๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Windows & Software

How to Properly Uninstall Software on Windows

โœ๏ธ Darren โ€” Laptop Repairs Okehampton ๐Ÿ“… Apr 2026 โฑ 3 min read
Simply deleting a programme's folder doesn't uninstall it. Here's how to properly remove software and clean up what's left behind.

Improper software removal leaves behind registry entries, startup items, and files that slow your system and take up space. Here's how to do it properly.

The right way to uninstall

Go to Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Installed Apps. Find the programme, click the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall. Follow the uninstaller's prompts. This is the correct method for most software โ€” never just delete the folder from Program Files.

For stubborn programmes

Some programmes don't appear in the apps list, or their uninstaller doesn't work properly. Revo Uninstaller (free version available) is excellent for removing stubborn software. It runs the built-in uninstaller and then scans for and removes leftover files and registry entries.

After uninstalling

Run Disk Cleanup to remove any temporary files. If you've uninstalled many programmes, you may want to run CCleaner (free) to clean up leftover registry entries โ€” though this is rarely necessary on modern Windows.

๐Ÿ’ก Before uninstallingIf you're removing software because it's causing problems, note the exact problem first. If uninstalling doesn't fix it, you have the information to diagnose further.

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