The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
For a full Vortex reset on Windows, close Vortex and rename its local data folder—usually %APPDATA%Vortex—so the app can create fresh data while you retain a backup. If you only want to remove mods from a game folder, use Vortex’s Purge Mods action instead; that does not reset Vortex’s settings.
Choose the reset that matches your goal
| Your goal | Use this option | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Start Vortex with clean local settings and state | Close Vortex and rename its data folder | Vortex can create new local data; old settings and profile or mod metadata may no longer be available in the new setup. Keep the renamed folder as a backup. Nexus Mods support guidance |
| Remove deployed mods from a game folder | Use Purge Mods in Vortex | Removes deployed mod files or links from the game folder but leaves mod files in the staging folder. It does not clear Vortex preferences. Community-authored Vortex guide |
| Set up a different combination of mods | Create or switch to a profile | Profiles organize independent mod combinations. A new profile may inherit game configuration files from the active profile, so it is not necessarily a factory reset. Community-authored Vortex guide |
| Replace the Vortex application files | Uninstall and reinstall Vortex | Reinstalling alone may leave separate user data in place, allowing old settings to return. Nexus Mods support discussion; Nexus Mods support discussion |
How to reset Vortex’s local data
- Close Vortex. Do not move or delete its data folder while the application is running. Nexus Mods support guidance recommends closing it before removing the folder. Source
- Open the usual user-data location. In File Explorer, enter
%APPDATA%in the address bar and press Enter. On a standard Windows setup, look for theVortexfolder in Roaming AppData. Nexus Mods support guidance; Nexus Mods support discussion - Rename the folder rather than deleting it. For example, change
VortextoVortex-backup. Renaming keeps a possible recovery copy; removing the old data may make the previous state impossible to restore. Nexus Mods support guidance - Start Vortex. Check whether it creates fresh settings and opens as expected. Keep the backup until the clean setup works and you are sure you do not need the old data.
If you use shared mode
Older Nexus Mods support guidance identifies C:ProgramDatavortex as the data location for shared mode, rather than the usual per-user Roaming AppData folder. The exact location depends on how Vortex was configured; check which folder is actually used before renaming anything. Nexus Mods support discussion
Reset only the game’s deployed mods
If your aim is to return a game folder to its unmodded state, use Vortex’s Purge Mods action rather than wiping Vortex’s local data. The guide describes this action as removing deployed files or links from the game folder while leaving the mod files in the staging folder. Your Vortex preferences and other local app state are not reset by purging. Community-authored Vortex guide
Use a profile for a fresh mod combination
A profile is a less destructive choice when you want a separate combination of mods without clearing all Vortex settings. Profiles are designed to organize independent mod setups, but creating one is not guaranteed to produce a completely factory-fresh configuration: a new profile may inherit game configuration files from the active profile. Nexus Mods Vortex page; Community-authored Vortex guide
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Why reinstalling may not reset Vortex
Uninstalling and reinstalling replaces the application, but Vortex’s user data is stored separately. Support discussions describe settings remaining after a reinstall and point to the data folder as the step for a full local reset. If your goal is fresh settings, address that folder directly and preserve a backup before making changes. Nexus Mods support discussion; Nexus Mods support discussion
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
EasySMX X15 Wireless PC & Steam Gaming Controller, Hall Effect, Black
- Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
- Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
- Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
- Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
- ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor
Rank #4
GameSir Nova Lite 2 Wireless PC Controller Hall Effect Sticks
- Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
- 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
- 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Rank #3
GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #2
Sale
ManbaOne Interactive Screen Wireless Gaming Controller (Black)
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
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.
