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Best Free Program Uninstaller
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 Go straight to the Quick Selection Guide |
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Introduction
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The Windows Add/Remove Programs applet in the control panel constantly annoys more advanced users with its limitations. Its load time and lack of features are parts of the problems to say the least. Thankfully, many freeware programs have emerged that allow for full deletion of programs, including those files, folders, shortcuts and registry entries that are left behind. Here is a list of my favorites, divided into two sub classes: application uninstallers and Windows uninstaller replacements. |
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Discussion
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Application Uninstallers:
The top pick for me is Revo Uninstaller, an uninstaller that works more uniquely than others. It can uninstall a program It works by scanning a hard drive and registry for files that would otherwise be left behind. It removes all the program's files, auto start entries and all noticeable registry entries. When you ask Revo to uninstall a program, it first looks for the products uninstall program and will run that program if it is found. Only if the search fails will it try to remove files and registry entries itself. However, it's possible that a few registry entries and files can sometimes be left over after the process is finished. I ran some tests by getting Revo to uninstall a product whose installation I had monitored using ZSoft Uninstaller (discussed below) to see that all files are accounted for during the uninstallation. Revo did a fine job, though not quite as well as an able user would do manually. There were still some files remaining, notably files stored in the user/local settings folder, but they did no harm other than taking up disk space, and they certainly would not interfere with the normal operation of the PC. Revo can also act as a before and after uninstaller, but frankly this is not its forte. The freeware utility ZSoft Uninstaller is a better choice for this. That said, I was very impressed by Revo. It is the only freeware product I know of that will make a decent job of cleaning up a failed install. Next time you encounter a failed install, remember Revo. It does a fine job in most circumstances and offers a lifeline to average users, even though it's not perfect in its un-installation.
Like Revo Geekuninstaller works without needing to be installed before a program to monitor it, which for the average user is what they are looking for as many users will only reach for an uninstaller with extra features to the Windows built in add/ remove option when they have a stubborn/ broken program they are already having trouble removing.
Geekuninstaller is very lightweight as it doesn't install another program on your system it downloads as a zip file, just extract the files, once extracted just run the EXE, but it's not light on features. Like the Windows built in add/ remove option Geekuninstaller has a basic remove / modify option and for them stubborn programs it has force removal feature Revo free does not have this option.
 If you have a lot of programs installed there is a search bar built in to Geekuninstaller to search through your installed programs for the one you want to un-install.
The features that really impressed me is the ability to select a program and view the registry entry for it. The user can also select a program and and access it's homepage directly from Geekuninstaller. In case you are unsure of a program name that's listed as installed on your system you can select the query program and do a Google search directly from Geekuninstaller. If you need a list of all your installed programs Geekuninstaller can export a list of them all with details of the program name, size and date installed to a HTML file saved on your PC.
When uninstalling using Geekuninstaller Geek runs the programs you wish to uninstall built-in uninstaller ( unless you choose force removal option ) and then Geek scans for leftover files and registry items so the user can get more of a cleaner uninstall than just using the Windows built-in option. In my experience of testing both Revo and Geek Revo seemed to scan and find more registry items but that was when I was scanning using the moderate and advanced mode in Revo rather than the safe-mode which is the mode recommended to the average user and the mode I usually use, as we all know deleting registry items willy nilly is not a good idea. When using Revo safe-mode Revo and Geek preformed about the same in finding and deleting leftovers, Geek only has one scan mode.
Although Revo will work on a 64bit system the free version doesn't fully support 64bit, whereas Geekuninstaller supports and works on both 32 and 64bit and when running on 64bit Windows system GeekUninstaller is runs as a native 64bit application. One last point to mention Geekuninstaller doesn't automatically create a system restore point before uninstalling a program so it may be an idea for the user to remember to do that themselves when they intend to uninstall a program see here on how to create a system restore point.
A further viable selection is ZSoft Uninstaller. Like many programs in this class, you need to tell ZSoft Uninstaller to monitor Another choice is Total Uninstall, which has turned into a commercial product but the last free version is still available from some download sites. It is quite capable but a little slow compared to ZSoft. The before and after approach used by these products is not foolproof as other files may change in your system during the install which are unrelated to the installation. If you then uninstall, these changes will also be reversed with possible harmful consequences. It's not likely but possible. That's why I recommend using this kind of uninstaller only when the uninstaller provided with the program fails. There's no point risking problems when you don't have to.
