How to uninstall a program that won't uninstall
If a program won’t uninstall, try these steps: 1. Use Windows Settings to remove it. 2. Run its built-in uninstaller as administrator. 3. Boot into Safe Mode and attempt removal. 4. Use third-party tools like Revo Uninstaller. 5. Manually delete files and registry entries with caution.
If a program refuses to uninstall through normal methods, it might be due to corrupted installation files, system permissions, or conflicts. Here are several methods to forcibly remove such programs.
The operating environment of this tutorial: Dell XPS 13, Windows 11
1. Use the Built-in Uninstall Tool
Windows includes a default uninstaller that can handle most applications. Accessing it through Settings ensures a clean removal attempt before resorting to more advanced methods.
- Press Windows I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate the problematic program, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your computer afterward.
2. Run the Program's Own Uninstaller Manually
Some applications install a dedicated uninstaller executable in their program folder. Running this directly may bypass installer corruption.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).
- Look for the folder associated with the stubborn program.
- Open the folder and search for an executable named uninstall.exe or similar.
- Right-click it and choose Run as administrator, then proceed with the uninstallation.
3. Use Safe Mode to Remove the Program
Running the system in Safe Mode disables non-essential processes and services, which may prevent interference during uninstallation.
- Press Windows R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to the Boot tab, check Safe boot, and click OK.
- Restart the computer and log in to Safe Mode.
- Try uninstalling the program again via Settings or its local uninstaller.
- After completion, return to msconfig and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal mode.
4. Use Third-Party Uninstaller Software
Dedicated tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller can force removal by scanning for leftover files and registry entries after a failed uninstall.
- Download and install Revo Uninstaller Free from its official site.
- Launch the program and locate the target application in the list.
- Select Advanced mode and click Uninstall.
- When prompted, choose Moderate or Advanced scan to detect residual data.
- Allow Revo to remove all detected leftover files and registry keys.
5. Manually Remove Program Files and Registry Entries
If all automated methods fail, manual deletion is possible but requires caution. Incorrect registry edits can destabilize the system.
- First, delete the program’s folder from C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).
- Press Windows R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE.
- Locate and delete any key associated with the program. Back up the registry before making changes.
- Also check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall for related entries.
The above is the detailed content of How to uninstall a program that won't uninstall. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Hot AI Tools

Undress AI Tool
Undress images for free

Undresser.AI Undress
AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover
Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

ArtGPT
AI image generator for creative art from text prompts.

Stock Market GPT
AI powered investment research for smarter decisions

Hot Article

Hot Tools

Notepad++7.3.1
Easy-to-use and free code editor

SublimeText3 Chinese version
Chinese version, very easy to use

Zend Studio 13.0.1
Powerful PHP integrated development environment

Dreamweaver CS6
Visual web development tools

SublimeText3 Mac version
God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

Answer: To use Windows built-in EFS to encrypt folders, you need to right-click the folder → Properties → Advanced → Check "Encrypt content to protect data" → Apply and select the encryption range. At the same time, you must back up the EFS certificate and private key to prevent data loss. EFS relies on user account security and only supports NTFS. It is suitable for stand-alone privacy protection, but is not suitable for multi-user sharing or high-security threat environments. Compared with traditional password encryption, EFS is integrated with system login, without repeated input of passwords, but the account password is securely bound. For higher security requirements, you can choose third-party tools such as BitLocker full disk encryption or VeraCrypt. When backing up the key, you should export the PFX format certificate and set a strong password to store it in a secure location.

Most players probably play their games full screen in Windows 11 or 10. However, you can also play games in a windowed mode. This mode lets you play games in a window with the taskbar visible beneath it. The advantages of playing in windowed mode

Answer: The computer cannot recognize the printer. It is usually caused by connection, drive, or service issues. First check whether the USB or network connection is normal to ensure that the printer is powered on; if the connection is correct, restart the device and check the driver status in the "Device Manager", update or reinstall the official website driver; confirm that the Windows "PrintSpooler" service has been started and set to automatic; use the system "Troubleshooting" tool to troubleshoot problems. If the driver fails to install repeatedly, you need to completely uninstall the old driver and clean up the residual files. After restarting, install the new version of the driver as an administrator, and use compatibility mode or system restore if necessary. If there is any problem after Windows update, you should first download the driver that is adapted to the new system, or roll back the update and check the service status. The details that are easily overlooked during the investigation include

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a crucial tool for safeguarding your online privacy and securely accessing geo-restricted or censored content. However, many users face difficulties when their VPN fails to connect on Windows 10 or Windows 11.Why Wo

When the file is occupied, first check and close the relevant programs and try to restart the computer; if it is invalid, use task manager, resource monitor or ProcessExplorer to locate the occupied process, and forcefully terminate it by ending the task or taskkill command; for prevention, you need to develop good operating habits, avoid previewing or directly operating on mobile/network drives, and keep software updated.

iPad split screen can improve reading and translation efficiency, and compare the original text with translation through left and right split screens. The operation method is to slide out the Dock bar from the bottom, hold the app long and drag and drop to the edge split screen. It is recommended to use MarginNote with European Dictionary, GoodNotes, LiquidText and other applications that support drag and drop translation or split screen collaboration, and combine iPadOS real-time text function to identify pictures and text to optimize the reading experience.

Ifaprogramwon’tuninstall,trythesesteps:1.UseWindowsSettingstoremoveit.2.Runitsbuilt-inuninstallerasadministrator.3.BootintoSafeModeandattemptremoval.4.Usethird-partytoolslikeRevoUninstaller.5.Manuallydeletefilesandregistryentrieswithcaution.

The most direct way is to recall the storage location, usually in folders such as desktop, documents, downloads, etc.; if it cannot be found, you can use the system search function. File "missing" is mostly due to problems such as unattention of the saving path, name memory deviation, file hiding or cloud synchronization. Efficient management suggestions: Classify by project, time, and type, make good use of quick access, clean and archive regularly, and standardize naming. Windows search and search through File Explorer and taskbar, while macOS relies on finder and Spotlight, which is smarter and more efficient. Mastering tools and developing good habits is the key.
