How to remove a program from your computer using utilities


Content

  1. How to remove a program in Windows 7
  2. How to remove a program in Windows 10
  3. Free software uninstallers
  4. Revo Uninstaller
  5. IObit Uninstaller
  • Uninstalling a program manually
    1. Removing a program from your hard drive
    2. Removing a program from the registry
  • Removing Windows 7 components
  • Uninstall built-in Windows 10 apps
  • Removing antiviruses
  • The process of uninstalling programs on a computer can be confusing for novice users. Often, newbies try to remove shortcuts from the desktop or Start menu, not realizing that the application itself is still on the hard drive. In these instructions you will learn how to properly remove programs on your PC.

    Removal using third-party software

    You can also remove outdated software using various software. This could be Revo Uninstaller or a similar utility at the user's discretion. This article discusses exactly this.

    Revo Uninstaller
    How to remove unnecessary applications from your computerHow to clean your laptop system from small debris
    Launch the software and select the application that needs to be erased using LMB.Select "Scan".
    ABOUT.Wait until the software finds useless files.
    When the program is ready for cleaning, confirm the action.Click “Select All” or check the boxes that need to be erased manually.
    Click "Delete".

    Find out: How to disable the touchpad on a laptop: 6 step-by-step instructions

    How to remove a program in Windows 7

    Open the Start and select Control Panel :

    In the View , set the Category and click on the Uninstall a program :

    The screen will display a list of all installed applications on your computer. Select the utility you want to remove. In our case it will be GOM Player. Click on the Delete or Delete/Change :

    The Uninstall Program window will appear. Follow all actions and prompts on the screen:

    If you were unable to remove the program, and the message “Close all windows and try again” appeared on the screen, then in this case you need to close all active windows and processes of the utility.

    To do this, press the key combination Ctrl + Alt + Delete Start task manager from the list :

    In the Processes , select the process that is associated with the program. In our case, this is GOM.exe , which is responsible for launching GOM Player. Click on the End process and confirm your action:

    After that, try uninstalling the program again.

    Which programs and processes in Windows 7 can be removed, and which ones should be left alone?

    The main rule when removing unnecessary programs or services is: “Know what you are doing!” Before you remove an unfamiliar program, you should figure out what it does and where it came from on your computer. The same applies to Windows 7 services.

    Removal should take place according to the established procedure, and not by erasing the folder with the program, since otherwise the computer will be clogged with the remnants of unnecessary directories, settings, and browser bookmarks. It is very useful to create a system restore point on the eve of the “big clean”, this will allow you to undo the results of unsuccessful work.

    Without fear of negative consequences, you can disable some system services.

    What you can delete without regret (table)

    ServiceWhy can you delete
    KtmRm for distributed transaction coordinatorA network service that is not needed when there is no network.
    Offline files
    IPSe Policy Agent
    Adaptive brightness controlUseful for saving battery only if you have a light sensor.
    Windows FirewallCan be removed if antivirus is installed.
    Computer browserA network service that is not needed when there is no network.
    IP Ancillary ServiceUseless on a home computer.
    Secondary loginMust be disabled for security reasons.
    Print ManagerThe service is only needed if you have a printer.
    Access to HID devicesOnly needed if there are devices connected via USB ports.
    Windows DefenderCan be removed if antivirus is installed.
    Changed Link Tracking ClientThe service is not needed by the average user.
    IPsec key modules for Internet key exchange and IP authentication
    NetBIOS Support ModuleA network service that is not needed when there is no network.
    SSDP detectionNeeded only if there are devices connected via the SSDP protocol. It's better to turn it off for security reasons.
    Basic TPM servicesThe service is only needed if you have control devices based on TMP or BitLocker chips.
    Windows SearchNeeded only for very active searches on the computer.
    Parental ControlUseless service.
    ServerA network service that is not needed when there is no network.
    Tablet PC input serviceThe service is only needed if you have handwriting input devices.
    Windows Image Upload (WIA) serviceOnly needed when using digital cameras and scanners.
    Bluetooth supportOnly needed when connecting devices via Bluetooth.
    Windows Error Logging ServiceThe service is not needed by the average user.
    Smart cardThe service is only needed if you have smart card-based control devices.
    Remote registryNot needed by the average user. It is better to remove it for security reasons.
    FaxOnly needed when using a computer as a fax. Otherwise, you can delete it permanently.

