How to uninstall apps completely on Windows

0
0
0

“`html





How to Uninstall Apps Completely on Windows


How to Uninstall Apps Completely on Windows

Is your Windows PC feeling sluggish? One of the most common culprits is accumulated software – programs you no longer use that are still hogging precious storage space and system resources. Simply deleting a program’s shortcut doesn’t actually uninstall apps Windows completely. Often, remnants are left behind, cluttering your hard drive and potentially impacting performance. This article will guide you through various methods to thoroughly uninstall apps Windows, ensuring a cleaner, faster, and more efficient computing experience.

We’ll cover everything from the standard uninstall process to more advanced techniques that dig deep and eliminate those stubborn leftover files and registry entries. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned PC user, you’ll find valuable tips and tricks here to keep your Windows system running smoothly.

Why Completely Uninstalling Apps Matters

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why a complete uninstall apps Windows is so crucial:

  • Free Up Disk Space: Applications, even small ones, can take up significant storage space over time. Completely removing them recovers that space for other important files and programs.
  • Improve System Performance: Leftover files and registry entries can slow down your computer’s startup time and overall performance. A clean uninstall minimizes these negative impacts.
  • Prevent Conflicts: Sometimes, remnants of old software can conflict with newer installations, leading to instability and errors. Removing old application data prevents these problems.
  • Enhance Security: Old, outdated software can be a security risk, providing vulnerabilities for malware and other threats. Uninstalling unused programs reduces your attack surface.
  • Maintain a Clean System: A clutter-free system is simply easier to manage and troubleshoot. Keeping your system clean contributes to a better user experience.

Methods to Uninstall Apps on Windows

There are several ways to uninstall apps Windows. We’ll explore the most common and effective methods:

1. Using the Windows Settings App

The Settings app provides a straightforward way to uninstall apps Windows. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Settings app: Press the Windows key + I, or search for “Settings” in the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Apps: Click on “Apps” (or “Apps & features” in older versions of Windows 10).
  3. Find the App: Scroll through the list of installed apps or use the search bar to find the application you want to uninstall.
  4. Uninstall: Click on the app and then click the “Uninstall” button. Note: Some apps may open their own uninstaller.
  5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Complete the uninstallation process by following the prompts.

This method is generally effective for most standard applications, but it might not remove all associated files and registry entries.

2. Using the Control Panel

The Control Panel is a classic Windows interface that also allows you to uninstall apps Windows. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open the Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.
  2. View by Category or Icons: If the Control Panel is in “Category” view, click on “Uninstall a program” under “Programs”. If it’s in “Icon” view, click on “Programs and Features”.
  3. Find the App: Scroll through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to uninstall.
  4. Uninstall: Select the app and click the “Uninstall” button at the top of the list.
  5. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Complete the uninstallation process by following the prompts.

Similar to the Settings app, the Control Panel is a good starting point, but it might leave behind residual files.

3. Using the Program’s Built-in Uninstaller

Many applications come with their own dedicated uninstaller. This is often the most thorough method, as the uninstaller is specifically designed to remove all components of the program. Here’s how to find and use it:

  1. Check the Start Menu: Look for the application’s folder in the Start menu. An uninstaller might be located there. Example: Look for the “Adobe Photoshop” folder and see if it contains an “Uninstall Adobe Photoshop” shortcut.
  2. Browse the Installation Directory: Navigate to the folder where the application is installed. You can usually find this by right-clicking on the application’s shortcut and selecting “Properties”, then looking at the “Target” field. The uninstaller is often named uninstall.exe or something similar.
  3. Run the Uninstaller: Double-click the uninstaller file and follow the on-screen instructions.

Using the program’s built-in uninstaller is often the best first step for a complete removal.

4. Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software

For a more comprehensive approach to uninstall apps Windows, consider using third-party uninstaller software. These tools are designed to scan your system for leftover files, registry entries, and other remnants that the standard uninstallers might miss.

Here are a few popular options:

  • Revo Uninstaller: Revo Uninstaller is a powerful tool that not only uninstalls the program but also scans for and removes leftover files and registry entries. It offers a free version and a paid “Pro” version with more advanced features.
  • IObit Uninstaller: IObit Uninstaller is another popular option that provides a comprehensive uninstall process, including the removal of stubborn programs and browser plugins.
  • CCleaner: While primarily known as a system cleaner, CCleaner also includes an uninstaller feature that can help you remove applications and their associated files.

