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
To uninstall Ren'Py, you simply delete the folder where you originally unzipped or installed it. Because Ren'Py is a "portable" engine, it does not typically use a standard OS uninstaller or leave complex registry entries like traditional software. Step-by-Step Removal uninstall renpy
Locate the Folder: Find the directory where the Ren'Py launcher resides.
Backup Your Projects: If you want to keep your work, copy the projects folder (found inside the Ren'Py directory or at a path specified in your preferences) to a safe location before deleting everything.
Delete: Right-click the folder and select Delete or move it to the Trash/Recycle Bin. Cleaning Up Remaining Files
While the engine itself is gone after deleting the folder, some user-specific data might remain:
Persistent Data & Saves: Ren'Py often stores game-specific save data and persistent variables in a hidden directory.
Windows: %APPDATA%/RenPy/ (Copy and paste this into your File Explorer address bar). macOS: ~/Library/RenPy/. Linux: ~/.renpy/. Uninstalling Ren'Py is unusual compared to most software
Visual Studio Code: If you installed VS Code through the Ren'Py launcher, you may need to uninstall it separately through your system's "Add or Remove Programs" if you no longer need it.
Delete the Ren’Py folder (e.g., C:\renpy-8.3.0 or wherever you unzipped it).
No uninstaller exists – just delete the directory.
Remove leftover config & logs (optional):
%APPDATA%\RenPy – delete this folder if it exists.%LOCALAPPDATA%\renpy – delete if present.Remove desktop shortcuts (if you created any).
No matter your operating system, Ren’Py generates cache files to speed up loading. These are often missed during a normal uninstall.
sudo pacman -R renpy
Learning how to uninstall RenPy completely is an essential skill for any visual novel developer. Because Ren’Py operates largely as a portable application, the process is simpler than traditional software—but the simplicity leads many users to skip cleaning hidden cache and preference files.
Quick checklist for a complete uninstall:
projects folder.AppData/Local/renpy (Win) or ~/.renpy (Mac/Linux).AppData/Roaming/renpy (Win) or ~/Library/Preferences plist files (Mac).By following this guide, you ensure that no leftover configuration haunts your next Ren’Py installation. Whether you’re troubleshooting, upgrading, or simply decluttering, a clean uninstall gives you a fresh foundation for your visual novel development journey.
Have additional questions about uninstalling Ren’Py? Drop a comment below or visit the official Ren’Py Lemma Soft forums for community support.
Here’s a concise, useful write-up for uninstalling Ren’Py on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Open Task Manager and end all pythonw.exe processes. These are orphaned Ren’Py instances. Table of Contents