    Services that cannot be disabled (table)

    ServiceWhy can't you turn it off?
    Plug and PlayNecessary for correct connection of devices to the computer.
    SuperfetchSpeeds up applications by loading the most frequently used ones into RAM in advance.
    Windows AudioNecessary for correct operation of sound devices.
    Windows Driver FoundationResponsible for the operation of drivers.
    Desktop Window Manager Session ManagerRequired for the proprietary Aero interface to work.
    Task SchedulerA service of great importance in Windows 7, including switching keyboard layouts.
    Media Class SchedulerNecessary for multimedia tasks, including audio components.
    ThemesRequired for the proprietary Aero interface to work.
    Remote Procedure Call (RPC)Ensures stable operation of other services. Disabling is prohibited by the system.
    Windows InstallerThe service is required to install new applications.

    How to remove a program in Windows 10

    Right- click on the StartControl Panel :

    Select Uninstall a program :

    Select the required program in the list and click the Remove/Change :

    Follow the further on-screen instructions:

    You can also use the Settings to uninstall a program in Windows 10. To do this, open StartSettings :

    Open the System :

    All programs installed on your computer will appear in the Applications and Features Select the desired utility from the list and click on the Remove :

    Free software uninstallers

    Often, after deleting programs using the standard method, folders, registry entries and files that are associated with the deleted program remain on the computer. Complete removal of the utility and all its components is achieved using special applications. On our website you can. Below we will look at the operating principle of 2 popular uninstallers - Revo Uninstaller and IObit Uninstaller.

    Revo Uninstaller

    and install it on your PC.

    When you launch the utility, a list with all programs installed on your computer will appear on the screen:

    Select the application and click on the Delete in the top menu:

    The initial analysis and removal process will start, and the utility removal window will appear. Uninstall the program in the standard way:

    Then, in the Scan Mode , set the value to Advanced and click the Scan :

    Once the scanning process is complete, a list of remaining files and registry entries will be displayed on the screen. Click on the Select all :

    Next, click Delete → confirm deletion:

    Revo Uninstaller will then display information about the remaining folders. Remove them:

    Congratulations! You have completely removed the program and all remaining files from your PC.

    IObit Uninstaller

    and install it on your computer.

    Run the uninstaller. All Programs tab will display a list of all installed applications. Select a utility from the list and click on the trash can icon on the left side of the screen:

    Create a restore point checkbox and select the Uninstall :

    The uninstaller of the program itself (GOM Player) will start. Follow the standard procedure for uninstalling the utility:

    Select all and Destroy files checkboxes . Click on the Delete :

    A message indicating the successful removal of the application will appear on the screen:

    How to remove an unnecessary program from your computer

    Various options have been described above on how to get rid of unused applications. You yourself can choose any of the methods to remove unnecessary programs from your computer. The uninstallation option via the Start button is the simplest, but there are also more advanced utilities that open up more options for experienced users. You can not only remove unnecessary programs from your computer, but also work with the registry. Keep in mind that you can only perform these actions if you understand what you are doing. Otherwise, there is a risk of erasing the necessary documents.

    Free Uninstall tool

    This is a lightweight, simple utility that is distributed freely on the Internet. The Uninstall tool can be used without purchasing a license. During installation, in addition to the main folder, hidden ones appear in other places on the PC, and registry entries are added. Removing them manually becomes difficult because the search does not always find them by name. The utility in question will help you in this matter; it detects all the “tails” that were created during installation. You need to do the following:

    1. Install the software.
    2. The application will launch and the “Uninstaller” menu will open in front of you in the first window.
    3. Select the unnecessary application from the list in the window.
    4. Information about the file will appear, it is possible to force it to be deleted.

    How to remove a program using CCleaner

    This is a powerful tool for working with the registry, all installed applications, and games. Cleaning your computer with CCleaner can be done automatically or manually. The utility is capable of collecting data from the entire PC and offering to erase specific files. Externally, the main program window is similar to a standard Windows tool. To get rid of unwanted documents, you must do the following:

    1. Install and open the application.
    2. Select the "Service" tab.
    3. The first item in the menu will be “Delete”; you need to select the required line in the list.
    4. Click on the “Uninstall” button, the software itself will perform all the necessary actions and guide the user through the necessary steps.
    5. Please note that you need to click on the button indicated above, and not on “Delete”. This feature erases data from the registry, not the application itself.
    6. Then go to the “Registry” window and start scanning.
    7. Clear all unnecessary entries, which Ccleaner finds.

