How to Completely Remove Unwanted Apps from Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Removing unnecessary applications from your Windows PC can free up valuable resources and help maintain a tidy operating system. However, many applications often leave remnants behind even after uninstallation. These leftovers can clutter your system and possibly interfere with the installation of future applications. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to completely remove apps and programs from Windows, ensuring that you not only uninstall them but also clean up any residual files they may have left behind.

Why is It Necessary to Completely Remove Apps?​

When it comes to uninstalled programs, several factors could necessitate a clean slate:

• Reinstallation: If you plan to reinstall the application later, some remnants may be useful. However, if the app was uninstalled due to issues, leaving leftover files can lead to recurring problems.
• Resource Management: Freeing up disk space and resources can improve your system's performance.
• Clutter Reduction: Keeping your PC clean can make it easier to navigate and find the programs and files that are important to you.

Key Considerations Before Removal​

• Registry Entries: Many programs store settings and information in the Windows Registry. Uninstalling an app usually doesn’t delete these entries.
• Folder Remnants: Application remnants can be found in various system folders.
• Temporary Files: Uninstalled applications may leave temporary files that take up space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completely Remove Apps and Programs​

1. Remove Registry Entries​

Windows Registry is a database that saves configuration settings for the operating system and installed applications. Here's how to handle leftover registry entries:

• Backup the Registry: Before making any changes, back up your Windows Registry to prevent potential issues.
• Go to Start > type regedit and hit Enter to open Registry Editor.
• In the Registry Editor, click on File, then Export, and save your backup. [*Access the Registry Editor:
• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type regedit and click OK. [*Locate the App Key:
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE.
• Look for the folder corresponding to the uninstalled application. Right-click on it and select Delete. [*Confirm Deletion: A prompt will confirm you want to delete the key. Ensure you’re deleting the correct one to avoid system issues.

2. Manually Remove Leftover Folders​

Your system can harbor leftover application folders in multiple locations. Here’s how to clean them up: [*Open File Explorer:

• Press Win + E to open File Explorer and navigate to This PC. [*Check Program Files:
• Open the Program Files and Program Files (x86) directories (if you have a 64-bit system).
• Look for folders related to the uninstalled application and delete them. [*Clean AppData:
• Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and hit OK.
• In the Roaming folder, look for and delete any app folders that are no longer needed.
• Also, check the Local and LocalLow folders for leftovers.

3. Delete Temporary Files​

Temporary files are stored by various applications and can eat into your storage space: [*Use Disk Cleanup:

• Search for Disk Cleanup in the Start menu.
• Choose the drive where the program was installed (usually C, and click OK.
• In the Disk Cleanup window, check the Temporary Files option and click OK to delete them. [*Clear Temp Folder:
• Press Win + R, type %temp%, and click OK.
• Delete all the files within this folder to clear out any temporary files related to uninstalled applications.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Clean System​

[*Regular Maintenance*: Schedule regular cleanups, including unused app removals, registry checks, and temporary file deletions. [Specialized Software**: Consider using third-party uninstaller software that can automatically remove leftover files, folders, and registry entries after uninstalling applications.

Conclusion​

Thoroughly removing applications and their residues not only enhances the longevity and performance of your Windows operating system but also improves your experience scrolling through a cleaner interface. Fostering good habits such as regular uninstallation and cleanup can translate into a smoother and faster-running PC. With these steps, you can ensure that when you uninstall a program, it truly is gone for good, paving the way for an optimized Windows environment. Keeping your computer clean with effective resource management practices is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy computing experience. By diligently following the methods outlined here, you can eliminate unwanted applications and make use of your system to its fullest potential. Source: How-To Geek https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-completely-remove-apps-and-programs-on-windows/