6 Ways to Remove Residual Files After Uninstalling Software on Windows

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Method 1: Delete Registry Keys

Registry keys are a database that includes an app’s configuration and installation data, such as the product key, custom install settings, etc. Deleting the registry keys for an uninstalled app removes its leftover traces.

Note:Be careful as you proceed to remove the registry keys. Ensure you know the name of the program whose keys you need to remove, especially when multiple versions of the same app are present. To prevent any mishaps, backup a copy of the registry keys.

Open theRegistry Editorapp from the Start menu.Right-clickon the folder of the uninstalled app and click onDelete. Confirm the action when prompted again.

Method 2: Delete Temporary Folder

You candelete temporary files on Windowsto remove the leftovers of the uninstalled application.

Step 1:OpenRunfrom the start menu. Type%temp%and hitOK.

Step 2:This will open the temporary folder. UseCtrl + Ato select all the files. Now,right-clickand select thedeleteoption.

Step 3:Open theRecycle Binlater to delete the files permanently.

Method 3: Use the Disk Clean-up Tool

TheDisk Clean-uptool is an easy one-click tool for deleting unwanted files from your system. Here’s a step-by-step procedure.

Step 1:Open theDisk Clean-upapp from the Start menu. Select thedriveand click onOK.

Step 2:In the Disk Clean-up window, check the box forTemporary files. Then, clickOK.

Alternatively, you can also opt toClean up system filesto remove more such unwanted files.

Method 4: Check Program Files

Open theWindows Explorer, go toThis PC, and openWindows (C:). Then, open the folderProgram FilesandProgram Files (x86).

Check for any folders of the uninstalled app and proceed todeletethem. However, check the contents of the folder before deleting it and if it contains any important files you wish to retain.

Method 5: Remove App Data

Removing the app data folder removes any leftover files andcache datafrom the uninstalled app.

Open theRunapp from the Start menu and type%app data%. Look for the folder containing the name of the program you uninstalled and delete it.

Method 6: Use the Third Party App

Revo Uninstaller helps you uninstall programs on Windows along with all their traces and residual files. While the service is paid, you will get a free trial version for thirty days.

Step 1:Visit the Revo Uninstallerdownload pageand click onTRY NOW. Install the app using the downloaded setup files.

Step 2:Open Revo Uninstaller, click on theappyou want to uninstall, and selectUninstallin the left pane.

Step 3:Check the box forAutomatically delete all found leftoversand click onContinue.

Step 4:Once the program is uninstalled, click onScan. This will search for any leftover files.

Once the scan is complete, the program will also delete any leftover files and display the amount of deleted files along with their size.

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Last updated on 15 May, 2024

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