Windows Uninstaller Replacements:
My favorite feature is the ability to sort programs by the date installed which is great for quickly uninstalling programs you are just trying out. As no installation is required, it can be run from a CD or USB drive which makes it an excellent addition to your diagnostic toolkit.
Of course, none of these programs can remove leftover registry entries, DLLs and files that belong to defunct programs. To do this you need an application uninstaller, i.e. a program that scans or even monitors the original install so that it can work out more exactly what changes are made during installation, as discussed in the article. |
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Related Products and Links
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You might want to check out these articles too: |
Will run on a 64 bit system and uninstall 32 bit programs from it, but does not support 64 bit removal.
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Editor
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| This software category is in need of an editor. If you would like to give something back to the freeware community by taking it over, check out this page for more details. You can then contact us from that page or by clicking here. |
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Tags
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Windows uninstaller replacement, application uninstaller, program uninstaller, install and uninstall programs. |
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Again worth mentioning (and which also provide native x64 support) are:
Advanced Uninstaller PRO (free; updated today, to v11.18); reviews, installation cautions and download links are available at Softpedia - http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/Advanced-Uninstaller... and
Wise Program Uninstaller, available as either installed (http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Uninstallers/Wise-Program-Uninstaller...) or portable (http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Uninstallers/Wise-Uninstaller.shtml) applications, each currently version 1.37.59 .
Advanced Uninstaller Pro is an great uninstaller. It's good to see that it has become freeware now, which was previously a commercial product.
Revo Uninstaller free does not uninstall or even show 64-bit programs! And you really gave it 10 stars???
As you can see from the review, it currently has no editor and needs updating. Maybe you would like to take this on and give something constructive back to the freeware community? MC - Site Manager.
Looks like Revo Uninstaller's free edition is stuck at 1.94 version, which has many bugs (very often doesn't see some installed programs, occasionally hangs when uninstalling, etc.).
(on WinXPSP3 and Win7 Home Basic)
One of the major cons in Geek Uninstaller is that, when a new version is released (according to a specific time period), the current version becomes inactive, and you won't be able to use it. It forces the user to update to the latest version.
This isn't happy news for those who want to use it on offline computers. I believe that it's not according to the release of the newer version that the current version becomes inactive, but it depends on a set time period. Because, the program refused to start-up hinting that the current version is expired, on my laptop which is never connected to the internet.
The developer has now removed this feature with the latest release. MC - Site Manager.
The current version of Geek Uninstaller is 1.1.1.15 (updated today).
"ZSoft Uninstaller
Our rating:
9
Product type: Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Pros:
...
*64 Bit compatibility: 32 and 64 bit versions available*
License type: Unrestricted freeware
Portable version available: A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
System requirements: 95 - Vista/7"
From the ZSoft site:
"A little about 64-bit support
*Let it be known: ZSoft Uninstaller v2.5 still does not really support a 64-bit OS.*
Further explanation: ZSoft Uninstaller v2.5 will run and work fine, for uninstalling, analyzing and whatnot, 32-bit programs on a 64-bit system. As a 32-bit program itself, it cannot (as standard) 'see', for instance, the 64-bit part of the registry -- but neither can other 32-bit programs, so it shouldn't be that big of a problem.
As said, this 'blindness' is 'as standard', and hopefully I'll be able to release a '64-bit-aware' version at some point."
Many thanks for pointing this out. I have amended the product details accordingly. MC - Site Manager.
Revo is a first-class program, as is Geek.exe. I've used both for some time now with (cross fingers!) no mishaps. Altho' I do, of course, back up the registry before using either of them.
Geek Uninstaller and Wise Program Uninstaller are very, very good&pleasant apps.
I present them in BG sites and people are satisfied of them.
These programs all work well when using it on a programs, but I have started using AppRemover and they have a large Antivirus list and worked really well when I accidently downloaded two.
AppRemover is an excellent tool but before using it, it is vital to check that the program version number you are trying to remove and your operating system are both supported. MC - Site Manager.
http://www.appremover.com/supported-applications
Comodo Programs manager is quite cool too.
Add to the list Advanced Uninstaller Pro 11.
I was most impressed with the range of functions offered.
