Minecraft files from an Android phone, follow these steps:

1. To uninstall Minecraft, hold down the Minecraft symbol and drag it to the upper-right corner of your screen, then confirm (for newer Android phones). If this method doesn’t work on your smartphone, go to the Settings app and do it that way. This should remove Minecraft from your computer without saving your data.

2. From the Google Play Store, reinstall Minecraft PE.

Minecraft PE Using iOS

Follow the two simple steps below to delete Minecraft from your iPhone without storing your data:

1. Tap and hold the Minecraft app icon on your phone. Tap the minus icon and confirm your action once it begins to wiggle. This should remove the game from your computer without deleting your data.

2. From the AppStore, reinstall Minecraft PE.

Fresh Start for Minecraft Java: Complete Uninstall and Reinstall

If you don’t want to keep your Minecraft Java data, follow the instructions below to permanently remove the game.

Clean Install on Minecraft Java on Windows

Follow the steps below to reinstall Minecraft Java on a Windows device:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Press the “Win” and “R” keys at the same time, then type “% appdata% ” into the pop-up box.

3. To open the “Roaming” folder, press “Enter” or click “Ok.”

 

4. Right-click the “.minecraft” folder in the “Roaming” folder.

 

5. Choose “Delete.” This will completely remove Minecraft from your computer, including all of your saved games.

 

6. Open the Minecraft Launcher application. The installation will begin as a result of this.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions — you should only need to click “Next” a few times and then login in with your Minecraft account once the installation is finished.

Clean Install on Minecraft Java on Mac

You can reinstall the game on your Mac without saving your worlds by following these instructions:

1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.

2. Open the “Finder” app, which has a blue square face as its icon.

3. At the top of the Finder window, click “Go,” then “Go to Folder…”

4. In the search window, type “~/Library/Application Support/minecraft” and press the “Enter” key. The folder “.minecraft” should now be visible.

5. Select “Delete” from the options when right-clicking the entire “.minecraft” folder, then confirm. This should completely remove Minecraft from your Mac, including all of your saved games.

6. Open the Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation process.

7. Wait for the process to finish after following the on-screen directions.

Clean Install on Minecraft Java on Linux

It’s easy to uninstall all of your Minecraft Java data on Linux and reinstall the game — just follow the procedures below:

  1. Keep in mind that the Minecraft Launcher should not be deleted before you begin the removal process.
  2. Use the “Ctrl” + “Alt” + “T” keyboard shortcut to open the Terminal.
  3. To use the Terminal, type “rm -vr ~/.minecraft/*” and press the “Enter” key. Enter your password if one is required. All of your Minecraft files, including saves, should be removed with this command.
  4. Launch Minecraft Launcher to begin the installation procedure. To finish it, follow the on-screen directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about reinstalling Minecraft, read this section.

Where Is My Save Folder so I Can Backup My Minecraft Data? I Cannot Find It.

The Minecraft “saves” folder can be located in a variety of locations depending on your device. Your data is automatically saved to the cloud on PlayStation and Xbox, but you must manually back it up on the PS Vita through Settings. You won’t need to look for a “saves” folder because your data will be restored automatically when you reload the game. Follow the steps below to locate the “saves” folder on other devices:

On a computer running Windows:

1. Press the “Win” and “R” keys at the same time, then type “%appdata%” into the pop-up box.

2. Choose the “Enter” key or click “Ok” to open the “Roaming” folder.

3. Right-click the “.minecraft” folder from the “Roaming” folder.

4. Open the “saves” folder.

On macOS:

1. Launch the “Finder” app, which has a blue square face as its icon.

2. Select “Go to Folder…” from the “Go” menu at the top of the Finder window.

3. In the search window, type “~/Library/Application Support/minecraft” and press the “Enter” key. The folder “.minecraft” should now be visible. The “saves” folder can be found here.

On Android, go to:

1. On your phone, open the File Explorer app (the precise name may differ).

2. Navigate to the “Games” folder, then the “com.mojang” folder.

3. Go to the “MinecraftWorlds” folder to find your saves.

On iPhone:

1. Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cord.

2. Navigate to “Apps” in your phone’s file management interface.

3. Select “Minecraft PE,” then “Documents,” “Games,” and “com.mojang” from the drop-down menu.

4. Go to the “MinecraftWorlds” folder to find your saves.

If I Just Reinstall Minecraft, Will It Delete My Saved Data?

Yes, your saves will be lost if you don’t back up your data before uninstalling the game. Except for PlayStation and Xbox consoles, this applies to all devices. When prompted whether you’d like to remove the application’s saved data, select “Yes” to completely delete Minecraft data from PS4. You can’t delete data from Xbox Live cloud storage permanently, but you won’t be able to access it if you don’t have an Xbox Live account.

Don’t Lose Your Worlds

Every Minecraft player understands how frustrating it is to lose a world they’ve worked so hard to create! Thankfully, now that you know how to correctly reload Minecraft, you can rest assured that your saved games will not be lost. Even if you don’t plan to reinstall Minecraft in the near future, you should back up your game data if you’re playing Minecraft on a computer or a mobile device. Use a memory stick, another device, or online storage to backup your worlds in case something goes wrong with your equipment.

What method do you use to backup your game data? Please share your thoughts in the section.

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