Introduction
Uninstalling software should be a simple click-and-done process, but applications like Blockbench often leave behind hidden traces that clutter your system.
Whether you are troubleshooting a persistent bug, freeing up disk space, or preparing for a clean installation, simply hitting “Uninstall” is rarely enough to remove every single file.
To truly scrub Blockbench from your computer, you need to hunt down the residual data cache files, custom plugins, and preference settings that standard uninstallers leave behind.
This guide will walk you through the manual steps required to perform a 100% clean removal on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
What is a “Complete” Uninstallation?
A complete uninstallation of blockbench goes beyond removing the executable file; it involves eliminating all associated configuration data and temporary files stored deep in your operating system.
The “Ghost” Files
When you install Blockbench, it creates a main program folder and also generates a separate set of files in your user directory. These files store your recent projects, installed plugins, custom themes, and interface layouts.
Standard uninstallers typically remove the main application but leave these user-specific files untouched. This is a “convenience” feature that ensures your settings are preserved if you reinstall the software later.
However, if you are uninstalling because of a corrupted setting or a broken plugin, leaving these files behind means you will re-inherit the exact same bugs upon reinstallation.
Why Electron Apps Are Different
Blockbench is built on the Electron framework, meaning it shares architecture with web browsers. Like a browser, it builds up a significant cache of temporary data over time.
This cache can grow to hundreds of megabytes and often persists even after the app is gone. These “orphaned” files reside in your hidden system folders, taking up space and occasionally causing conflicts with other software.
To completely uninstall the software, you must manually navigate to these hidden directories and delete the Blockbench data folders entirely.
How to Uninstall Blockbench on Windows?
Windows users have the most straightforward process, but it requires digging into the hidden “AppData” folders to finish the job.
Step 1: Standard Removal
First, use the built-in Windows tool to remove the main application. Press the Windows Key, type “Installed Apps” or “Add or Remove Programs,” and press Enter.
Search for “Blockbench” in the list. Click the three dots (or the Modify button) and select Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove the core software.
This removes the .exe file and the shortcut from your desktop, but it leaves the configuration data behind. Do not restart your computer yet.
Step 2: Clearing AppData (Crucial)
This is the step most people miss. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type %AppData% and press Enter.
This opens your “Roaming” folder. Look for a folder named Blockbench. This folder contains your settings, plugins, and keybinds.
Right-click the Blockbench folder and select Delete. This wipes your personal configuration.
Step 3: Clearing Local Data
Go back to the address bar in your file explorer, click “AppData” to go up one level, and then open the Local folder.
Look for a folder named blockbench-updater or a similar name. If it exists, delete it. This folder often contains cached update files that are no longer needed.
Finally, empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove all these files from your drive.
How to Uninstall Blockbench on macOS
Mac users often believe dragging an icon to the Trash is sufficient, but this leaves library files scattered across the system.
Step 1: Removing the Application
Open your Finder and navigate to the Applications folder. Find the Blockbench icon.
Right-click the icon and select Move to Trash. Alternatively, you can drag the icon directly to the Trash bin in your dock.
If you cannot delete it because “the item is in use,” ensure you have fully quit the application by pressing Cmd + Q or force-quitting it from the Apple menu.
Step 2: Cleaning the Library
The real data is hidden in your User Library. In Finder, click the Go menu in the top bar. Hold down the Option (Alt) key, and you will see a hidden Library option appear. Click it.
Navigate to Application Support. Find the Blockbench folder inside and drag it to the Trash. This removes your plugins and saves.
Next, go back to the Library folder and open the Caches folder. Look for a folder named blockbench or net.blockbench.blockbench and delete it.
Step 3: Removing Preferences
Stay in the Library folder and open Preferences. Look for a file named net.blockbench.blockbench.plist.
This file stores your window position and basic startup settings. Drag it to the Trash.
Finally, right-click your Trash bin and select Empty Trash to finalize the process.
How to Uninstall Blockbench on Linux
Linux uninstallation depends entirely on how you installed the software, as there are multiple package formats available.
Debian/Ubuntu (.deb) Removal
If you installed via the .deb package, open your terminal. Type the command sudo apt remove blockbench and press Enter.
To remove the unused dependencies installed with it, run sudo apt autoremove.
