Computer

Can’t uninstall a program? Try these tricks

When uninstalling applications we can use the Add and Remove Programs tool that we find within the Windows Control Panel. In case it does not work, we can choose other solutions such as using the uninstaller that the program itself sometimes incorporates, or trying to eliminate it from safe mode or the Registry Editor. We can also use third-party tools to permanently eliminate even the most stubborn program.

Uninstall programs from Control Panel

In the event that we do not know how to uninstall a program, Windows 10 offers us a simple system so that it can be used by all types of users. To do this, what we must do is type control panel in the search box of the Start menu and select it from the list of available options. This will cause a new window to appear where we must choose the option to “Uninstall a program”, which we find at the bottom in the “Programs” section.

Control panel Uninstall a program

Next, a new screen will appear where we will see all the programs that we have installed, which we can organize by name, editor, installation date, size and version. Now, we just have to look for the program that we want to uninstall and click on it with the right mouse button. Finally, we click on “Uninstall” and follow the steps of the wizard, until the program has been successfully uninstalled.

Uninstall programs

Uninstall faulty programs in Windows

Sometimes we can find that the uninstallation from the Windows application fails and is not able to uninstall certain third-party programs or, simply, they are defective and cannot be eliminated by the traditional method. For this reason, we propose some alternatives that Microsoft’s operating system presents to us to force its uninstallation

Use the uninstaller that comes with the application

In most cases, third-party programs and applications have their own uninstaller. This tool runs from the root folder of the program and is basically an uninstallation wizard that will allow us to remove the program from our computer.

Application desintador file

To do this we have to locate the program folder within the Program Files or Program Files (X86) folders. Later we must look for a file called unistaller.exe or uninstall.exe. or with a similar structure. Once located we execute it and follow the instructions of the wizard. In this way we can uninstall the program that we could not eliminate with the conventional method.

Uninstall the application in safe mode

If we have problems uninstalling third-party applications, we can try to get rid of them using Windows safe mode. When starting the system in safe mode, the only thing that can be executed are the default applications and services. In this way, we may be able to uninstall applications that would not otherwise be possible.

To do this, we must use the shortcut “Windows + R” and launch the Run command. Here we write msconfig and press Enter to enter the “System Configuration” utility. Now we must click on the “Startup” tab and in the “Startup Options” we mark the “Startup Options” box.Safe boot«. Click on “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes and restart the PC.

System configuration

Once the computer restarts we will enter the safe mode from where we can try to eliminate the rogue software using its own uninstallation file or from the Uninstall programs option.

Delete the program from the Registry Editor

Every time we install a third-party program, it registers one in the registry of our computer. For this reason, if we eliminate the traces of an application from the Registry, we will eliminate everything related to the program, uninstalling it effectively. This makes it a good alternative in case you have problems with the usual methods. Of course, misuse of the Windows Registry Editor can cause stability problems in the system, so it must be used at the own risk of each user.

To do this, we press the keyboard shortcut “Windows + R” and open the Run command. Here we write regedit and press Enter or the OK key. This will cause a window with the Registry Editor to appear, where we must navigate to the following directory:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Uninstall

Delete program from Registry Editor

In the left panel of the Registry Editor, the subkey corresponding to the program that we want to uninstall is located. Once we have located the one that corresponds to the program, we click on it and select «Delete» within the contextual menu. Finally, once the subkey belonging to the application has been deleted, we close the Editor and restart the system.

Third-party programs to uninstall rogue programs

When it comes to eliminating any conflicting application, we can also make use of different third-party uninstall programs. These have been specially designed to be able to carry out this work in the simplest way possible.

HiBit Uninstaller

It is a portable program that will be in charge of helping us keep track of all the software that we have installed on the PC, being able to clean all those that we do not need or use. It is an ideal application to uninstall all those rebellious or defective programs that we are not able to eliminate using traditional Windows methods. In addition, this tool removes any modifications that have been made to the Windows registry, as well as the files or folders related to the program in question.

HiBit Uninstaller main menu

By using this uninstaller, the program will carry out a deep and fast scan, eliminating any program, no matter how rebellious it may be. It also allows batch uninstallation, Microsoft Store applications, browser extensions, and troubleshooting any registry issues.

We can download HiBit Unistaller for free from this link.

Revo Uninstaller

This software has been specially designed to be able to eliminate all kinds of programs installed on our Windows computer. Especially those that have errors when uninstalling it by other means. This application is responsible for cleaning the operating system, so that we can free up the space occupied by software that we no longer need or are corrupt.

Revo Uninstaller Free interface

In addition to the possibility of uninstalling all kinds of programs, this application has other interesting features such as secure file deletion, the elimination of unnecessary files or the possibility of completely deleting the files that we have deleted manually.

Revo Unistaller, has a free version that we can download from its website. Additionally, it has a paid Pro version that starts at $ 24.95 for a year and a single PC.

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