Saying Goodbye to ReShade: The Ultimate Uninstallation Guide (2024)

ReShade is a popular post-processing injector that enhances the visual experience of video games. By applying custom shaders, it can dramatically improve the graphics, sharpening the details and adding realistic effects to create a more immersive gaming environment. However, there are times when players might want to uninstall ReShade, as it could cause performance issues or conflicts with other game modifications.

Uninstalling ReShade might sound daunting, but it is relatively simple to do by following proper guidelines. Two primary methods to uninstall ReShade involve manually removing necessary files from the game directory or using the ReShade setup tool. This article will guide you through the steps necessary to uninstall ReShade for a streamlined gaming experience.

Understanding ReShade

ReShade is a popular customizable plugin that allows you to enhance the graphics of many computer games by adding post-processing effects. These enhancements, such as shaders, ambient occlusion, and color correction, provide richer, more dynamic visuals and can dramatically improve the overall gaming experience.

Features of ReShade

ReShade’s primary function is to make use of shaders, which are programming scripts that determine the rendering of visuals in a game. By utilizing shaders, ReShade is able to manipulate the graphics and apply a variety of effects that can bring new life to older games or further enhance the visuals of modern titles.

One noteworthy aspect of ReShade is its ability to work with most PC games, making it an attractive choice for both casual gamers and enthusiasts seeking to customize their gaming experience. This compatibility, combined with a user-friendly interface, allows for straightforward installation and configuration. Here are some key features of ReShade:

• Shaders: ReShade comes with a vast library of shaders, providing a wide range of visual enhancements such as ambient occlusion, depth of field, bloom, and color correction
• Enhance graphics: ReShade can significantly improve the graphics of a game, breathing new life into older titles or adding an extra layer of graphical polish to more recent releases
• Graphics enhancement tools: With a diverse selection of shader presets and customization options, ReShade empowers users to fine-tune their gaming visuals to their personal preferences

When utilizing ReShade to improve your gaming experience, it is important to understand its capabilities and limitations. Always be conscious of performance considerations, as some effects may impact the performance of your game. Additionally, it is essential to verify that the visual enhancements provided by ReShade are compatible with and complementary to the particular game you are playing.

Preparing for Uninstallation

Identifying ReShade Files

Before you begin the process of uninstalling ReShade, it’s essential to identify the ReShade files present in your game directory. Typically, ReShade adds a .dll file and an associated .ini file to your game folder, allowing the program to function. These files can have one of the following names: d3d9.dll, dxgi.dll, or opengl32.dll. Locating these files in your game directory is the first step to successfully removing ReShade from your system.

Backup Necessary Files

It’s always a good idea to create a backup of essential files before making any changes to your game directory. This includes your game saves and any custom settings you may have applied in the game. By doing so, you can prevent potential loss of progress or the need to reconfigure settings in case something goes wrong during the uninstallation process.

To backup your game saves:

1. Locate the save game folder, usually located within the game directory or under your user folder’s “Documents” or “My Games” section
2. Copy the entire save folder to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service

To backup your custom game settings:

1. Locate the configuration files in your game directory. These files usually have a .cfg, .ini, or .xml extension
2. Copy the relevant configuration files to a separate folder or storage location for safekeeping

Once you have identified the ReShade files and created backups of necessary game files, you are ready to proceed with the uninstallation process. By carefully preparing for the uninstallation, you can ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience while removing ReShade from your system.

How to Uninstall Reshade

From the .Exe Client

To uninstall Reshade using the .exe client, first, run the Reshade setup file. If you don’t already have it, you can download it from reshade.me. Next, select your game’s .exe client and choose the rendering API. Afterward, select “Uninstall” and click “Next,” then “Finish.” This should remove Reshade from your game.

Directly from Game Directory

If you prefer to uninstall Reshade directly from your game directory, navigate to the game’s folder on your computer and locate the Reshade files. These files typically include the .dll file and the associated .ini file. To remove Reshade, simply delete these files from your game directory. Ensure that you double-check the file names before deleting them, as removing the wrong files could cause issues with your game.

Using Software Uninstaller

In some cases, a software uninstaller tool might be useful to simplify the removal process. These tools can detect and help you manage all the software installed on your computer, including Reshade. To use a software uninstaller, first, download and install the tool of your choice. Then, open the software uninstaller, locate Reshade in the list of installed programs, and follow the uninstallation steps provided by the tool. Note that not all uninstaller tools may support Reshade, so choose one that specifically lists compatibility with Reshade if possible.

By using one of these three methods, you can confidently and effectively uninstall Reshade from your computer and game files. Keep in mind that if you run into any issues or complications, you should consult the Reshade support resources available on the official website for additional guidance.

