The first step to freeing up space and getting rid of apps on Windows is to uninstall them. However, it is worth noting that uninstalling the program does not remove all traces of it. Application data, cache, registry data, etc. may be left behind. To help you, we have listed three methods to remove residual files after uninstalling software on Windows.
All these methods are simple and help you to free up considerable space especially if you have never bothered to delete these software files before. In addition, we have also added a method to help you completely uninstall one program at a time. Start.
1. Delete the registry key
The registry key is a database of information, which is very important to the functionality of the program. An app’s registry key includes all configuration and settings data – such as product keys, custom settings settings, etc. Deleting the registry key for an uninstalled app will remove any remaining traces. its remnants.
However, you need to be careful when deleting registry keys. Make sure you know exactly which uninstalled app has the key that you need to remove, especially in case you have multiple versions of the same app installed.
To prevent any mishaps, we recommend backing up a copy of your registry keys if you ever delete an application that is necessary for the PC to function properly.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor application from the Start menu.
Registry Editor will now have a list of all programs – even uninstalled ones. Observe any folder of uninstalled apps. In our case, we uninstalled Mozilla Firefox but still see a folder here.
Step 2: Right click on the folder of the uninstalled application.
Step 3: Now, click on Delete.
Step 4: Click Yes to confirm deleting the key.
In addition to registry keys, apps also left behind caches and other non-critical data despite uninstalling them. These useless files are usually kept in the temporary folder on Windows. See how to delete them in the next section.
2. Delete the temporary folder
While there are many ways to delete temporary files on Windows, we will show you the easiest way to remove the remnants of deleted applications. You will be surprised to see how many of these folders there are.
Step 1: Open Run from the start menu.
Step 2: Enter ‘%temp%’ and press OK.
Step 3: This will open the temporary folder. Use Ctrl + A to select all files.
Step 4: Now, right click and select delete option. They will now be moved to the recycle bin.
This is all you need to do to delete temporary files. However, if you want to take it a step further when it comes to deleting files left behind after uninstalling software, you can also take a look at Windows Disk Clean up.
3. Use Disk Clean-up Tool
Disk Clean-up Tool is an easy one-click tool to remove any unwanted files left on your system. Here is a step by step procedure for the same.
Step 1: Open the Disk Clean-up application from the Start menu.
Step 2: Select the drive and click OK.
Step 3: Check the box for Temporary files in the Disk Clean-up window. Now, click OK.
Do not manually tick any boxes other than the one mentioned, as anything that must be cleaned up will be automatically picked up by Windows.
Step 4: Wait for Disk Clean-up to delete unwanted files.
In addition, you can also choose to clean system files to further remove such unwanted files. This is the way:
Step 1: Launch Disk Clean-up and select ‘Clean up system files’.
Step 2: Select the drive and click OK.
Step 3: Wait for all files to be removed.
Using the above methods, you can delete all the files left behind after uninstalling software on Windows. But, what if there was a method of uninstalling an app and removing all traces of it at once? As mentioned at the beginning of the article, there is a method to do so. Read the next part of the article to know how.
Use Revo Uninstaller to completely uninstall software on Windows
There are many third-party tools available to uninstall apps on Windows. We will be using Revo Uninstaller. This tool helps you to completely 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.
Follow the step-by-step procedure below to install and use Revo Uninstaller.
Step 1: Visit the download page using the link below and click TRY NOW.
This will download the software on your Windows system.
Step 2: Click on the downloaded file.
Step 3: Tick the ‘I accept the agreement’ box and click Next.
Step 4: Click Next if you do not want to change the destination location of the program.
Step 5: Click Next again.
Step 6: Now, click on Settings. Once completed, the program will begin.
Step 7: Now, open Revo Uninstaller, click on the app you want to uninstall and select Uninstall in the left pane. We chose ‘Concept.’
Step 8: Check the box ‘Automatically remove all found remnants’ and click Continue.
Step 9: Now, click OK to confirm.
Step 10: Once done, click Scan. This will search for any leftover files.
Once the scan is complete, the program will also delete any leftover files. You will see the number of deleted files, along with their size.
Here’s all you need to know about uninstalling programs along with their leftover files. We’re sure you’re familiar with these methods by now, but if you have any questions, read on below.
frequently asked Questions
1. Is Revo Uninstaller safe?
Yes, it has gained a good reputation over the years and it is completely safe. Alternatively, you can try it for free for 30 days before purchasing a subscription.
2. Is it safe to delete registry keys?
If you know a program has a registry key that you are deleting, go ahead and delete them without hesitation. However, if you’re not sure, we don’t recommend deleting them at all. As this can delete an important file and affect your system.
3. Are there any important temporary files?
In most cases, the temporary files won’t have any important files, but if they are, Windows won’t let you delete them. It will show a warning if you try to delete them.
Delete those leftovers and enjoy the free space
This is all you need to know to remove leftover files after uninstalling software on Windows. These methods will help you if a program is corrupted and you want to reinstall it. In addition, it can also help you save some space on your device. So go ahead, maybe it’s time to clean up your C Drive.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
