How to Uninstall a Windows Program Manually: 6 Steps

How to Uninstall a Windows Program Manually: 6 Steps

Sometimes you cannot uninstall the program using the built-in Add/Remove programs feature. There might be some errors or some viruses that prevent the program from completely uninstalled from the operating system. With this problem, unused programs may take up wasted disk space and slow the computer down.

Steps

1. Go to Run and type in regedit. You may need to have administrative privileges if you are using Windows Vista or 7. The registry editor window opens.

2. Find the HKEY_Current_User folder.

3. Go browse for the Software folder.

4. Find the manufacturer folder of the software you are trying to delete. If you are trying to delete a different program of the same manufacturer, look for the subfolder.

5. Delete the folder. The program will be uninstalled and will not exit in the computer. You can also check the Program Files folder too to make sure it is deleted. Sometimes the correct values are not deleted but the bulk of the program still exists. Delete the program file folder too. You may have the program deleted, but you still got the tempting and annoying start menu and desktop entries. Delete your shortcuts off the desktop and go to the start menu and right click the menu folder and select delete. The Start Menu is simply a folder.

6. Do a virus scan and error check for good sake.

Tips

• You may need to get administrative rights if you are using a computer at work or school. At home, you should know what you are doing.

Warnings

• This should only be done by advanced users.
• Be careful when messing with the registry. Messing with the registry without knowing what you are doing will cause many problems, ranging from simple errors to the operating system not working.
• It is a good idea to consult your IT professional if you are not a computer savvy person.