Question Is there a limit to uninstalling and re-installing software?

[OnlyAlex]

Hi everyone, is there a limit to installing and uninstalling software, like games? I'm not talking about in terms of a service having x amount of installs allowed, I mean in terms of the PC and doing any damage to it. Many thanks.

 

[SkyNetRising]

This generally depends on uninstall portion of the software, you're uninstalling. Like - how well it cleans up.
There will probably be some log files left, some registry keys.
On evaluation software - it will record, various statistics. Like how long you've been using it and if you haven't gone past permitted evaluation period.

If you have system restore enabled, then sysrestore used space will increase after uninstall.
So some manual cleanup may be necessary.

But if you're not constrained by available space and uninstal process has no bugs in it and you're not trying to circumvent some evaluation restrictions, then there should be no limits on number of possible installs/uninstalls.

 

[Nighthawk117]

I mean in terms of the PC and doing any damage to it.

Well the more you uninstall and install games the more writes you will do on your SSD, thus reducing it's remaining lifespan. It's highly unlikely you would be doing this on a scale worthy of concern though. That's really the only 'damage' you could do.

 

[OnlyAlex]

This generally depends on uninstall portion of the software, you're uninstalling. Like - how well it cleans up.
There will probably be some log files left, some registry keys.
On evaluation software - it will record, various statistics. Like how long you've been using it and if you haven't gone past permitted evaluation period.

If you have system restore enabled, then sysrestore used space will increase after uninstall.
So some manual cleanup may be necessary.

But if you're not constrained by available space and uninstal process has no bugs in it and you're not trying to circumvent some evaluation restrictions, then there should be no limits on number of possible installs/uninstalls.

Thank you for the information.

 

[OnlyAlex]

Well the more you uninstall and install games the more writes you will do on your SSD, thus reducing it's remaining lifespan. It's highly unlikely you would be doing this on a scale worthy of concern though. That's really the only 'damage' you could do.

Okay, thank you very much.