Deleting a Minecraft world might seem straightforward, but the exact method varies slightly depending on which platform you're playing on. This guide will walk you through the process for Java Edition, Bedrock Edition (including Windows 10, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile), and even some troubleshooting tips for stubborn worlds. We'll cover everything from finding your world save files to safely removing them without losing other game data.
Finding Your Minecraft World Saves
Before you can delete a world, you need to locate its save file. The location differs based on your operating system and Minecraft edition.
Java Edition:
Your Minecraft world saves are typically found in the following locations:
- Windows:
%appdata%\.minecraft\saves - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/saves - Linux:
~/.minecraft/saves
To access these folders, you can either type the path directly into your file explorer's address bar or use the search function within your file explorer.
Bedrock Edition (Windows 10, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Mobile):
The location of your Bedrock Edition saves depends heavily on the platform:
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Windows 10: The exact location varies depending on your Windows version and settings. You might find it under
%appdata%\Packages\Microsoft.MinecraftUWP_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\games\com.mojang\but it's best to search your computer for "MinecraftWorlds" or similar. -
Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Mobile: These platforms typically store saves directly within the console or device's internal storage. You'll need to navigate through the game's settings or file management system to locate and delete world saves. Consult your platform's specific instructions for managing game data.
Deleting a Minecraft World: Step-by-Step
Once you've located the world's folder, deleting it is relatively simple:
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Identify the World: Each world is represented by a folder with a unique name. Make absolutely sure you have selected the correct folder before proceeding.
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Backup (Optional but Highly Recommended): Before deleting, consider backing up the world folder. This creates a copy in case you change your mind or need to recover it later. Simply copy the folder to a different location on your computer or an external drive.
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Delete the Folder: Right-click on the world folder and select "Delete" (or the equivalent option on your operating system). Confirm the deletion when prompted.
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Restart Minecraft: After deleting the world folder, restart Minecraft to ensure the changes take effect. The world should no longer appear in your list of available worlds.
What Happens When You Delete a World?
Deleting a Minecraft world permanently removes the world's data from your computer or device. This means all progress, structures, and items within that world are lost. There's no undo function, so be absolutely certain you want to delete the world before proceeding.
How to Delete a World in Minecraft that Won't Delete?
Sometimes, you may encounter issues deleting a world folder, especially on Windows. This might be due to file permissions or the folder being open in another program. Try these steps:
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Close Minecraft Completely: Ensure the Minecraft application is completely closed before attempting to delete the world.
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Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing deletion.
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Run as Administrator: Right-click on the world folder, select "Properties," and then go to the "Security" tab. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to delete the folder. If not, you might need to adjust the permissions or run the file explorer as administrator.
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Use a Third-Party File Manager: If all else fails, consider using a third-party file manager that offers more robust deletion capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a deleted Minecraft world?
Recovering a deleted Minecraft world is possible if you have a backup. If you didn't create a backup, recovering the world is highly unlikely, although data recovery software might have a small chance of success.
How do I delete a world on a Minecraft server?
Deleting a world on a Minecraft server requires server-side access. The method varies depending on the server software (e.g., Bukkit, Spigot). Consult your server software's documentation for instructions.
Why can't I find my Minecraft saves?
If you can't find your saves, double-check the file paths mentioned earlier in this guide, ensuring you're looking in the correct directory for your specific Minecraft edition and operating system. It's also possible your Minecraft installation might be corrupted. Reinstalling the game might be necessary.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of deleting Minecraft worlds. Remember to always back up your worlds before deleting to avoid accidental data loss. Happy gaming!
