No. You do not need to uninstall Baldur’s Gate 3 before every update. Larian’s uninstall advice was a workaround for players who lacked enough free space to install Patch 7 on PC: that 2024 update was about 11.6 GB to download but required 160 GB of free space. Those are historical Patch 7 figures, not a current update-size estimate.
Why did Patch 7 need more space than its download?
For Patch 7 on PC, Larian listed an update size of approximately 11.6 GB and a requirement of 160 GB of free space to install. Download size and required free space are different figures: the former describes the patch, while the latter is the space Larian said players needed available to install it. Larian did not explain the technical reason for the difference in its announcement, so the precise cause is not established.
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| 1 |
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Baldur's Gate 3 Deluxe Edition PC Video Game, Stickers & Soundtrack | $154.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Baldur's Gate 3 Unofficial Complete Game Guide and Walkthrough (Latest Update) | $25.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Baldur's Gate Collection (EU) | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Baldur's Gate Box Set (Sweden) | $17.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Larian’s Patch 7 announcement said: “If you find yourself without the space to install the update, we recommend uninstalling Baldur’s Gate 3 and then re-downloading the patched version!” That recommendation applied if a player could not make room for the update; it was not an instruction for everyone to uninstall first.
How much storage does Baldur’s Gate 3 require?
Larian’s current system requirements list 150 GB of available space for both Windows and macOS, and require an SSD on both platforms. That baseline is separate from the much higher temporary free-space figure Larian published for Patch 7 on PC. It does not establish how much free space a future or current patch will require.
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- Immersive RPG Experience: Dive into the highly-anticipated Baldur's Gate 3, a captivating role-playing game set in the iconic Dungeons & Dragons universe.
- Deluxe Edition: This premium edition includes the base game, exclusive stickers, and an official soundtrack to enhance your adventure.
- Epic Storytelling: Embark on an epic journey filled with complex narratives, challenging quests, and memorable characters.
- Tactical Combat: Engage in strategic, turn-based battles that require careful planning and execution of your party's abilities.
- Customizable Characters: Create and customize your own unique heroes, shaping their appearances, abilities, and personalities to fit your playstyle.
What to do if you cannot install an update
- Check available space on the drive where BG3 is installed. For Patch 7, Larian’s stated PC installation requirement was 160 GB free; do not assume that historical figure applies to another patch.
- Free space on that drive if you can. Remove or move files you no longer need, then try the update again.
- If you still cannot make enough room, consider Larian’s workaround. Uninstall the game and download the patched version again, as Larian recommended for players short on space during Patch 7.
- If the drive cannot accommodate the game, consider another suitable drive. Larian requires an SSD for Windows and macOS. A new drive is only necessary if you cannot solve the storage shortage by freeing space or using capacity you already have.
Is Patch 7 still the latest patch?
No. Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 support index lists Patch 8 and Hotfix #36, so Patch 7’s storage figures should be treated as historical. Larian’s Steam announcement gave Patch 8 as roughly 40 GB to download and approximately 104 GB for the total installed game; those, too, are historical Patch 8 figures, not a measurement of a 2026 update. The available official sources do not establish the latest update’s download size or temporary-space requirement.
For comparison, Larian also gave space guidance with the older Patch 6 announcement. That earlier notice is not a basis for estimating the requirements of later patches.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Baldur's Gate: Baldur's Gate takes you back to the Forgotten Realms campaign setting on a visually dazzling role-playing adventure, one that brings to life the grand tradition of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game through cutting edge art and technology. Immerse yourself in this quintessential medieval fantasy world, where nations hang in the balance of your actions, dark prophecies test your resolve, and heroic dreams can be fulfilled at last.
- Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast: Continue your travels on the Sword Coast with the next set of adventurers in the award-winning Baldurs Gate role-playing game series. Legends of treasures lost and monsters to be defeated abound in the region. Almost all have at least some basis in truth. Are you up to the task?
- Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn: Baldur's Gate II expands the Baldurs Gate world by bringing you a new set of adventures set in the nation of Amn. Baldur's Gate II has a large central, nonlinear plot line which is broken down into 7-8 chapters, with lots of sub quests and small adventures thrown in for variety. The number of item recovery type quests has been greatly diminished and there are be more class- and alignment-specific quests.
- Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal: Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal greatly extends the Baldur's Gate II experience, with approximately 40 hours of additional adventures. Explore the lands of Tethyr as an epic conflict wreaks devastation on a scale never before seen in the Forgotten Realms campaign world
Rank #3
- Baldurs Gate 4 In 1 Compilation.
- Features: Special 4-game DVD-ROM.
- Play the original Baldur's Gate game.
- Includes Tales of The Sword Coast Expansion.
- Explore unseen lands as you take part in an epic conflict that will define your future, and create your legend. Venture into a deadly new dungeon.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
