Why doesn’t uninstalling a game restore all of its storage space?

A disk-usage tool such as Everything or a folder-size analyzer can help locate the missing space. Uninstall utilities can also scan for leftover folders, but review the results carefully instead of blindly deleting registry entries or shared files. A difference of around 1 GB can simply be leftover saves, caches, or shared components rather than a serious problem.

Some games install shared components like Microsoft Visual C++ redistributables or DirectX files. Those aren’t always removed because other games and programs may still need them. Installers, shader caches, crash logs, and temporary files can also account for a small difference.

Game saves, settings, and configuration files are often stored outside the main installation folder, such as in Documents, AppData, or the game's user-data directory. Uninstalling the game may leave those behind so your progress and preferences are preserved if you reinstall later.

Make sure you’re actually uninstalling the game through the launcher or Windows rather than deleting only a shortcut. Afterward, search for the game’s name in its install location, Documents, AppData, and the launcher’s library folders. Check what you’re deleting first, since save files may be worth keeping.