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Windows Uninstaller is not working [100% Fixed]
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Do you have a program that you can’t remove with theWindows uninstaller(Programs and Features)? If the Windows uninstaller is not working for a specific program, you might not need to fix the uninstaller. It might instead be the case that the software’s installation is corrupted or you don’t have sufficient access rights. These are a few resolutions for removing a program when the Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 uninstaller doesn’t uninstall it.
How to fix Windows Uninstaller issues
1. Remove the program with a third-party Uninstaller
The easiest way to completely remove unwanted programs from your PC is to usededicated uninstaller software.
Third-party uninstallers usually uninstall software more thoroughly than the Windows uninstaller leaves a few leftover registries behind.
Leftover files not only keep your PC cluttered, but they may prevent you from reinstalling the program in the future because the installer wizard may wrongfully detect that the program is already installed on your PC.
Furthermore, uninstaller utilities have the ability to detect software that won’t be listed in the Add or Remove Programs panel.
If you want a safe uninstaller that is proven to completely remove an application along with all its corresponding files, we recommend you get CCleaner.
CCleaner is an overall PC cleaning and optimization utility that includes a powerful and easy-to-use uninstaller.It is similar to the Windows built-in Add or Remove programs panel, displaying a list of all the apps currently installed on your PC.
Just select what you want to remove and wait for the process to complete. The uninstaller feature is available in the free version, but if you want additional help with maintaining your PC such as automatic driver updates, you should consider the premium version.
CCleaner
2. Open the program install and uninstall Troubleshooter
First, check out the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter. That Microsoft troubleshooter can fix errors that block users from uninstalling software. You can utilize that troubleshooter in Windows 10, 8.1 and 7 as follows.
3. Repair the program
The Windows uninstaller doesn’t always uninstall corrupted programs. Programs and Features include aRepairoption for some programs that you can select to fix corrupted installations.
4. Activate the Built-in Admin Account
Note that you might need elevated admin rights to remove some software. If you don’t have sufficient access rights, a window pops up stating,You do not have sufficient access to uninstall.
If that dialog box window pops up for you, you’re probably uninstalling the software within a standard user account.
5. Remove the Program With System Restore
System Restore is a Windows utility that rolls your system back to a selected restore point. As such, restoring Windows to an earlier date also removes third-party software installed after the restore point.
So, this utility might also get rid of a program that the Windows uninstaller doesn’t uninstall. You can roll Windows back to a restore point as follows.
So that’s how you can remove a program when the Windows uninstaller doesn’t uninstall it. Aside from those resolutions, try removing programs in Windows Safe Mode, which you can access in earlier Windows platforms by pressing the F8 key during system startup.
Note that somesystem optimizersalso include uninstaller utilities that you can utilize as an alternative to Programs and Features.
The solutions mentioned above are also useful if you are interested in the following topic:
Setup/uninstall has stopped working– All solutions mentioned above will help you when the Windows Uninstaller fails to work properly.
Let us know which of the solutions mentioned above helped you by leaving us your feedback in the comments section below.
If you want to read more about removing programs, visit ourdedicated Uninstall Hub.
If other OS issues are bothering you, try browsing the articles from ourWindows 10 Errors page.
More about the topics:Uninstall issues and guides
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
