Introduction
Deciding to install custom firmware on your Nintendo Switch is a significant step, whether you are preparing to sell the console, sending it in for repair, or simply returning to a purely stock experience.
Unlike standard software, which includes an uninstaller, removing Atmosphere requires manually reversing the modifications to your SD card and bootloader configuration.
The process is generally safe, but it contains one critical trap: AutoRCM. If you simply wipe your SD card without first disabling this feature, your console will appear “bricked” and refuse to turn on.
By following a strict order of operations, disabling boot protections, backing up save data, and wiping the file system, you can restore your Switch to its factory state without leaving any digital footprints behind.
What Does Completely Uninstalling AtmosphereSwitch Involve?
Completely uninstalling AtmosphereSwitch involves stripping the custom bootloader logic and restoring the console’s native ability to boot from its internal chip.
Uninstalling is not just about deleting the atmosphere folder. A full removal means reverting changes to the hardware behavior (AutoRCM), reclaiming storage space used by the hidden virtual operating system (EmuNAND), and scrubbing any “dirty” logs that may be present on internal memory.
Essentially, you are moving the console from a state where it relies on an SD card payload to turn on, back to a state where it boots normally using its internal Tegra processor instructions.
If done correctly, the Switch will function exactly as it did the day you unboxed it, with no evidence of homebrew remaining on the storage medium.
Step 1: Backing Up Save Data Before Wiping
Once you remove Atmosphere, you lose access to homebrew save managers, meaning any save files stored on your EmuNAND that haven’t been copied to SysNAND will be lost forever.
Standard Nintendo cloud backups do not work for pirated or homebrew games. You must manually extract your precious data before you pull the plug on the custom firmware.
The Backup Protocol:
- Launch JKSV: Open the homebrew save manager.
- Backup All: Run a “Backup All” for every user profile.
- Transfer: Connect the SD card to your PC and move the JKSV folder to your computer.
- Note: You cannot easily restore these saves to a stock Switch without hacking it again, but keeping the files ensures you have the data if you ever decide to mod a future console.
Step 2: Critical Safety Step Disabling AutoRCM
This is the most dangerous part of the uninstallation process. If you skip this, your Switch will stop turning on the moment you delete the SD card files.
AutoRCM corrupts the boot sector, forcing the console into recovery mode on every startup. If you remove the payload injector files (Hekate) but leave AutoRCM active, the Switch will try to boot, fail to find the OS, and sit on a black screen forever.
How to Disable It:
- Boot Hekate: Inject your payload one last time.
- Tools Menu: Tap Tools > Arch bit • RCM • Touch.
- Select AutoRCM: Tap “AutoRCM”.
- Turn Off: Ensure the status says “OFF”. If it says “ON,” tap it to disable it. The text color should change.
- Verify: Reboot the console normally without the jig or dongle. If it boots to the Nintendo logo, you can proceed.
Step 3: Removing the Virtual Operating System (EmuNAND)
If you used a partition-based EmuNAND (EmuMMC), simply formatting the SD card in Windows might not reclaim that space.
EmuNAND creates a hidden 30GB partition that Windows often cannot see or access by default. You need to delete this partition to regain the full capacity of your SD card for stock use.
Using Hekate Partition Manager:
- In Hekate, go to Tools > Partition SD Card.
- Drag the sliders to reset everything to 0 (Green).
- Tap “Partition SD Card”.
- Warning: This wipes everything on the SD card immediately. Ensure you backed up your photos and legitimate screenshots first.
Using Windows Disk Management:
- Connect the SD to the PC.
- Right-click Start > Disk Management.
- Find the SD card (Removable Disk). You will see a “Unallocated” or “Raw” partition of ~29GB.
- Right-click the partition > Delete Volume.
- Create a new “Simple Volume” spanning the entire card, formatted to exFAT or FAT32.
Step 4: Deleting Atmosphere System Files from SD Card
If you are not formatting the card and just want to remove the files manually, you must know which folders are safe to delete and which contain your legitimate downloads.
You want to remove the “Brain” of the hack while keeping the “Body” (your officially purchased games and screenshots).
Files to Delete:
| atmosphere | The Custom Firmware OS files. | Delete |
| bootloader | Hekate boot menu and configs. | Delete |
| sept | Obsolete boot keys (if present). | Delete |
| switch | Homebrew applications folder. | Delete |
| emummc | The file-based virtual OS (if used). | Delete |
Files to Keep:
- Nintendo: This contains your official eShop games and game updates.
- Album: (If present) Your screenshots and videos.
Step 5: Factory Resetting the Console (Optional)
If you plan to sell the Switch, a factory reset is the final step to ensure all user data, linked accounts, and potential “dirty tickets” (piracy logs) are wiped.
This “Initialize Console” process reformats the internal NAND memory, removing all user profiles and settings.
