Why does installing a game/program sometimes take several hours, but uninstalling usually take no more than a few minutes?

Question

Why does installing a game/program sometimes take several hours, but uninstalling usually take no more than a few minutes?

In: 3666

Answer 1

Allocating space is buying a plot of land.

Installing a game is building a house on the plot. This takes some time to unpack and use materials (data).

Uninstalling a game is putting up a “For Sale” sign on the property. Everything on the property still exists until it’s rebuilt (rewritten).