My only qualm is it gives less information on just what it is deleting, after the deleted program's uninstaller has done its work, compared to Revo. I believe this was a full commercial program which went freeware.
Some have bitched about the AVG task bar being offered during installation, but the custom, no-crapware option is available with one mouse click, so I don't count this as a problem. My version was installed in June 2012 and was a ~19MB download.
[Commercial references removed]
Wise Program Uninstaller helps you uninstall your unwanted programs or forcibly uninstall the program you can't uninstall by Windows or other programs. Moreover, it also can remove the residual entries which may drive you mad. The much-anticipated Wise Program Uninstaller has many attractive advantages such as easy to use, simple but elegant GUI, etc., but most of all, it is compatible with Win 8 and free of charge.
Features:
* Free of charge
* Support of Win 8
* Able to search more leftovers after an uninstall than other programs
* More thorough and complete removal
* Combined Safe Uninstall and Forced Uninstall together
* Added program repair feature
* Support of multiple languages
* Provided online help documents
http://www.wisecleaner.com/wiseuninstallerfree.html
I removed it completely because when I used it, it required me to do a lot of steps which are intended to compel you to buy something from them.
But their registry cleaner is good and definitely free, so also their disk cleaner.
I am very disappointed with their trick in their free uninstaller, compelling you to buy with requiring you to supposedly register, etc., but afterwards it turns out they want you to buy else no further advance in their program to start the real work of uninstalling.
Marius Dejess
Nov. 6, 2012 1909 hours
I must apologize.
I was talking about this Wise uninstaller which is downloaded as this file,WiseUninstaller_Setup.exe.
I just downloaded the one with this file name, WPUSetup.exe, which is okay, and it got rid of Microsoft Net Framework which resisted uninstalling.
Sorry.
I wonder now whether the other one which tries to trick users to buy from them is really from the Wise people.
Marius Dejess
Nov. 6, 2012 1923 hours
There's also a multi-uninstaller programs especially for news PCs
PC Decrapifier
SlimComputer (has a unique feature: it can scan suspicious startup files/services etc with many antivirus software plus user comments about that file)
click for others
http://alternativeto.net/software/pc-decrapifier/
" ... Install Monitor allows you to see the impact installing an application has and fully remove it when you decide to uninstall. It can help solve problems that are caused when a program does not uninstall properly. The result is a cleaner and more efficient system.
Install Monitor works by monitoring what resources such as file and registry are created when a program is installed. This allows you to see what impact installing a program has and helps you to remove it if necessary ..."
http://www.mirekusoft.com/products
I want to thank you good folks for enlightening a novice like myself. Never thought computing was that "dirty". I have a question and hope someone can help. CCleaner has an uninstaller section - how good does it stack up against your recommendations. Have always used Microsoft's program, but still find plenty of stuff left back, especially in the Registry. Thanking you in advance and do keep up the good work.
A very good freeware I point to is Geek Uninstaller (http://www.geekuninstaller.com), the others 'free' are crappy
[Moderator's note : Shareware/commercial programs not allowed to be posted on the site. The site is about freeware, please respect that.]
> "the others 'free' are crappy"
Please elaborate your assertion.
advertisements, toolbars
If you dismiss everything because of adverts and toolbars there won't be much left, except for Linux users of course :) For Windows users, the free WinPatrol will take care of any unwanted or unforeseen extras.
Also take a look at Geek Uninstaller, it scans for leftover entries and it is small, portable and free.
Once a shareware, Advanced Uninstaller Pro is free right now :) I have used it as a shareware long back, and it should be a good alternative to Revo.
It looks like the Revo Uninstaller download also installed "RivalGaming.com" on my XP and 7 computers. It hijacks Chrome and pops up everywhere. Very hard to get rid of it, and Revo won't remove it, either.
I contacted Revo on your behalf after reading this and this was their response:
"I can assure you that if the user has downloaded Revo Uninstaller from our web site, there is no way to have any bundle with it. We have never bundled any software with Revo Uninstaller, so it is not possible that program to be installed by a setup of Revo Uninstaller downloaded from our web site.
Maybe the user has downloaded Revo Uninstaller from another source like download.com or softonic.com or maybe another one that bundle the products with their own installers that offer different software to the users to install, but on our web site there have never been such bundled version of Revo Uninstaller. Or maybe that program RivalGaming was installed from a different source".
We are grateful to the developer for this response.