MelonLoader is a powerful modding tool for Unity-based games, giving players access to a vast world of custom content. But there may come a time when you need to uninstall it—maybe to fix errors, remove mods, or return the game to its clean, unmodified state.
This guide walks you through every method to fully remove MelonLoader, no matter your setup or reason.
🔍 Before You Begin: How MelonLoader Installs Itself
MelonLoader modifies your game by injecting files into the game’s directory. Knowing what these files are will help you cleanly remove them.
Common MelonLoader Files:
| File/Folder | Purpose |
|---|---|
version.dll (or winhttp.dll, dinput8.dll) | The main DLL used to hook into the game |
MelonLoader folder | Core files, configuration, logs |
Mods folder | Where your mod .dll files are stored |
Plugins folder | For additional plugin-based mods |
UserData folder | Stores config, logs, and mod data |
MelonLoader.log / .Dependencies.txt | Logs and dependency info for debugging |
✅ Method 1: Uninstall Using the Official MelonLoader Installer (Recommended)
This is the easiest and safest method. The official installer usually includes an Uninstall feature.
Steps:
- Download the latest installer
→ From melonloader or the official GitHub. - Run the installer
→ Open the.exefile. - Select your game
→ Click “Select” and browse to your game’s.exefile. - Choose “Uninstall”
→ Once selected, click the Uninstall button. - Confirm and finish
→ The installer will clean up MelonLoader files and restore the game to its original state.
What It Removes:
- Proxy DLLs (e.g.,
version.dll) MelonLoader,Mods,Plugins,UserDatafolders- Logs and configuration files
🛠️ Method 2: Manual Uninstallation (If the Installer Doesn’t Work)
If the official uninstaller fails or isn’t available, you can manually remove MelonLoader.
Steps:
- Locate the game folder
- Steam: Right-click game > Manage > Browse local files
- Others: Check where the game is installed
- Delete MelonLoader-related files
- Look for and delete the following:
version.dll,winhttp.dll,dinput8.dll, etc. (Only if added by MelonLoader)MelonLoader/Mods/Plugins/UserData/(Optional if you want to keep mod data)- Any
.logor.txtfiles related to MelonLoader
- Look for and delete the following:
- Check for leftover mod files
Some mods might leave traces outside the core folders. You may want to delete those manually too.
⚠️ Caution: Only delete DLL files that appeared after installing MelonLoader. If unsure, skip or use Steam’s file integrity checker (below).
🔄 Method 3: Use Steam’s “Verify Integrity of Game Files”
Steam can help restore any missing or changed game files after uninstalling mods.
Steps:
- Open your Steam Library
- Right-click the game > Properties
- Go to Installed Files
- Click Verify integrity of game files…
Steam will scan and replace any missing or altered files, ensuring your game is clean and ready to launch.
🧯 Common Uninstall Issues & Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| “Access Denied” errors | Make sure the game is fully closed. Restart your PC if needed. |
| MelonLoader reappears | You likely missed deleting the DLL file (version.dll, etc.). Go back and remove it. |
| Game still crashes after uninstall | Try verifying game files in Steam, or do a full manual cleanup. |
Missing legitimate version.dll | Steam’s verify tool can restore official files. Don’t delete DLLs unless you’re sure they’re from MelonLoader. |
🧼 When to Reinstall the Entire Game
If you’re still experiencing issues or want a completely clean slate:
Full Reinstallation Steps:
- Uninstall the game via your launcher or Control Panel.
- Delete leftover files in:
- The install folder
%APPDATA%,%LOCALAPPDATA%, orDocuments(if the game saves data there)
- Reinstall the game through your platform (Steam, GOG, etc.)
✅ Final Tips
- Always back up your saves before deleting folders.
- The installer method is safest for beginners.
- Use Steam’s verify feature to restore broken or missing files.
- When in doubt, don’t delete unfamiliar files unless you’re certain.