Using a third-party uninstaller:

  1. Download and Install: Download and install your chosen uninstaller software.
  2. Run the Uninstaller: Launch the uninstaller and select the application you want to remove.
  3. Scan for Leftovers: The uninstaller will scan your system for leftover files and registry entries.
  4. Remove Leftovers: Review the list of leftovers and choose to remove them. Be cautious when deleting registry entries; if you’re unsure, it’s best to leave them alone.
  5. Complete the Uninstallation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Third-party uninstallers offer a more thorough cleaning compared to the built-in Windows tools.

5. Removing Windows Store Apps (UWP Apps)

Uninstalling apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store (also known as Universal Windows Platform or UWP apps) requires a slightly different approach.

  1. Using the Settings App: This is the easiest method. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. Find the app and click “Uninstall”.
  2. Right-Click in the Start Menu: Find the app in the Start Menu, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall”.
  3. Using PowerShell (Advanced): For more control, you can use PowerShell. Open PowerShell as administrator (search for “PowerShell”, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”). Type the following command to list all UWP apps: Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName. Find the app you want to uninstall and note its “PackageFullName”. Then, use the following command to uninstall it: Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName (replace “PackageFullName” with the actual PackageFullName you noted).

The Settings app and Start Menu are the easiest ways to remove UWP apps. PowerShell provides a more advanced option for removing stubborn apps.

Dealing with Stubborn Apps That Won’t Uninstall

Sometimes, you might encounter applications that simply refuse to uninstall apps Windows using the standard methods. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

1. End the Program’s Processes

Before attempting to uninstall, make sure the program isn’t running in the background. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find any processes related to the application, select them, and click “End task”.

2. Run the Uninstaller as Administrator

Right-click on the uninstaller file and select “Run as administrator”. This can grant the uninstaller the necessary permissions to remove files and registry entries.

3. Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can prevent conflicts that might be preventing the uninstallation. To enter Safe Mode:

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the “Boot” tab.
  3. Under “Boot options”, check the “Safe boot” box.
  4. Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. After uninstalling the app in Safe Mode, repeat the steps to uncheck “Safe boot” in msconfig to return to normal mode.

4. Use the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a dedicated troubleshooter that can automatically fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed. Download and run the troubleshooter from the Microsoft website. It can detect and repair common issues, such as corrupted registry keys.

5. Take Ownership of the Installation Folder

Sometimes, permission issues can prevent you from deleting the application’s files. To take ownership of the installation folder:

  1. Right-click on the folder and select “Properties”.
  2. Go to the “Security” tab.
  3. Click “Advanced”.
  4. Next to “Owner”, click “Change”.
  5. Type your username in the “Enter the object name to select” box and click “Check Names”.
  6. Click “OK”.
  7. Check the “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” box.
  8. Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
  9. You may need to grant yourself full control permissions after taking ownership.

6. Manually Remove Files and Registry Entries (Use with Extreme Caution)

This is the most advanced and potentially risky method. Only attempt this if you’re comfortable editing the Windows Registry and understand the risks involved. Back up your registry before proceeding.

  1. Delete the Program’s Files: Manually delete the application’s installation folder and any related files in other locations, such as the ProgramData folder.
  2. Edit the Registry: Open the Registry Editor (type regedit in the Start menu and press Enter). Search for any registry keys related to the application and delete them. Common locations to check include:
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Warning: Incorrectly editing the registry can cause serious system problems. Only delete registry entries if you are absolutely sure they are related to the application you are uninstalling.

Tips for Preventing Uninstall Problems

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid uninstall issues in the future:

  • Download Software from Trusted Sources: Only download software from reputable websites or the official vendor’s website.
  • Read Installation Prompts Carefully: Pay attention to the installation prompts and avoid installing unnecessary bundled software.
  • Create a System Restore Point Before Installing New Software: If something goes wrong during the installation or uninstallation process, you can restore your system to a previous state.
  • Keep Your System Updated: Regularly update Windows and your installed applications to ensure compatibility and security.

Conclusion

Completely uninstall apps Windows is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient PC. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can effectively remove unwanted programs and their associated files, freeing up disk space, improving system performance, and enhancing security. Whether you choose to use the built-in Windows tools, a dedicated uninstaller, or a combination of techniques, remember to be thorough and cautious. A clean system is a happy system!

Regularly reviewing and uninstalling unused applications is a great habit to adopt for a smoother and more enjoyable Windows experience. Good luck cleaning up your PC!



“`

Was this helpful?

0 / 0

Leave a Reply 0

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *