A program to remove other programs. The best uninstallers to properly remove programs

Uninstallers (programs for removing programs) are an integral part of the process of optimizing the operating system, as they can free up significant resources for the operating system.

Unlike the standard uninstallation system, uninstallers often have advanced functionality. In addition to simple removal, they can search for remnants of deleted programs, perform forced removal (in cases where the program cannot be removed using standard means), as well as a number of other capabilities.

Below are the best removal programs that you can download to your computer and use instead of the standard removal tool.

Soft Organizer is a utility for removing (uninstalling) unnecessary programs and searching for their traces (residues) that remain after the normal removal process. To do this, you need to run program removal from Soft Organizer. In this case, the trace search process starts automatically after normal deletion.

08/15/2018, Anton Maksimov

Uninstallers have become the norm for Windows users. This is due to the fact that programs often leave a large number of files and folders on the disk that hang like dead weight. And the more applications the user installs and deletes on his PC, the more unnecessary traces remain on the system as dead weight.

06.26.2018, Anton Maksimov

The Uninstall Tool is perfect for conservative users who like the classic appearance of Windows XP-style programs. As for the functionality, it is very typical for programs of this type and includes a basic set of tools for searching for traces of uninstalled programs and a startup manager.

05/11/2018, Anton Maksimov

Total Uninstall is a utility for removing unnecessary programs with the function of tracking the installation of new programs, support for modern Windows applications (from the Microsoft Store), the function of cleaning the system from temporary and other unnecessary files, as well as a startup manager.

The program can display a list of all traces of the selected program using the “Details” button on the toolbar. These include traces on the disk, in the system registry, as well as services and devices. It can be very useful for analyzing applications, as it can show all the services associated with the selected program.

In our work, we focus on free and, even more often, open source software. In this post, we will talk about the free, but unfortunately not yet open source software Revo Uninstaller. This program will allow you to easily uninstall (remove) other software installed on your computer. The developer claims that Revo Uninstaller will be able to remove a program even if Windows cannot remove it through the Control Panel (Add/Remove Programs). Moreover, Revo Uninstaller is the most powerful and fastest alternative to the standard Windows uninstaller tool.

12/14/2017, Anton Maksimov

The standard program uninstallation tool does not always completely remove applications installed on the system. Some files and records remain there as dead weight. This does not cause serious damage to Windows until too much of this data accumulates. Residues from programs in the form of files can seriously reduce disk space, which can subsequently affect system performance. To prevent this from happening, there are various applications for completely removing programs.

One of these programs is called GeekUninstaller and it is designed to remove unnecessary programs and then search for and remove traces of these programs on the computer. The utility's interface is quite ascetic and simple. All you need to do is select the application and click the “Delete” button.

11/21/2017, Anton Maksimov

Wise Program Uninstaller is a utility for completely removing programs and traces of them that remain after normal uninstallation. The utility is very easy to use and does not require additional knowledge to operate. It works according to the classic scenario: first, a regular deletion is carried out, and then the remnants of the program are searched and deleted in the system.

"Iobit Uninstaller is by far the best uninstaller for Windows that I have tested. If you want a program that removes applications without leaving a trace, then try Iobit Uninstaller. This free utility easily removes applications, including files left behind after uninstallation Software from your hard drive or SSD using Windows. Other free tools like Comodo Programs Manager and Revo Uninstaller perform similar functions, but Iobit Uninstaller is superior in that the manufacturer listens to user suggestions and the program removes annoying browser toolbars and plugins. In short, if you are using a Windows PC, you should download Iobit Uninstaller to uninstall applications."

PC Magazine

User Reviews

"IObit Uninstaller is probably one of the best software for removing unnecessary programs from your computer. Unlike the basic Windows uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller removes all leftover programs that can later reduce the performance of your PC. I have been using this program for several years and it works quickly my computer and cleans it of unnecessary files. I have recommended IObit Uninstaller to some of my friends in the past and would recommend it again today."

Sergey Erlich

User Reviews

"IObit Uninstaller is one of the best uninstallers. Easy to use, cleaning is fast and thorough. Since version 5, many features have appeared that are compatible not only with Windows 10. Quick cleaning of plugins is also very convenient. And the program does an excellent job of finding unused and duplicate applications. Thank you for your warm attitude towards our family's computers."

The computer's hard drive gradually becomes clogged with junk files and application remnants, even when using the standard Windows uninstaller or built-in uninstallation mechanisms in the programs themselves. In order not to turn your PC into a landfill, third-party developers offer to download free applications to completely remove programs, unnecessary software, which will detect and destroy all files missed by standard Windows tools, and traces of deleted software.

Program for uninstalling programs

The main problem with all applications is that they leave a huge number of files in the computer's memory. In most cases, these are registry keys, user settings for a remote program. The developers' calculation is that the user will install the application again after some time. Although they weigh no more than 1 MB, over time their volume begins to take up more and more space and unnecessarily load the system.

Developers offer a whole range of software that removes programs completely, down to registry entries and text files of license agreements (the standard Windows removal wizard in most cases leaves them in separate folders). Separately, it is worth mentioning saves for games, which remain in the computer's memory by default, so that the player can install the toy again and continue with the saved process. There are simply free uninstallers or complex software for creating a clean system:

  • PC Decrapifilier;
  • Absolute Uninstaller;
  • Advanced Uninstaller PRO;
  • AppRemover;
  • CCleaner;
  • Iobit Uninstaller.

Utilities for removing antiviruses

A separate problem is the removal of antivirus programs. Each of them is designed to resist uninstallation or modification as much as possible. Even with a complete software shutdown and stop, the antivirus may simply refuse to remove itself or leave a serious package of files that will prevent the installation of an alternative antivirus.

For such cases, the developers themselves (Kaspersky, Dr.Web and others) offer special utilities for removing their software. But in truth, they still leave traces on the system, because no one wants to lose even the user who uses free versions of antiviruses. The best uninstaller for completely removing antiviruses and firewalls is AppRemover. The software can clean the system without installing it on the hard drive, complete an interrupted uninstallation, and search for remaining files and registry keys.

Uninstaller programs for Windows

This category of software is aimed at total uninstallation of programs up to the last mention in the registry. In addition to the fact that the built-in Windows uninstaller only removes active application files that are specified by the developer, some software products simply do not register themselves in the uninstallation panel. The user has to manually search for the folder with the software or game and simply throw it into the trash. In this case, all keys and links remain in the system.

Powerful uninstallers find all the points on the hard drive and in the OS where the program that the user wants to remove has left its traces. In most cases, the uninstaller will show these files in case you need to leave them. Among such programs there are recognized leaders (Iobit Uninstaller, CCleaner), but there are also alternative applications written by single developers that sometimes become hits among users (Any File Delete, Soft4Boost Any Uninstaller). What do such programs offer in contrast to standard Windows components:

  • removal of unwanted components of software packages;
  • working with the system registry;
  • software garbage search function;
  • cleaning system folders;
  • batch removal of Windows components;
  • forced removal of blocked elements;
  • choosing a method for deleting files;
  • editing the list of installed startup applications;
  • elimination of remaining temporary files;
  • manually remove unnecessary registry keys;
  • clearing menu shortcuts;
  • adjusting the operation of standard OS components.

Program uninstaller

Any user strives for free software, especially when it is required for one-time or rare use. Most modern alternative uninstallers are freely distributed, and if you wish, you only need to pay for advanced functionality. However, the free version is completely enough for the average user to remove unnecessary programs and clean the system of junk files. Among freely available uninstallers, there are leaders who offer the maximum without requiring payment.

Uninstall Tool

The program remover is a shareware: a test version with full functionality is provided for 30 days. After expiration, you need to buy a one-time lifetime license for $25. A period of 1 month is enough to completely rid the system of junk, incorrectly installed programs, clean the registry and optimize the operation of the OS. The interface is extremely simple and understandable even for a novice user. After installation, the uninstaller automatically scans the system and offers optimal solutions (from its point of view) for each program or error.

Lobit Uninstaller

Lobit is conquering the market with its completely free small utilities for any occasion. This uninstaller is from the free series. Lobit Uninstaller, an application for removing programs from a computer, takes up minimal disk space while finding deep traces in the registry. Separately, it is necessary to mention the passive monitoring function: if you remove a program using a standard uninstaller, the application will automatically detect the remaining garbage and offer to destroy it in the selected mode. Automation of the computer cleaning process is offered for a fee.

Revo Uninstaller

A program for removing unnecessary files in two versions: Pro and Free. The free version has reduced functionality, but it is enough to search for garbage left after deleting applications, cleaning browsers and the office suite. A paid license removes even problematic programs, tunes Windows, cleans sensitive data, supports multi-level backups and much more. However, the cost of one version (about $20) is not justified: there are many utilities on the Internet with the same functions that are cheaper or completely free.

Driver Sweeper

A reliable utility aimed at complete management of device drivers. Sometimes some hardware equipment requires several driver packages, which can conflict with each other and lead to unstable operation. Driver Sweeper after installation displays a list of all installed drivers. The development is designed for advanced users, so you need to use it wisely (completely clearing any package sometimes leads to the device being turned off).

Absolute Uninstaller

From the name it is clear that the application is aimed at the total correct removal of programs and all associated files. The interface resembles a standard Windows utility, so even a novice user can figure it out. For convenience, new programs are highlighted in color, corrects incorrect installations, and removes applications in batches if necessary. Absolute Uninstaller does not require purchase or additional activation; it is considered the fastest (according to user reviews) utility in terms of system cleaning speed.

Typically, when you remove software, a certain amount of junk data remains on your computer's hard drive. These can be entire folders and individual files in the places where the software was installed, configuration elements in user folders and entries in the registry database.

If you want to remove everything completely, it is better to rely on the help of the appropriate utilities. However, not every junk removal program actually does a complete cleanup. For this reason, we have selected the best uninstallers and present them to you in this article.

3 best uninstallers

Program name Performance evaluation
IObit Uninstaller 6.4.0
IObit Uninstaller quickly and efficiently removes unnecessary software, toolbars and Windows updates, and also boasts a user-friendly interface.
Very good
Geek Uninstaller 1.4.4.117
It works pleasantly quickly, reliably removes all unnecessary programs from the computer, and if the drive is full, it will notify you that there is not enough space.
Very good
Revo Uninstaller 2.0.3
Revo Uninstaller is able to detect all programs installed on your PC and allows you to remove them with just one click, including temporary files and folders.
Fine

IObit Uninstaller: reliable and high quality

Also very popular is IObit Uninstaller, which, first of all, very reliably and efficiently removes programs you do not need. With the help of this free software, you can even get rid of various toolbars that you might once have installed by pure chance. As with other uninstallers, we recommend that you consider creating a system restore point before using this software.

Geek Uninstaller: You don’t even have to install it

The second most popular uninstaller is GeekUninstaller. The concept of the program itself is especially wonderful: it does not need to be installed directly on your PC's hard drive. In addition, with this utility you can also clean the registry of debris. Just remember to back up your data before doing this.

Revo Uninstaller: limited features in the free version

At the very bottom of our preference rankings is Revo Uninstaller. What we like about this utility is the ease of use - uninstalling programs is quick and easy. In addition, you are offered a large amount of additional information about the relevant software. Of course, you will have to put up with some limited functionality compared to the paid version of the utility.

Chip output:

Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 are no longer prone to becoming full of junk data very quickly. However, it makes sense to keep the system on a diet and periodically clean it up.

Warning: If you decide to use an uninstaller, be careful, as even the best utilities do only what they were designed to do: completely delete data from the hard drive. If the necessary files are among this data, this can lead to trouble. So first, save a copy of your important files, preferably on an external storage device.

You can choose a suitable external hard drive for storing backups in our corresponding ratings and drives.

The Windows system has its own built-in programs (uninstallers) that can be used to uninstall programs installed on your computer. But in fact, built-in uninstallers only have basic functions and often cannot remove the program completely. They usually leave some working files, such as empty registration keys, folders on your C drive, program data, shortcuts, etc. Sometimes these "tails" can be detrimental to the ongoing operation of the system.

If you really want to remove a program completely from your computer, then a third-party uninstaller program is what you need. These types of uninstallers deeply scan the system in order to find and remove all remaining files. Here are the best uninstaller programs for a computer running Windows.

1. Revo Uninstaller

We hope we were able to help you. Leave your comments below, share your opinion and experience in using the above uninstaller programs for Windows OS.