Full Guide: Remove Apps and Programs on Windows Permanently

Completely Remove Apps and Programs from Windows

App uninstallation does not mean that those apps are gone completely. It leaves behind many unwanted residual files, registry entries, and temporary data that take up space and slow down your system. To completely remove that application and its traces, follow these methods to keep your system clean and clutter-free.

Why Completely Remove Programs in Windows?

Some residual files might come in handy if you're thinking of reinstalling a particular application; they may contain settings and configurations. For the case that you've decided you wouldn't need that software anymore, get rid of its fragments to avert unnecessary consumption of space and possible clash.

If an application has ever caused trouble on your system, then; it would bring the same problems back with no deletion of the leftover files. Deleting all these would assure a cleaner installation and better performance.

1. Remove Registry Entries

Most of the important data for every application, such as user preferences, licenses, and trial information, is saved in the Windows registry. Unfortunately, these entries may usually be left behind once the applications are uninstalled. Removing these entries manually can help in clearing out the program entirely; however, you have to be extremely careful with modifications to the registry since any wrong entry can lead to a system that becomes unstable.

How To Delete Registry Entries :

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Navigate to the following location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\

Find a folder related to the uninstalled app.

Right-click on it and select Delete.

Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

⚠ Tip: Always create a backup of the registry before you make any change. This can be done by selecting the option File > Export within the Registry Editor.

2. Delete Leftover Folders and Files

Windows stores application data in multiple locations. Therefore, it is essential to manually check leftover folders.

Steps of Removing Leftover Files:

Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E.

Now go to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).

Check for folders associated with the uninstalled program and delete them.

Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.

In the Roaming folder, delete any related files.

Move back to the AppData folder by clicking the up arrow in the address bar.

Thoroughly repeat the process within Local and LocalLow folders.

3. Deletion of Temporary Files

After uninstalling apps hibernation caches and temporary configurations also stay in the Windows. To clean and ensure complete uninstallation it is advisable to clear these caches.

How to Delete Temp Files by Disk Cleanup:

Search for Disk Cleanup in your Start menu and launch it.

Check the drive where the program has been installed (most of the time C:) and click OK.

Scroll down, tick Temporary Files, and hit OK.

Click Delete Files to confirm.

Or you may delete temp files manually:

Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.

Choose and delete all the unnecessary files.

Final Words

Removing things from your Windows system is optimizing. Periodically, one would be required to clear the leftover file.