Ethan Brooks
How To Remove Discord Completely in 2025
Uninstalling Discord can be pretty straightforward, but sometimes it’s not. Maybe you’re dealing with a weird bug or just want to clear some space, and deleting the app alone doesn’t do the trick. The tricky part is that Discord leaves behind some residual files, especially on Windows, that can mess with a fresh install later or just pile up over time. This guide covers not just the basic removal but also tips on cleaning out cached data and completely wiping out everything Discord-related. That way, you get a genuinely clean slate, which helps if you’re troubleshooting or just sick of leftover icons and files.
How to Fix Discord Uninstallation Hiccups in Windows, macOS, and Mobile
Method 1: Use the Built-in Uninstaller and Remove Residual Files (Windows)
This actually works most of the time, especially if Discord is stubborn or keeps launching in the background. You’ll want to do more than just hit delete in the Start menu because Windows tends to hang on to some files left behind, like in %appdata% or the registry. To be thorough:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Scroll to find Discord or just type “Discord” into the search bar.
- Click it, then hit Uninstall. Confirm if prompted.
Sometimes, that’s not enough. Discord’s processes might still be running in the background, or Windows hasn’t cleared out the cache. That’s why you’ll want to do this:
- Before uninstalling, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Check if any processes named Discord.exe or something similar are running; if yes, right-click and choose End task.
Next, go to:
%appdata%\Discordand delete that folder if it’s still there. Also, check %localappdata% for any leftover folders. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Method 2: Clear Cache and Settings Manually (macOS & Windows)
Sometimes, even after uninstalling, Discord keeps remnants in your system caches. To be extra sure:
- On Windows, open the Run dialog with Windows + R.
- Type
%appdata%and hit Enter. - Find the Discord folder and delete it.
- Then, navigate to %localappdata% and do the same.
On macOS:
- Open Finder.
- Go to ~/Library/Application Support/Discord and delete that folder.
- Also check in ~/Library/Caches and delete anything related to Discord if present.
Just in case, a quick reboot after all this helps get rid of any lingering processes or cache files. Sometimes, residual files can hang around if not cleaned thoroughly.
Wrap-up
So, if Discord acted up, refused to uninstall, or just left a mess behind, these steps should cover most issues. Removing leftovers manually gets rid of weird bugs that crop up when files get corrupted or stuck. On some setups, it might take a reboot or a second try, but mostly, this makes sure nothing’s left to cause trouble later.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If Discord stubbornly refuses to uninstall or keeps crashing, make sure it’s closed completely. You can do that via Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on Mac. Also, restarting your machine after cleaning helps close any hidden processes and clears cache files. For Windows, some people find that running a third-party uninstaller like IObit Uninstaller helps if the built-in method fails. Not always necessary, but worth a shot in stubborn cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall Discord after uninstalling it?
Absolutely. Just download the latest installer from the official Discord site. No worries — your account stays untouched, and reinstalling is easy.
Will uninstalling Discord delete my account?
Nope, deleting the app doesn’t delete your account. It’s just like deleting an install, not your profile. You can always log back in later or reinstall if needed.
What if Discord still won’t uninstall or keep coming back?
This usually means some processes or leftover files are still active. Make sure it’s fully closed in Task Manager, delete all related folders, then restart your PC. If that’s still not enough, try a third-party uninstaller. Sometimes Windows just doesn’t want to make it easy.