The Initialization Process:
- Boot into the Stock Nintendo OS.
- Go to System Settings.
- Scroll down to System > Formatting Options (at the very bottom).
- Select “Initialize Console.”
- Confirm the warnings. The system will reboot and display the “first-time setup” language selection screen.
Cleaning Up “Burnt Fuses” and Version Mismatches
If you downgraded your firmware while using AtmosphereSwitch, returning to stock might cause a boot failure due to the “Efuse” check.
The Switch burns microscopic fuses every time it updates to prevent downgrading. Atmosphere bypasses this check; the stock OS does not.
The Reality Check:
- If you are on the latest firmware (e.g., 17.0.0) and you uninstall Atmosphere, you are fine.
- If you manually downgraded to 10.0.0 but your fuses are burnt for 17.0.0, the stock OS will refuse to boot.
- The Fix: You must boot into Maintenance Mode (Volume +/- on boot) and update the firmware to the latest version via the official, reliable method before uninstalling Atmosphere completely.
Does Uninstalling Atmosphere Unban My Switch?
A common misconception is that removing the custom firmware “cleans” the console in Nintendo’s eyes.
The Harsh Truth:
- Permanent Ban: If your console certificate was banned, it is banned forever. Uninstalling Atmosphere does not reverse a ban.
- Dirty Logs: If you played pirated games on your SysNAND (internal memory) while online, Nintendo likely already flagged your console.
- Clean Slate: Uninstalling prevents future bans only if you haven’t already committed a ban-worthy offense. If you only used EmuNAND and kept SysNAND clean, your stock experience should remain safe.
Checking for Residual Files on PC
After formatting, it is good practice to inspect the card one last time to ensure no hidden config files remain.
Sometimes Windows leaves behind hidden index files that can confuse the Switch.
Final Scrub:
- Enable “Hidden Items” in Windows Explorer View tab.
- Look for folders like System Volume Information or .trash.
- Delete them.
- Insert the card into the Switch.
- The Switch might say “The SD card contains data from another console” (if you formatted via PC). Allow it to delete the data and create a fresh Nintendo folder structure.
Best Practices After Returning to Stock
Once you have reverted to official firmware, you must change your usage habits to avoid accidental bans or data loss.
You are re-entering the “Walled Garden,” so the ecosystem’s rules apply again.
Post-Uninstall Rules:
- No More Homebrew: Do not attempt to run the Album applet; it won’t work.
- Official Updates: You can now safely enable “Auto-Update Software” and “Auto-Update System.”
- Cloud Saves: If you have NSO, re-enable cloud backup immediately to protect your future saves.
- Game Cartridges: If you used the “NoGC” patch in Atmosphere (to stop the card reader from updating), your game card slot will work normally again once bootloader protection is removed.
FAQ’s about Completely Uninstall AtmosphereSwitch
Will uninstalling Atmosphere delete my downloaded eShop games?
If you format the SD card, yes. However, if you only manually delete the atmosphere folders and leave the Nintendo folder intact, your officially purchased games will remain playable. You may need to run a “Check for Corrupt Data” scan in settings to re-link them.
Can I still play my pirated games after uninstalling Atmosphere?
No. Pirated games require “Sigpatches” to run, which are part of the Atmosphere environment. Once you remove the CFW, any unofficial game installed on your menu will show a “Corrupted Data” or “User not authorized” error and refuse to launch.
Why won’t my Switch turn on after deleting the SD card files?
You likely forgot to disable AutoRCM. The console is trying to boot into recovery mode, but can’t find the payload on the SD card. You need to put the files back on the card, boot into Hekate, disable AutoRCM, and then delete the files again.
Does factory resetting the Switch remove the hack?
Factory resetting wipes the internal memory (SysNAND) and user data, but it does not touch the SD card where Atmosphere lives. To fully uninstall, you must factory reset the console AND wipe the SD card.
How do I know if AutoRCM is disabled?
Turn your Switch completely off. Press the Power button normally (without holding Volume Up or using a jig). If the Nintendo logo appears and the OS boots, AutoRCM is disabled. If the screen stays black, it is still enabled.
Can I reinstall Atmosphere later if I change my mind?
Yes. Uninstalling is not permanent. As long as your Switch is a vulnerable model (V1 unpatched or modchipped), you can simply put the Atmosphere files back on the SD card and inject the payload to jailbreak it again at any time.
What do I do with the RCM Jig after uninstalling?
Keep it safe! Even if you are done with homebrew for now, the jig is the only key to re-entering the system if you ever need to fix a brick or recover data. Tape it to the inside of your carrying case.
Is it safe to go online immediately after uninstalling?
If you kept your SysNAND clean (no piracy, no cheats installed directly to internal memory), yes. If you committed “sins” on your SysNAND, connecting to the internet might trigger a ban wave flag, even if Atmosphere is gone. Proceed with caution.