    Revo uninstaller

    A powerful utility that simplifies the process of erasing data. With its help, you can solve all the problems that may arise in this process. Revo uninstaller programs are removed like this:

    1. Launch the software, find in the main menu the icon of the document you want to erase. Right-click on the line and select “Delete”.
    2. First, a preliminary analysis will take place, then the uninstaller will be launched.
    3. The uninstallation wizard will guide you through several steps, follow the necessary steps by selecting the desired uninstallation options.
    4. There might be some “tails” left, so go to the “Advanced” section and run a scan.
    5. The report must include all registry entries after the deletion took place.
    6. Click on “Select All” and then again on “Delete”. You don’t have to worry about the performance of Windows; only unnecessary data is removed from the registry.
    7. Do the same in the “Remaining files...” section.
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    Uninstalling a program manually

    Sometimes a situation arises when the installed application is not in the Uninstall a program / Programs and Features , and it is also not displayed on the main screen of Revo Uninstaller or any other uninstaller. In this case, you will have to independently delete all program files, including the corresponding entries in the system registry.

    Removing a program from your hard drive

    If you do not know the exact location of the program, use the search bar in the Start and enter the name of the utility. In our case it is GOM Player :

    Select the found application with the right mouse button and select File location :

    The contents of the folder in which the program files are stored will appear in the window that opens:

    The folder may contain a file like Uninstall.exe , unins.exe or uninstaller.exe , which is used directly to uninstall the utility:

    Double-click on it and follow all the instructions on the screen.

    If you do not find such a file in the folder with the program, and the utility itself is not on the Uninstall a Program / Programs and Features or on the Revo Uninstaller screen, there is only one way out: use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A to select all files in the folder. Then press the Shift + Delete and confirm the permanent deletion of files from your hard drive:

    Next, you have to clear the remaining entries from the program in the Windows registry.

    Removing a program from the registry

    Open the Start regedit in the search bar and open registry editor :

    Enter the password for the Administrator account if necessary.

    Before performing the program removal procedure, it is recommended to make a backup copy of the system registry. To do this, open the FileExport :

    In the Export range specify the value Entire registry , enter the name of the backup file and click the Save :

    Then press Ctrl + F to open the search window. Enter the name of the program and click on the Find Next :

    The file associated with the program will appear in the editor window. Right-click on it, select Delete and confirm the action:

    You can also use the Delete to delete files in the registry.

    To move to the next program file, use the F3 :

    Delete the file and move on to the next one. This action must be repeated until there are no entries left in the registry that are associated with the program.

    Be careful! You should not try to remove system applications or operating system components through the registry.

    Removal using system tools

    Uninstalling unnecessary applications is a method that does not require installing third-party software to remove unnecessary files from your computer.

    Recommendation : Regardless of the removal method or OS version, you should remove only those utilities whose purpose the user is sure of, otherwise you can mistakenly delete vital system files, which will disrupt the operation of the operating system.

    How to clean a laptop in Windows 7, 10:

    1. Through “Start” you need to go to the control panel.
    2. Select "Uninstall programs".
    3. Mark unnecessary applications and erase them one by one by clicking on the line with the left mouse button (LMB) and o.

    In different versions of Windows, the names of the items may differ slightly, but the scheme is almost identical.

    Selection: Rating of powerful laptops - 10 popular models

    Removing Windows 7 components

    Windows 7 includes a number of built-in applications and utilities that cannot be uninstalled through the Programs and Features . You can only disable them using the built-in tools.

    To do this, open StartControl PanelPrograms :

    Select Turn Windows features on or off :

    If you are logged into the system as a regular user, you will be asked to enter the password for the Administrator account .

    Wait until all components load and uncheck the applications that you would like to disable. In our case, this is Internet Explorer 8 :

    Confirm your choice and click on OK .

    Uninstall built-in Windows 10 apps

    To remove built-in utilities in Windows 10, it is recommended.

    Run the utility and specify the applications that you want to remove and click on the Remove in the upper right corner of the screen:

    If you select Current User, built-in applications will be removed only for the current account, and if you specify All Users , built-in applications will be removed for all users (Administrator account required):

    If you have not configured the function to create restore points, a warning window will appear on the screen:

    To configure it, right-click the StartControl PanelSystem and Security :

    Open the Security and Maintenance :

    Select the Recovery :

    Item System recovery settings :

    In the System Protection , select the drive on which the operating system is installed and click the Configure :

    In Recovery Options , set the value to Enable system protection :

    Go back to O&O AppBuster and try removing built-in apps again. You will be automatically prompted to create a restore point. Click Yes to perform this action:

    If the applications are successfully removed, a short message will appear on the screen:

    Please note that system applications with the Unremovable are not available for removal in O&O AppBuster.

    Removing antiviruses

    During the process of uninstalling antivirus software, in some cases various errors occur that lead to unexpected consequences: the antivirus disappears from the list of installed applications, while it continues to work or “hang” in the computer’s RAM, and its files cannot be deleted manually. To fix these problems it is necessary.

