Uninstalling a program that won’t uninstall in Windows can be a challenging task. There are several methods available to remove stubborn or corrupted programs, depending on the operating system and any additional details that you may have about the program. Here are some of the most common techniques to try when removing a particular program.
1. Use the Program’s Built-in Uninstall Option (Windows 2000 & Earlier)
When uninstalling a program, many users still rely on the built-in uninstall option included with the software. To do this, open the Start menu and double-click on the “Add/Remove Programs” icon. This will open the uninstall window which will list all programs installed on your computer. Find the one you wish to uninstall and click the “Change/Remove” button next to it. It’s possible that the program will crash during the uninstall process, but this is usually only if the program was already corrupted.
2. Use an Alternative Uninstaller Tool (Windows 2000 & Earlier)
In some cases, the built-in uninstaller contained within the program itself might not work properly, either because it has been corrupted or because it is an outdated program. In these cases, an alternative uninstaller tool can be used to completely remove the stubborn program. There are several free third-party uninstaller tools available online, such as CCleaner and Revo Uninstaller. These types of tools scan your computer for all installed programs and then attempt to remove them, regardless of whether the program has its own built-in uninstaller or not.
3. Use Control Panel Programs and Features (Windows 7 & Later)
For Windows 7 and later, the best way to uninstall a stubborn program is to use the Windows built-in Programs and Features tool. To access this, open the Control Panel and click on “Programs and Features”. This will list all of the currently installed software on your computer, including the one you wish to remove. Right-click on the program and select “Uninstall/Change”. Follow the instructions and the program should be removed successfully.
4. Use System Restore (Windows XP & Later)
Another option for uninstalling a stubborn program is to use the Windows System Restore tool. This tool allows you to go back to a particular point in time in order to undo any changes that were made since then. This can be very helpful if the program was installed recently and you need to revert your computer back to before it was installed. To use System Restore, open the Start menu and click on “All Programs”. Scroll down to the Accessories folder and click on “System Tools”, followed by “System Restore”. Follow the instructions and select a restore point prior to when the program was installed, then reboot your computer. The program should be gone.
5. Use Third-Party Uninstaller Software (Windows 2000 & Later)
If none of the above options work, then you may need to resort to using a third-party uninstaller software. These types of programs are specifically designed to remove stubborn programs, even those which cannot be removed with other uninstaller tools or built-in uninstallers. Again, there are several free programs available online, so you should have no trouble finding one that works. Download and install the program, then run it and follow the instructions to successfully remove the stubborn program from your computer.
These five methods should cover most stubborn programs, but in some rare cases, it may still be unable to be removed. If so, then the last option is to format and reinstall Windows, as this will remove all programs and data from your computer, leaving it like a fresh install. Of course, this should only be used as a last resort, as it is a very drastic measure.