Origin is a popular video game distribution platform developed by Electronic Arts (EA). It allows users to purchase, download, and play various EA games, such as FIFA, Madden NFL, and The Sims. However, some users may experience issues with Origin, such as frequent crashes, slow loading times, or poor performance. If you’re tired of dealing with these problems and want to uninstall Origin from your computer, this article will guide you through the process.
Pre-Uninstallation Checklist
Before you start uninstalling Origin, make sure to take the following steps:
Saving Game Progress And Data
If you’re uninstalling Origin, you risk losing your game progress and data. To avoid this, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Origin account and go to the “My Games” section.
- Look for the games you want to back up and click on the “Download” button next to each game.
- Choose the “Save” option to save your game files to your computer.
- Alternatively, you can also use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to save your game files.
Ending All Origin Processes
To avoid any errors during the uninstallation process, make sure to end all Origin processes running on your computer. Here’s how:
- Press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys simultaneously to open the Task Manager.
- Look for any Origin-related processes in the Task Manager and right-click on each process.
- Select the “End Task” option to terminate each process.
Uninstalling Origin On Windows
Uninstalling Origin on Windows is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps.
Using The Control Panel
To uninstall Origin using the Control Panel, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu and click on the “Control Panel” option.
- Click on the “Programs and Features” option in the Control Panel.
- Look for “Origin” in the list of installed programs and click on it.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button to start the uninstallation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Using The Settings App
Alternatively, you can uninstall Origin using the Settings app on Windows 10. Here’s how:
- Go to the Start menu and click on the “Settings” app.
- Click on the “System” option in the Settings app.
- Click on the “Apps & features” option.
- Look for “Origin” in the list of installed apps and click on it.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button to start the uninstallation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Uninstalling Origin On MacOS
Uninstalling Origin on macOS is also a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps.
Using The Applications Folder
To uninstall Origin using the Applications folder, follow these steps:
- Go to the Applications folder on your Mac.
- Look for the “Origin” app and drag it to the Trash.
- Right-click on the Trash icon and select the “Empty Trash” option.
- Confirm that you want to delete the “Origin” app.
Using The Launchpad
Alternatively, you can uninstall Origin using the Launchpad on macOS. Here’s how:
- Go to the Launchpad on your Mac.
- Look for the “Origin” app and click on it.
- Hold down the Option (⌥) key and click on the “X” icon next to the “Origin” app.
- Confirm that you want to delete the “Origin” app.
Removing Residual Files
After uninstalling Origin, there may be residual files left on your computer. To remove these files, follow these steps:
- Go to the File Explorer on your computer (Windows) or the Finder app on your Mac (macOS).
- Look for any folders or files related to Origin and delete them.
- Use the Windows Registry Editor (regedit) on Windows or the Terminal app on macOS to remove any remaining registry keys or entries.
Repairing Your Computer After Uninstalling Origin
After uninstalling Origin, you may need to repair your computer to ensure that all system files are intact.
Using The System File Checker
On Windows, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair any damaged system files. Here’s how:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the command “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions to repair any damaged files.
Using The Disk Cleanup Tool
On macOS, you can use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove any temporary files and free up space on your computer. Here’s how:
- Go to the About This Mac option.
- Click on the “Storage” tab.
- Click on the “Manage” button.
- Select the “Optimize Storage” option.
Alternatives To Origin
If you’re uninstalling Origin due to issues with the platform, you may want to consider alternatives. Here are a few options:
- Steam: Steam is a popular video game distribution platform that offers a wide range of games.
- GOG: GOG is a digital distribution platform that specializes in PC games.
- EPIC Games Store: The EPIC Games Store is a relatively new platform that offers exclusive titles.
In summary, uninstalling Origin is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely remove Origin from your computer and free up space on your hard drive. Additionally, you can consider alternative platforms to Origin for accessing your favorite games.
Q1 What Is Origin And Why Do I Need To Uninstall It?
