How to Uninstall Opera GX Completely

Removing Opera GX usually means uninstalling the browser from Windows or macOS. If you want it gone completely, you may also remove its local browsing profile, which can contain bookmarks, saved passwords, settings, and browsing data. Decide what to keep before deleting that folder: uninstalling the app and deleting its data are separate actions.

What You’ll Need

Access to the computer’s administrator account, if your device requires it to uninstall apps.
A few minutes to check for important bookmarks, passwords, downloads, or other browser data.
If you want to keep browser data, another browser or a safe place to store exported bookmarks and other files.

Step-by-Step

Decide what to keep. Open Opera GX and check whether you have bookmarks, saved passwords, browsing data, or files you still need. If Opera Sync is enabled, confirm that the items you want are actually synced; do not assume every local item has been uploaded. You can export bookmarks using Opera GX’s bookmarks tools, though menu names and locations may differ slightly by version. For passwords, use the browser’s password manager export option only if available and store any exported file securely. A password export may be readable as plain text, so delete it securely once you have imported or stored what you need.
Check your downloads. Files downloaded through Opera GX are generally saved in a downloads folder, not inside the browser installation. Find and move any files you want to keep. Uninstalling the browser does not necessarily erase those files, but deleting a browser profile or clearing data may remove information you rely on to find them.
Close Opera GX completely. Close every browser window. If it remains open in the background, quit it from its menu or use the operating system’s task manager to close its processes. This helps the uninstaller remove files and prevents a running process from blocking the change.
Uninstall on Windows. Open Settings, then go to Apps and Installed apps (the wording may differ slightly by Windows version). Find Opera GX, choose the menu beside it, and select Uninstall. Follow the prompts. If a setup window asks whether to remove your browsing data, read the choice carefully: select it only if you intend to erase that profile data. If Windows Settings cannot remove the app, try Control Panel’s Programs and Features list.
Uninstall on macOS. Quit Opera GX. Open Finder, select Applications, and locate Opera GX. Drag the app to the Trash, or use the app’s own uninstaller if one is provided. Enter an administrator password if macOS requests it. Emptying the Trash removes the application, but profile data may remain in your user Library.
Remove leftover profile data only if wanted. This is optional. On Windows, check the Opera GX profile location under your user account’s AppData folders; AppData may be hidden, so you may need to enable hidden items in File Explorer. On macOS, check the user Library’s Application Support area for an Opera GX folder. Folder names and locations can differ by version and installation. Delete only folders you can identify as belonging to Opera GX, and only after confirming you do not need their contents. Removing the profile can erase local bookmarks, settings, cookies, history, and saved login data.
Check that removal is complete. Restart the computer if you were asked to do so, then check the installed-app list or Applications folder. If you chose not to delete your profile, an Opera GX data folder may remain; that does not mean the browser itself is still installed.
Choose a replacement browser if needed. Install a browser from its official publisher or your operating system’s trusted app store. You can import bookmarks or other supported data during setup. Avoid opening an old password export on a shared or untrusted computer.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the profile before backing up. The profile can hold local bookmarks and saved information. Export or sync important items first, and verify that the copy is usable.
Assuming uninstalling deletes every trace. The application may be removed while its profile, downloads, or shortcuts remain. These are separate items and may require separate cleanup.
Deleting all folders named Opera. Another Opera browser or related app may use a different folder. Inspect the folder and its location rather than removing anything based on a partial name alone.
Removing only a desktop shortcut. Deleting a shortcut does not uninstall the program. Use Windows Settings, Control Panel, or Finder’s Applications folder.
Expecting downloads to disappear with the browser. Downloads are commonly stored outside the app. Check the downloads folder separately if you want to retain or remove those files.

Tips

For a simple uninstall, use your operating system’s normal app-removal process and leave profile data alone. This is the safer choice if you might reinstall Opera GX later.
If you are troubleshooting rather than switching browsers, try resetting or repairing the browser before removing its profile. Menu options vary by version; back up data before a reset.
Syncing can make bookmarks and other supported data available elsewhere, but it is not a substitute for checking that the data has synced successfully.
After exporting passwords, treat the export as sensitive. Keep it somewhere private and remove the file after importing it where intended.

Troubleshooting

The uninstaller says Opera GX is open: Close all windows and quit background processes, then retry. If necessary, restart the computer and run the uninstall process before opening the browser again.

Windows cannot find or remove it: Search the Installed apps list carefully, then try Control Panel’s Programs and Features. If the app is still listed but removal fails, restart and try again using an administrator account. Do not delete random program folders as a substitute; that can leave broken entries behind.

The app is missing from Applications on a Mac: Check whether it was installed for another user account or placed in a different folder. Search Finder for Opera GX, quit any active copy, and remove the identified application. Check the user Library only when you are ready to remove remaining data.

Opera GX returns after restart: Confirm that you removed the app rather than only its shortcut, and check whether another user account has a separate installation. If your organization manages the computer, an administrator may control app installation; contact them rather than trying to bypass those controls.

You deleted data by mistake: Stop making changes to the affected folder or drive. Check the Trash or Recycle Bin and any backup or sync service you use. Recovery is not guaranteed, so contact your device administrator or a reputable data-recovery professional if the files are important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling Opera GX delete my bookmarks?

It depends on the uninstaller and whether bookmarks are stored locally or synced. Export or verify the synced copy before uninstalling, and avoid choosing an option to remove browsing data unless you intend to erase it.

Does removing Opera GX delete my downloaded files?

Usually not, because downloads are typically saved in a separate folder. Check that folder yourself if you want to keep or delete the files.

How do I remove Opera GX from Windows 11?

Open Settings, choose Apps, then Installed apps, find Opera GX, and select Uninstall. Menu labels may differ slightly by version; use Control Panel’s Programs and Features if the Settings route does not work.

How do I uninstall Opera GX from a Mac?

Quit Opera GX, open Finder’s Applications folder, and move the app to the Trash. Remove its profile from the user Library only if you also want to erase local browser data.

Can I reinstall Opera GX without losing my old settings?

Usually, leaving the profile folder in place preserves local settings, but this is not a guarantee. Back up or sync important data before uninstalling, and do not delete the profile if you plan to reuse it.

Is deleting the Opera GX folder enough?

No. Deleting a folder or shortcut may not properly uninstall the app or remove system entries. Use the operating system’s uninstall process first, then decide whether to delete any remaining profile data.

Further reading: Opera Help. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.