Dealing with Directx and OpenGL

Understanding DXGI.Dll

DXGI.dll is a crucial component in the DirectX Graphics Infrastructure (DXGI) that works as an intermediary between graphics processing units (GPUs) and user applications for specific Windows versions. Directx is a rendering API developed by Microsoft that allows communication between a game and the GPU. As a part of the Reshade uninstallation process, one must consider the presence of the DXGI.dll file to ensure proper removal of Reshade effects.

Handling D3D9.Dll

On the other hand, D3D9.dll is a vital file associated with the DirectX 9 rendering API, which is an earlier version of DirectX. Similar to DXGI, DirectX 9 allows smooth interaction between games and GPUs, specifically for older games that are built on the DirectX 9 Graphics API. Uninstalling Reshade components requires paying attention to the D3D9.dll file as well.

Since Reshade works by injecting itself into the game’s rendering pipeline through API hooks, properly uninstalling Reshade involves removing the specific files connected with the graphics APIs it uses, either DirectX or OpenGL. In DirectX-based games, particularly those operating on DXGI and DirectX 9, removing Reshade is accomplished by deleting dxgi.dll or d3d9.dll files from the game directory.

For those working with OpenGL-based games, which is a platform-agnostic graphics API that allows for rendering and communication between the video card and the game in a similar manner to DirectX, removing Reshade also requires file handling. Specifically, deleting the opengl32.dll file from the game directory is essential for proper removal.

By understanding the necessary files and their role in DirectX and OpenGL-based games, effectively uninstalling Reshade becomes a manageable task. With attention to the game directory and the specific files connected to the rendering APIs, the removal process will mitigate Reshade’s effects and restore the original game appearance.

Post Uninstallation Steps

Verifying the Uninstallation

After uninstalling ReShade, it’s essential to verify that all relevant files have been removed from the game directory. To do this, navigate to the game’s executable folder and check for any remaining ReShade files, such as the .dll file and any associated .ini files. If you find any lingering ReShade files, delete them and then empty your Recycle Bin to ensure complete removal of ReShade from your system.

Dealing with Game Crashes

If you experience game crashes after uninstalling ReShade, the first thing to do is make sure that all ReShade files have indeed been removed from the game folder as described earlier. Any remaining ReShade files might cause conflicts and lead to game crashes.

If you have verified that all ReShade files are gone and still face game crashes, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

• Updating your graphics driver: Make sure your graphics card driver is up to date, as outdated drivers can sometimes cause game instability
• Run the game as an administrator: Right-click on the game’s executable file and select “Run as administrator” to grant the game additional privileges, which can sometimes fix crashes
• Verify the game’s cache: If your game is running on a platform like Steam, use the platform’s built-in tool to verify the game files’ integrity. This can often resolve issues caused by missing or corrupted files
• Reinstall the game: If all else fails, you may need to reinstall the game to ensure that all files are properly installed and in working order. Be sure to back up any saved game files or custom game configurations before doing so

By following these post-uninstallation steps, you can ensure that ReShade is completely removed from your system and resolve any issues that may arise due to its removal.

Reinstalling ReShade

If you have previously uninstalled ReShade and wish to reinstall it, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful installation. The process is simple and requires the use of the ReShade installer.

• Download the ReShade installer: Visit the official ReShade website at https://reshade.me/ and download the latest version of the installer. Save the file to a location that is easy to locate, such as the Downloads folder
• Locate your game’s executable file: Before running the ReShade installer, you need to identify the location of the game’s executable file. This is typically found within the game’s installation folder, and the file extension is usually .exe
• Run the ReShade installer: Double-click the downloaded ReShade installer file to launch it. The installation wizard will guide you through the process of selecting the game’s executable file, choosing the rendering API, and downloading the necessary shaders
• Select the rendering API: In the ReShade installer, you will be prompted to choose the rendering API your game uses. Common options include Direct3D 9, Direct3D 10/11/12, or OpenGL. If you are unsure which API your game uses, consult the game’s documentation or search online for information specific to your game
• Download and install shaders: The ReShade installer will display a list of available shaders for you to download. Select the ones you would like to use, or simply download them all if you plan to experiment with different shader combinations. The installer will automatically download and install the shaders to your game’s folder
• Launch the game: Once the ReShade installation is complete, start your game as you normally would. If the ReShade installation was successful, you should see a notification in the top left corner of your screen indicating that ReShade is running

Now that ReShade is reinstalled, you can adjust your shader settings and tweak your game’s visuals as desired. Remember to consult the ReShade documentation and community resources for tips and assistance with customizing your shaders.