This removes the binary, but like Windows, it leaves config files in your home directory.
Snap and Flatpak Removal
If you used Snap, run sudo snap remove blockbench. This is usually cleaner than the .deb method, but can still leave snapshots.
For Flatpak users, run flatpak uninstall net.blockbench.Blockbench. To remove unused data, you can also run flatpak uninstall –unused.
Clearing Local Configs
Regardless of the install method, you need to clean your home directory. Open your file manager and enable “Show Hidden Files” (usually Ctrl + H).
Navigate to ~/.config/ and find the Blockbench folder. Delete it to remove your settings and plugins.
Check ~/.cache/for a blockbench folder and delete it to free up temporary space.
Handle Portable Versions of blockbench
If you used the “Portable” executable instead of an installer, the process is manual but simple.
Deleting the Executable
Since portable versions do not register themselves in the “Add or Remove Programs” list, you simply need to find the .exe file you downloaded.
Right-click the file and delete it. Check your “Downloads” folder or wherever you moved the file to.
Removing the Data Folder
Portable versions sometimes store their data in a folder named Data right next to the executable. If you see this, delete it.
However, if you ran the portable version without a specific data folder, it may have still created files in %AppData%.
Follow the Windows “Step 2” instructions above to check your AppData folder and ensure no stray configuration files are present.
Verify the Uninstallation of blockbench
After deleting everything, it is good practice to verify that the system is truly clean before reinstalling or moving on.
Search for Leftovers
Use a search tool like “Everything” on Windows or “Find” on Mac to scan your entire hard drive for the term “Blockbench.”
If you find stray files in C:\Windows\Prefetch or similar temp folders, it is safe to delete them. These files are harmless log entries, but removing them ensures a 100% clean slate.
Check Registry (Advanced Windows Users)
For the absolute perfectionist, you can check the Windows Registry. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software and look for a Blockbench key. If it exists, right-click and delete it.
Warning: Only do this if you are comfortable editing the registry. Deleting the wrong key can damage your system.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Completely Uninstall Blockbench
Will uninstalling Blockbench delete my models?
No, uninstalling the software does not delete your saved .bbmodel project files, provided you saved them in your Documents or Desktop folders. However, if you saved your projects inside the Blockbench installation folder (which is not recommended), they will be deleted.
Why do my plugins come back after reinstalling?
This happens because you did not delete the %AppData%/Blockbench folder (Windows) or Application Support/Blockbench (Mac). These folders store your plugin data separately from the main app, so the new installation simply reads the old files.
Can I use a third-party uninstaller?
Yes, tools like Revo Uninstaller (Windows) or AppCleaner (Mac) are excellent for this. They automatically scan for and delete the residual files and registry entries that the standard uninstaller misses.
How do I uninstall Blockbench from a Chromebook?
If you installed the Linux version, follow the Linux steps above. If you installed it as a PWA (Progressive Web App) through Chrome, open chrome://apps, right-click the Blockbench icon, and select “Remove from Chrome.”
Is it safe to delete the AppData folder?
Yes, it is safe to delete the AppData/Roaming/Blockbench folder if you want to reset the application. However, this will delete your custom keybinds, installed plugins, and recent file history.
Why can’t I delete the Blockbench folder?
If Windows says the “folder is in use,” restart your computer. Sometimes a background process or a crash handler is still running invisibly, preventing you from deleting the files.
Does uninstalling remove my login info?
Yes, deleting the configuration folders will remove your login token for Sketchfab or the Blockbench cloud. You will need to sign in again if you decide to reinstall the software.
How do I reinstall Blockbench cleanly?
Once you have followed all the steps in this guide and rebooted your computer, download the latest installer from the official website. This ensures you start with a completely fresh state, with no corrupted legacy data.
Harold F. Rodriguez
Harold F. Rodriguez, the visionary mind behind blockbench.org, is a passionate and innovative individual dedicated to the world of technology. With a profound understanding of software development and a commitment to excellence, Harold has carved his niche in the digital realm. His journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of creating user-friendly solutions that redefine the landscape of online platforms. As the driving force behind blockbench.org, Harold continues to inspire and contribute to the ever-evolving tech community, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of creativity and technology.