    Moreover, each antivirus has its own utility. For example, for digital products from Kaspersky the Kavremover and KAV Removal Tool programs are used, for AVG - AVG Remover, for Dr. Web – Dr.Web Remover, and for Avast – Avast Clear.

    them on your computer, select the antivirus version (Free, Business, Internet Security, Pro or Premium), click on the Remove button , wait until the file cleaning process is completed, and reboot the system:

    Removal

    Now let's find out how you can remove previously installed applications from your computer's hard drive. Of course, you can uninstall by deleting the program files and folders from your hard drive, but this is far from the best option, since there will be a lot of “garbage” and incorrect entries in the system registry, which will negatively affect the performance of the OS in the future. This method cannot be called correct. Below we will talk about the correct options for removing software.

    Method 1: Native app uninstaller

    First of all, let's figure out how to remove the software using its own uninstaller. As a rule, when installing an application, a separate uninstaller file with an EXE extension is also unpacked into its folder, with which you can remove this software. Often the name of this object includes the expression “uninst”.

    1. To launch the uninstaller, just double-click on its executable file with the left mouse button in Explorer or another file manager, as when launching any application.

      It is not uncommon for a shortcut to launch uninstallation to be added to the corresponding program folder in the Start menu. You can start the procedure by double-clicking on this shortcut.

    2. After this, an uninstaller window will open, in which you need to confirm your actions to remove the application by clicking on the appropriate button.
    3. The uninstallation procedure will be launched, after which the software will be removed from the PC hard drive.

    But this method is not convenient for all users, since you have to look for the uninstaller file, and it, depending on the specific software, can be located in different directories. In addition, this option does not guarantee complete removal. Sometimes various residual objects and registry entries remain.

    Method 2: Special software

    You can get rid of the shortcomings of the previous method if you use special software to uninstall programs, which is specifically designed to completely remove software. One of the best utilities of this kind is the Uninstall Tool. Using her example, we will consider the solution to the problem.

    1. Launch the Uninstall Tool. A list of applications installed on your computer will open. You should find in it the name of the software that you want to remove. In order to do this faster, you can build all the elements of the list alphabetically by clicking on the name of the “Program” column.
    2. Once the desired program is found, select it. Information about the selected software will appear on the left side of the window. Click on the “Uninstall” element.
    3. The Uninstall Tool will automatically find a standard uninstaller for the selected application on your computer, which was discussed in the previous method, and launch it. Next, you should perform the actions that we have already discussed above, following the tips displayed in the uninstaller window.
    4. After a standard uninstaller removes the software, the Uninstall Tool will scan the system for residual objects (folders and files), as well as registry entries that could remain from the removed program.
    5. If residual objects are detected after scanning, a list of them will open. To erase these items, click Delete.
    6. After this, all program elements will be completely removed from the PC, which will be indicated by a message in the Uninstall Tool window at the end of the procedure. All you have to do is click on the “Close” button.

    This completes the complete removal of software using the Uninstall Tool program. Using this method ensures that you will not have any remnants of deleted software on your computer, which will have a positive effect on the operation of the system as a whole.

    Lesson: Utilities for completely removing software from a PC

    Method 3: Uninstall using the built-in Windows tool

    You can also uninstall the application using the built-in Windows 7 tool, which is called “Uninstall a Program”.

    1. Click “Start” and go to “Control Panel.”
    2. In the window that opens, in the “Programs” block, click on the “Uninstall a program” item.

      There is another option for opening the desired window. To do this, type Win+R and in the field of the Run tool that launches, enter:

      appwiz.cpl

      Next, click on the “OK” element.

    3. A shell called “Uninstall or change a program” opens. Here, as in the Uninstall Tool, you need to find the name of the required software. In order to build the entire list in alphabetical order, thereby making your search task easier, click on the name of the “Name” column.
    4. After all the names are arranged in the required sequence and you find the desired object, select it and click on the “Delete/Change” element.
    5. After this, the standard uninstaller of the selected application will launch, which we are already familiar with from the previous two methods. Follow all the necessary steps according to the recommendations displayed in its window, and the software will be removed from the PC's hard drive.

    As you can see, there are many ways to install and remove software on a PC running Windows 7. If installation, as a rule, does not require much trouble and it is enough to use the simplest option, carried out using the “Wizard”, then to correctly remove applications, it is possible , it makes sense to use specialized software that guarantees complete uninstallation without leaving any residue in the form of various “tails”. But there are various situations in which non-standard methods of installing or uninstalling software may be needed.

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