Origin is a digital distribution platform developed by Electronic Arts (EA), used to download, purchase, and play EA games. You might need to uninstall Origin if you encounter errors or issues with the software, or if you no longer wish to play EA games. Uninstalling Origin can also help free up space on your computer and improve performance.
If you’re experiencing problems with Origin, such as slow loading times, crashes, or installation issues, uninstalling and reinstalling the software might resolve the issue. Additionally, if you no longer need Origin, uninstalling it can help declutter your computer and minimize the risk of potential security vulnerabilities.
Q2 Is It Safe To Uninstall Origin?
Uninstalling Origin is generally a safe process, but it’s essential to follow the proper steps to avoid any potential issues. If you uninstall Origin incorrectly, you might encounter problems with other EA games or software on your computer. To ensure a safe uninstallation, follow the steps provided in the guide carefully, and make sure to delete all related files and folders.
Additionally, uninstalling Origin will not affect your EA games or other software on your computer. You can always reinstall Origin if you need to play EA games or access other EA services. However, if you’ve installed other software or games through Origin, you might need to reinstall those separately.
Q3 What Will Happen To My EA Games After Uninstalling Origin?
Uninstalling Origin will not affect your EA games, and they will still be stored on your computer. However, you will need to reinstall Origin to play or access your EA games in the future. If you’ve downloaded games through Origin, they will remain on your computer, but you won’t be able to launch them without Origin.
If you want to play your EA games after uninstalling Origin, you can reinstall the software and restore your game library. You can also consider downloading EA games through other platforms, such as Steam or the Epic Games Store. Make sure to back up your game saves and data before uninstalling Origin to avoid losing any progress.
Q4 Can I Uninstall Origin If I’m Not The Administrator?
To uninstall Origin, you need to have administrator privileges on your computer. If you’re not the administrator, you might not have the necessary permissions to uninstall the software. In this case, you can ask the administrator to grant you permission or uninstall Origin on your behalf.
If you’re using a shared computer, it’s essential to consult with the administrator before uninstalling Origin. This will help ensure that you don’t inadvertently affect other users or software on the computer. If you’re unsure about your permissions or the potential impact of uninstalling Origin, it’s best to consult with the administrator before proceeding.
Q5 Will Uninstalling Origin Affect My Computer’s Performance?
Uninstalling Origin can potentially improve your computer’s performance, especially if the software is causing issues or using excessive resources. Origin can consume significant CPU and memory resources, especially when running in the background. Uninstalling the software can help free up resources and declutter your computer.
However, the performance impact of uninstalling Origin will depend on various factors, including your computer’s specifications, other software installed, and usage patterns. If you’ve experienced performance issues related to Origin, uninstalling the software might resolve the problem. In general, uninstalling unnecessary software can help improve your computer’s overall performance and stability.
Q6 How Do I Completely Remove Origin From My Computer?
To completely remove Origin from your computer, follow the steps provided in the guide carefully. Make sure to delete all related files and folders, including the Origin installation folder and any remaining files in the AppData folder. You can also use the built-in Windows uninstaller to remove Origin, or use a third-party uninstallation tool to ensure a thorough removal.
Additionally, consider using a registry cleaner to remove any remaining registry entries related to Origin. Be cautious when using registry cleaners, as they can potentially affect other software or system settings. Always back up your registry before making any changes, and use a reputable registry cleaner to avoid potential issues.
Q7 What If I Encounter Issues During The Uninstallation Process?
If you encounter issues during the uninstallation process, such as error messages or difficulties deleting files, try restarting your computer and attempting the uninstallation again. You can also try using a third-party uninstallation tool or seeking assistance from the EA support team.
If you’re experiencing persistent issues or errors during the uninstallation process, it’s possible that there’s a problem with the Origin installation or your computer’s configuration. In this case, you may need to perform a manual uninstallation or seek further assistance from the EA support team or a computer technician.