> [!WARNING]
> **This is a work in progress.**

Both installing and removing of the [GPT4All Chat application](https://docs.gpt4all.io/gpt4all_desktop/quickstart.html)
are handled through the [Qt Installer Framework](https://doc.qt.io/qtinstallerframework/ifw-overview.html). But before
you start, take a moment to think about what you want to keep, if anything.


## File System Locations
While the application files are basically all located in the installation folder, additional files and folders have
been created and used while it was running. Their location is platform and configuration dependent. See the
[FAQ entry *"Where are the default directories for models and settings?"*](Frequently-Asked-Questions)

However, the most important folder is what you've set as [Download Path][download-path]. It typically contains:
* The models that have been downloaded (`*.gguf`)
* Chat files from your chat history (`*.chat`)
* The LocalDocs database(s) (`localdocs_v*.db`)
* Maybe some other files from older versions of the chat application

[download-path]: https://docs.gpt4all.io/gpt4all_desktop/settings.html#application-settings


## Uninstalling
<details><summary><b>Windows</b></summary>

1. There are two approaches:
   - Open your system's Settings > Apps > search/filter for GPT4All > Uninstall > Uninstall
   - Alternatively, locate the `maintenancetool.exe` in your installation folder and run it.
     - The default install location is here ``C:\Users\%USERNAME%\gpt4all\maintenancetool.exe``.

2. Follow through the steps of the wizard. This should remove all installed application files.

3. It should have deleted the GPT4All shortcut on your desktop, as well. If not, remove it yourself.

4. Optional: Remove the folder which was set as [Download Path][download-path] and delete all other file system
   locations mentioned above for a complete wipe.  
    - The default folder for gpt4all settings is at ``C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\nomic.ai`` only delete this for a complete uninstall.  
      - Deleting this folder will wipe all customized settings for the application and all models.  
    - The default folder for gpt4all app and models is at ``C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\nomic.ai\GPT4All`` only delete this for a complete uninstall.  
      - Deleting this folder will wipe all models, history for all chats, and all embeddings for LocalDocs.  


</details>


<details><summary><b>macOS</b></summary>

1. Locate the maintenancetool executable in your installation folder and run it.

2. Follow through the steps of the wizard. This should remove all installed application files.

3. You may have to remove the desktop icon, as well.

4. Optional: Remove the folder which was set as [Download Path][download-path] and delete all other file system
   locations mentioned above for a complete wipe.  
    - The default folder for gpt4all settings is at ``/Users/{username}/.config/gpt4all.io`` only delete this for a complete uninstall.  
      - Deleting this folder will wipe all customized settings for the application and all models.  
    - The default folder for gpt4all app and models is at ``/Users/{username}/Library/Application Support/nomic.ai/GPT4All`` only delete this for a complete uninstall.  
      - Deleting this folder will wipe all models, history for all chats, and all embeddings for LocalDocs.  

</details>


<details><summary><b>Linux</b></summary>

1. Locate the `maintenancetool` executable in your installation folder and run it.

2. Follow through the steps of the wizard. This should remove all installed application files.

3. Check that it has also removed the `GPT4All.desktop` file in your Desktop folder.

4. Optional: Remove the folder which was set as [Download Path][download-path] and delete all other file system
   locations mentioned above for a complete wipe.  
    - The default folder for gpt4all settings is at ``/home/{username}/.config/nomic.ai`` only delete this for a complete uninstall.  
      - Deleting this folder will wipe all customized settings for the application and all models.  
    - The default folder for gpt4all app and models is at ``/home/{username}/.local/share/nomic.ai/GPT4All`` only delete this for a complete uninstall.  
      - Deleting this folder will wipe all models, history for all chats, and all embeddings for LocalDocs.  

</details>
<br>

> [!IMPORTANT]
> The instructions above are meant for the officially provided installer. If you're using an alternative package,
> such as the community maintained Linux Flatpak or the Arch Linux AUR build, you probably have to adapt the steps
> to your specific circumstances.