Part 1: How to uninstall stubborn software Quick & Novice Methods (try these first)
These methods work for most programs and are safe for beginners.
Uninstall from settings
• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Find the program.
• Click the three dots (⋯).
• Select “Uninstall” and follow the prompts.
Use the Control Panel
• Press Windows + R, type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter.
• Find the program in the list.
• Select it and click “Uninstall”.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.
Run the Program’s Built-in Uninstaller
• Open File Explorer.
• Go to the program’s installation folder.
• Look for “uninstall.exe” or “Uninstall”.
• Run the uninstaller.
Restart your PC
• Restart your PC.
• Some programs require a restart to complete removal.
Check for Leftovers
After uninstalling, check for remaining folders:
• C:Program Files
• C:Program Files (x86)
•C:UsersYourNameAppData
Then delete any leftover folders and files.
Part 2: Advanced & Intermediate Methods
Use these methods when the basic steps don’t work.
Use Microsoft programs Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
• Download from Microsoft’s support website.
• Run the tool.
• Select “Uninstalling”.
• Choose the program.
• It will try to remove it automatically.
Uninstall in Safe Mode
• Press Shift + Restart.
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
• Press 4 to boot into Safe Mode.
• Try uninstalling again
Use Third-Party Uninstaller Tools
• Tools scan for leftover files and registry entries.
• They force-remove stubborn programs.
Manually Delete Leftovers
• Delete leftover folders.
• Press Windows + R, type %temp% and delete everything inside.
Clean the Registry (Advanced Users)
• Press Windows + R, type “regedit” and press “Enter”.
• Look for the program’s remaining registry entries.
• Delete carefully.
Block Reinstallation (If it keeps coming back)
• Some software reinstalls itself (e.g., OEM bloatware).
• Use tools like:
-O&O AppBuster
– Autoruns (Microsoft)
– Group Policy (advanced)
• Disable startup tasks and scheduled tasks.