How to uninstall programs and thoroughly clean your PC of residual files

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If you've been installing and deleting programs on Windows for years, it's almost certain that your computer is full of... hidden remnants of applications, temporary files, and registry entries that are no longer useful. At first glance, it seems that clicking "Uninstall" makes everything disappear, but in reality, the system gradually fills up with digital junk that affects performance, the disc space and even to stability.

To truly clean your PC, simply removing the desktop icon or using only the basic uninstaller isn't enough. You need to go a step further and combine the Windows-specific tools with key folders, the registry, cleaning utilities, and advanced uninstallers. In this guide, you'll find a complete method, explained step by step, with automatic options so you can choose the level of "geekiness" you want to achieve with the cleanup.

Why uninstalling a program doesn't erase all traces of it

Every time you install an application on Windows, in addition to the main files in the typical "Program Files" folder, other files are created. auxiliary directories, temporary files, configurations, and registry entriesMany of these elements are stored in system areas intended for user data, logs, caches, or custom settings.

When you uninstall software from the control panel or Windows settings, it is usually only removed from the system. the main installation folder and the shortcutHowever, much of the information that this program has generated is left lying around: empty folders, configuration files, unused DLLs, scheduled tasks, or orphaned registry keys.

That continuous trickle of leftover files doesn't seem serious if we're talking about a single application, but over time, and after installing and uninstalling dozens or hundreds of programs, the hard drive ends up full of them. useless data that takes up gigabytes and can cause conflicts with new installations, especially when we talk about antivirus, security tools or very deep system utilities.

Furthermore, many programs intentionally leave certain user configuration files behind so that, if you reinstall them, Retrieve your previous preferences, history, or licensesThat can be convenient, but also a problem if what you want is to erase any trace of its existence, whether for privacy or security.

Basic methods for uninstalling programs in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Before we get into deep cleaning, it's important to master the correct ways to Uninstall applications using the tools provided by WindowsThese methods are the first step and are often sufficient for most users.

From Settings: Apps and features

In Windows 10 and Windows 11, the easiest way is through the Settings app. Here you can see all installed apps, filter them, and Remove them with a couple of clicks without making things too complicated:

• Opens Configuration (gear icon in the Start menu or with the combination Win + I).
• In Windows 10, go to Apps> Apps and Features.
• In Windows 11, you can search directly "Add or Remove Programs" in the search bar of the Start menu, or go to Apps > Installed Apps.
• Locate the program in the list, using the search engine or filtering by size, name, or date.
• Click on the program and choose the option "Uninstall".

In many modern (UWP) apps installed from the Microsoft Store, the process will be automatic and the system itself will take care of it. remove associated data filesIn classic applications (.exe), the developer's uninstallation wizard will usually open.

From the classic Control Panel

The old Control Panel remains a reference for uninstalling classic desktop softwareespecially those programs that don't appear or cause problems in the modern interface:

• Write "Control Panel" type it into the search bar on the taskbar and open it.
• Go to Programs > Programs and Features.
• From the list, select the desired program.
• Click on "Uninstall" o “Uninstall/Change” and follow the instructions.

This method is very useful for large suites (office applications, editing programs, older drivers, etc.), although it does not guarantee that no residual files or registry keys remain by the end.

From the Start menu

For some apps, especially those from the Microsoft Store, the Start menu itself offers a quick way to remove them without having to open additional menus, ideal if you want to a quick cleanup of apps you no longer use:

• Open the start menu.
• Look for the app in the list of applications.
• Right click on it.
• Choose "Uninstall".

If it's a UWP app, it will be removed instantly. However, if it's a traditional program, Windows will open the corresponding section in Settings or Control Panel to... complete the uninstallation in the traditional way.

Using the uninstallers themselves (.exe or .msi)

Some programs include a specific uninstallation file in their installation folder, or use installers based on the Windows Installer .msi extensionThey are another useful option when something fails with the previous methods:

• Go to the program folder, usually in C:\Program Files o C:\Program Files (x86).
• Look for a file named something like uninstall.exe, unins000.exe or similar.
• Run that file and follow the wizard to complete the removal.

In the case of .msi installers, you can:

• Locate the original .msi file, right-click and select "Uninstall".
• Or open Command Prompt as administrator and use the command msiexec /x filename.msi.

These methods use the Windows installation engine, but it is still common that, after completion, leave traces in AppData, the registry, or user folders which should be reviewed.

Where are the program remnants hidden on the disk?

Even after a successful uninstallation, it's common to find files scattered across various locations. Knowing these paths is key to... manually locate leftover folders and data and effectively reclaim space.

User AppData folder

The first stop is the folder AppData Your user folder is where most applications store settings, caches, logs, and temporary data that are rarely cleaned up automatically. Windows hides this area by default to prevent less advanced users from accessing it.

For quick access you can use File Explorer and type % Appdata% in the address bar. This takes you directly to C:\Users\YOUR_USER\AppData\RoamingBut you should also check:

• C:\Users\YOUR_USER\AppData\Local
• C:\Users\YOUR_USER\AppData\LocalLow (in some cases)

Within these folders, you'll see directories named after the program or the manufacturer (Adobe, Google, Mozilla, etc.). Once you've uninstalled an application and are sure that You don't need it for any other user on the system.You can delete its associated folders to remove old settings, logs, and caches.

Program folders in “Program Files”

Although the uninstaller usually cleans the main folder quite well, it is not uncommon for empty directories or loose files to remain in:

• C:\Program Files
• C:\Program Files (x86)

It's worth reviewing these routes and Manually delete any program folders that no longer exist on the systemBe careful not to take anything whose origin you are unsure of, especially if it belongs to drivers, Microsoft, hardware manufacturers, or shared components.

System and user temporary folders

The temporary folder is another common location where installers, update remnants, and files that no longer serve a purpose accumulate. You can easily check it with two simple commands:

• Balance Win + R, writes % Temp% and press Enter.
• Press again Win + R, writes temp and press Enter.

In both locations, you can select and delete everything except for files that Windows tells you are in use. This will clean up remnants of installations, updates, browsers, and daily use which often take up several gigabytes.

Other directories and user profiles

If you have multiple user accounts on your PC, each user has their own AppData folder and application data. To perform a deep clean, you will need to Repeat the review of AppData and temporary files on each profile., or log in with each user and run the cleaning tools there.

Additionally, some applications can save data directly to personal folders, such as Documents, Images, or your own library (For example, book managers, photo managers, or backup clients). Before deleting them, review their contents, because they might be your own documents and not just junk files.

How to clean the Windows registry without breaking anything

The Windows registry is a giant database where data is stored system, program, and user configurationsAlmost any software you install leaves some kind of key behind. When you uninstall it, many of these keys are left behind, serving no purpose.

Manually accessing the registry is delicate: a massive, haphazard deletion can cause... other applications stop working or, in the worst case, Windows becomes unstableThat's why the first thing to do, before deleting anything, is to create a backup.

Access the registry and make a backup

To open the Registry Editor:

• Balance Win + R, writes regedit and hit Enter.
• If the User Account Control notice appears, accept it.

Once open, go to File > Export… and saves a .reg file with the current state. This way, if you delete something you shouldn't have, you can restore the previous configuration by importing that file.

Most common routes with program remnants

The most common locations where uninstalled program keys are left are:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node (for 32-bit apps on 64-bit systems)

Within those branches, you'll see subfolders named after developers or applications. You can search manually or use the editor's built-in search function: in the top menu, go to Edit > SearchType the program name (or the manufacturer's name) and jump from result to result with “Find next”.

When you identify a key that you know for sure corresponds to software that has already been uninstalled, you can delete it by right-clicking > DeleteBe careful if the name matches other programs you do use; for example, if you search for "Adobe" you run the risk of to delete keys shared by Photoshop, Acrobat, Premiere, etc.

Is it better to use register cleaners?

For non-advanced users, delving into regedit can be overkill. In these cases, it's more sensible to use specialized tools. They analyze the registry, show potentially redundant entries, and create restore points. before modifying anything.

Programs like CCleaner, Wise Disk Cleaner or integrated solutions in uninstallers type Revo Uninstaller o IObit Uninstaller They include registry cleaning modules. Although they are quite safe if used responsibly, it is still advisable to:

• Create a system restore point previo.
• Review the detected items before deleting them.
• Avoid extreme cleaning if the system is working properly.

Advanced uninstallers: when standard isn't enough

Some programs are particularly "sticky": antivirus software, toolbars, bundled software that comes with other installers, disguised malware, etc. In these cases, standard uninstallers fall short, and you need more aggressive utilities. They monitor the installation process and then dismantle the program piece by piece..

Revo Uninstaller

Revo Uninstaller It is one of the oldest and most popular third-party uninstallers. Its philosophy is simple: first, it launches the program's original uninstaller and, when it finishes, it scans the system for leftover files, folders, and registry entries related to that application.

Among its most useful features are:

• Scanning modes (safe, moderate and intense) to adjust the depth level.
• Elimination of rogue applications or applications that do not appear in the program list.
• Management of Windows apps, browser extensions, and other components.
• Free version with sufficient features for most users, and a more complete paid version.

Ashampoo UnInstaller

The proposed Ashampoo It offers a very modern and organized interface, divided into categories, designed so that even novice users can Keep the system free of bloatware, unnecessary add-ons, and leftover files from uninstallationsIts strength lies in monitoring the installations from the beginning: it records which files and registry keys are created.

Thanks to that control from minute one, when you decide to delete a program, you can reverse the process. all changes associated with that installation with great accuracy. It's a paid solution, but the company usually keeps it very up-to-date and with support for the latest software.

IObit Uninstaller

IObit Uninstaller It's another popular option, available in both free and paid versions. Its operation combines a very clear list of programs and components with a module that, after uninstallation, It searches for junk files, registry entries, broken shortcuts, and other debris..

In addition to managing traditional programs, it allows:

• Remove pre-installed Windows applications that normally cannot be deleted.
• Remove problematic browser toolbars and plugins.
• Automatically create a restore point before uninstalling.

Its interface is quite intuitive and modern, although to really enjoy all advanced features It is necessary to go through the Pro version.

Bulk Crap Uninstaller

If you're looking for something free and very powerful, Bulk Crap Uninstaller It's an open-source gem. It stands out for its ability to run almost on autopilot: it can uninstall a bunch of programs in batches and then clean up all the leftover files without you having to intervene too much.

It is ideal for heavily loaded equipment or for mass cleanings of work or home computers where years of obsolete software have accumulated. However, it's advisable to review the list before approving it to avoid surprises.

Other complementary cleaners and optimizers

Besides pure uninstallers, there are tools designed primarily for Clean junk files, temporary files, history, and residual system dataThey don't replace a good uninstaller, but they do help to finish the cleaning:

• CCleanerIt cleans temporary files from Windows and the browser, cookies, history, recent documents lists, and includes a registry module. It's free with basic functions, although it has been embroiled in controversy regarding privacy issues.
• BleachBitDesigned for deep cleaning of disks, temporary files, histories, and app remnants. Highly detailed and straightforward, it focuses on to thoroughly erase all traces.
• Wise Disk CleanerIn addition to cleaning system junk, it can defragment mechanical hard drives and optimize startup. Very useful for improving performance and removing registry and system debris.
• Clean Master: geared towards users who want something automated; allows programming periodic cleaning of residual files and keep the team running smoothly without having to remember to run anything.
• Absolute UninstallerA lightweight alternative that improves upon the "Add or Remove Programs" function with Batch uninstalls and quick junk file cleanup.
• AVG TuneUpIn addition to removing unused software and files, it includes features for performance optimization and app sleep mode to reduce resource consumption.

Clean Windows 11 (and 10) thoroughly: space, startup, and organization

Beyond removing programs and their remnants, it's worthwhile to perform a general system check to free up disk space, speed up startup, and make everything a bit more organized.Windows 10 and 11 offer plenty of tools for this without the need for third parties.

Uninstall the apps that take up the most space and that you don't use.

In Windows settings, within the section of System > StorageYou can see at a glance how much space your apps are taking up. There's usually a section there for... “Applications and features” where they are listed in order of size.

It's a good way to detect games, suites, or tools that you haven't touched in months and that might be tempting you. stealing tens of gigabytesFrom that same list you can uninstall them as we explained before, always prioritizing those that consume the most space.

Controls which applications run at startup

The more software that starts up with Windows, the sluggish the system becomes. Many applications activate this option without you realizing it. To check:

• Open the Task Manager to Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choosing the corresponding option.
• If you see the reduced version, click on “More details”.
• Go to the tab "Start".
• Look at the columns of State (enabled/disabled) and Start impact.

From there you can disable it with a right-click > "To disable" Those apps you don't need at startup, especially high-impact ones. You'll notice the difference in how quickly your PC boots up; if you don't see an improvement, check out our Diagnosing a slow PC.

Clean and organize your desk

Accumulating icons and files on the desktop is not only visually cluttered, it can also slow down login times because Windows has to draw and manage all those elements every time it starts.

It's recommended to keep only the essentials there and move the rest to folders within your user account (Documents, Downloads, etc.). If you have several shortcuts you want to keep handy, you can create a single folder on your desktop and put them inside so everything is tidier.

Use Quick Access and organize your folders

While you're reviewing and cleaning directories, take the opportunity to organize the folders you'll continue to use. The panel of Quick access File Explorer lets you pin the locations you use most often:

• Right-click on a frequently used folder.
• Choose “Pin to Quick Access”.

Pinning twenty folders is not a good idea because it will lose its purpose; the trick is in choosing. three or four key routes (for example, Downloads, Images, a working folder and a projects folder) to always reach them in one or two clicks.

Detects giant folders and files

In the same section of Storage In Windows Settings, you'll see a breakdown of the categories that take up the most space (apps, documents, pictures, etc.). Often there's a section called "Others" where various folders are grouped.

By accessing that list, you can see the largest folders on your disk, ordered by size. This way, you can quickly see if you have any large folders. a directory with old copies, forgotten videos, or duplicate installationsFrom there you can open the folder in Explorer and delete only what you know you don't need.

Find and delete duplicate photos

Duplicate images are a classic problem, especially if you make many copies, edit them frequently, or sync them with your mobile device. Tools like Find.Same.Images.OK allow you to select one or more folders (or even an entire disk) and locate identical or very similar photos so you can choose which ones to keep.

The usual approach is to keep the original or highest quality image and delete the scattered copies. By reviewing it carefully, you can easily recover several gigabytes without missing a single important photo.

Cleaning tools built into Windows

Before trusting any "magic" internet cleaner, it's worth exploring the options offered by the system itself. Windows 10 and 11 include several features designed for this purpose. free up space, automate cleaning, and delete temporary files without complications.

Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr)

The classic Disk Cleanup It's still present in Windows 11, though somewhat hidden. It's used to delete temporary system files, update remnants, the Recycle Bin, logs, etc. To run it:

• Open the Start menu and type cleanmgr.
• Right click and choose "Execute as an administrator".
• Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
• Wait until I analyze what can be deleted.

Below you will see a list of file types and the space each one occupies. Select the ones you want to delete and click on [the appropriate button/link]. "To accept"It's a fairly safe way to Reclaim space without touching personal files unless you select unusual options.

Cleaning recommendations and temporary files

En System > Storage You'll find a section called something like “Cleaning Recommendations”Here Windows suggests you delete:

• Temporary system files.
• Large files that you haven't opened in a while.
• Content synchronized with the cloud (OneDrive) that you could leave only online.
• Apps you haven't used in months.

It's a good starting point if you want Do a guided cleanse without overthinking it.Within “Temporary Files”, you can also select the exact types you want to delete (Windows Update cache, thumbnails, temporary error files, etc.) and click on “Remove files” to free up space.

