How to Delete a Game in Games Explorer Folder in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8

   Information

This tutorial will show you how to delete a game that is displayed in the Games explorer folder in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

This can be handy if you had uninstalled the game, but it is still displayed in the Games folder.

   Note

The Games folder is central repository for games on your computer that also offers game updates, statistics, news feeds, WEI requirements, and more.

For more information about the Games Explorer folder, see: Games Explorer - Microsoft Windows

   Tip

You will need to have the default game checked in Windows Features before it will be displayed in the Games folder. By default they are checked. You can also uncheck one of the default games to remove it from the Games explorer folder. This does not apply to installed 3rd party games.

EXAMPLE: Games explorer folder
NOTE: You can open the Games folder by clicking on the Games button on the dark right side of the Start Menu, typing shell:games in the Start Menu search box and pressing enter, or navigating to the hidden C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Games folder.

Here's How:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog, type regedit.exe, and press Enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (Windows 7/8) or Continue (Vista).

3. Under the Games Registry Key

A) In regedit, navigate to the location below: (see screenshot below)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameUX\Games

B) In the left pane under the Games key, select each long number subkey and look in the right pane for the AppExePath name data to see if that is the name of the game (ex: Solitaire) you want to delete. (see screenshot above)

   Warning

You should create a backup of this long number subkey to be able to restore it later if you ever wanted to. Once you delete it in step 3C below it will be permanently gone.


To create a backup:

• In the left pane, right click on the long number subkey for the correct game name and click on Export.
• Name the .reg file backup something to make it easy to remember what this is for.
• Save the .reg file somewhere safe to have it later if needed.

C) In the left pane, right click on the long number subkey for the correct game name and click on Delete. (See screenshot below)

D) Click on Yes to confirm. (See screenshot below)

4. Under the S-1-5-21.... SID Registry Keys

A) In regedit, go to the location below: (see screenshots below)
NOTE: Each S-1-5-21 key listed is a user account.

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\GameUX\(long S-1-5-21-#####...)

B) In the left pane under each listed S-1-5-21 key, select each long number subkey and look in the right pane for the AppExePath name data to see if that is the name of the game (ex: Hidden & Dangerous 2) you want to delete. (see screenshot above)

   Warning

You should create a backup of this long number subkey to be able to restore it later if you ever wanted to. Once you delete it in step 4C below it will be permanently gone.


To create a backup:

• In the left pane, right click on the long number subkey for the correct game name and click on Export.
• Name the .reg file backup something to make it easy to remember what this is for.
• Save the .reg file somewhere safe to have it later if needed.

C) In the left pane, right click on the long number subkey for the correct game name and click on Delete.

D) Click on Yes to confirm. (See screenshot below)

5. Close regedit.

6. Close and reopen the Games explorer folder. The game (ex: Solitaire) has been deleted. (See screenshot below)

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Add Games to Games Explorer Folder in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Create a "Games Explorer" Shortcut in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• Hide or Unhide Games in Games Explorer Folder in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Restore the Default Games in Games Explorer Folder in Windows 7
• How to Customize the Windows 7 Games Explorer Context Menu
• Games Explorer - Edit with Game Explorer Builder
• Enable or Disable Game Updates in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• Enable or Disable Last Play Time of Games in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• Enable or Disable Game Updates in "Games Explorer" in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8