Storage sensor

El Storage sensor It's an automated function that periodically cleans up temporary files and empties the recycle bin according to your settings. To activate it:

• Go to Configuración> Sistema> Almacenamiento.
• Sign in “Storage sensor”.
• Activate it and adjust the frequency (every day, week, month or when space is low).

You can also specify if you want it to delete automatically delete files from the Downloads folder after a certain timeThis is useful if you tend to accumulate installers and files that you only need once. However, be sure to double-check these settings to avoid accidentally deleting anything important.

Security and malware: clean without leaving any doors open

When we talk about uninstalling and cleaning up leftover files, it's impossible not to mention security. There are programs, especially adware, search bars, or browser hijacker-type malware, that are experts at leave traces throughout the system and resist their removal.

In those cases, in addition to the steps we have seen, it is advisable to:

• To undergo a test with the Windows built-in antivirus (Windows Security / Windows Defender).
• Consider using specific adware or malware removal tools if the case is serious.
• Avoid downloading supposed "miracle cleaners" from dubious websites; often they are the threat themselves.

For a quick scan with Windows antivirus:

• Open the icon of Windows security from the system tray (or look for it in Start).
• Sign in “Antivirus and threat protection”.
• Press on “Quick test” or go to “Exam Options” to launch a full analysis.

A deep scan can take more than an hour, but it's the best way to make sure that no malicious components remain residing on your PC after you've removed unusual or suspicious programs. Additionally, some Windows Terminal commands They can help you diagnose and repair problems that the antivirus doesn't fix.

Antivirus programs and other particularly problematic programs

Los third-party antivirus software, security suites, and some drivers They are, by far, among the most problematic programs when it comes to completely removing their traces. They install services, drivers, network filters, browser modules… and they don't always disappear entirely when you click "Uninstall".

It's important to keep in mind that you shouldn't use more than one resident antivirus at a time. If you try several, the risk is that each leave active services and controllers that conflict with each other or with Windows Defender itself. Ideally, you should research thoroughly before choosing one and, if you want to test it, do so in a virtual machine to avoid "cluttering" your main system.

Many antivirus manufacturers offer official uninstallation tools (cleanup tools) to completely remove your product. If you've had trouble removing one, it's worth looking for a specific uninstaller on the manufacturer's website and running it, because it usually cleans up services and drivers that a generic uninstaller doesn't touch.

In any case, if your goal is to make your PC as secure as new, sometimes it's more cost-effective. format or reset Windows than fighting for hours with remnants of various antivirus programs and programs of dubious reputation.

Reset apps and, if necessary, the entire system

There are situations where you don't want to delete an app, but you need to reset it to its factory settings because it's misbehaving or carrying around a lot of useless data. With modern apps installed from the Microsoft Store, you can:

• Ir a Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
• Tap the three dots in the app and enter "Advanced Options".
• Choose between "Fix" (maintains data) or "Restore" (Clears data and leaves the app as if it were newly installed).

This option is very convenient for programs like Microsoft Edge, official service apps, email apps, or social networking apps where data is synchronized in the cloud and you don't mind that the local client starts from scratch.

If, despite everything, the system remains unstable, slow, or full of strange things, there's always the trump card: reset windows. From Settings > System > Recovery You can use the "Reset this device" option and choose if you want to:

• Keep your personal files but delete apps and settings.
• Remove all and leave Windows as if it were newly installed, completely erasing the contents of the drive.

It's the most radical, but also the most effective way to ensure that There is not a single trace left of previous programsBefore doing so, however, it's advisable to have a backup of your documents on another drive or in the cloud.

If you combine a careful uninstallation with checking folders like AppData and Program Files, a prudent registry cleanup, the use of advanced uninstallers for complicated cases, and the maintenance tools included in Windows, your computer can regain much of its lost speed and, incidentally, reduce the risk of conflicts, strange errors, and privacy issues arising from the installation process. remnants of software that never completely disappeared.