How to Completely Uninstall Programs on Windows 11 (Remove All Leftover Files)

When you uninstall a program through Windows’ default Settings app or Control Panel, you’d think it’s gone completely. But most programs leave behind a trail of leftover files, registry entries, and folders that clutter your system over time — slowing it down and wasting disk space.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to completely uninstall programs on Windows 11, including removing every last leftover file, registry key, and folder — using both built-in tools and free third-party uninstallers.

Why Windows’ Default Uninstaller Isn’t Enough

The built-in Windows uninstaller runs whatever removal script the software developer wrote. Many developers are sloppy about cleanup, leaving behind:

• Files in C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86)
• User data in C:\Users\[Name]\AppData\Roaming and \AppData\Local
• Registry entries under HKEY_CURRENT_USER and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
• Startup entries that remain even after uninstall
• Scheduled tasks and services that keep running in the background

Over time, these remnants accumulate and can noticeably slow your PC, cause conflicts with new software installs, and waste gigabytes of storage.

Method 1: Use Windows Settings (Basic Uninstall)

This is the standard method — fine for minor apps but leaves behind the most leftover data.

1. Open Settings (Win + I)
2. Go to Apps → Installed apps
3. Find the program, click the three-dot menu, then click Uninstall
4. Follow the uninstall wizard

After this, manually check C:\Program Files, C:\ProgramData, and %AppData% for any remaining folders from the app.

Method 2: Use Control Panel (Apps & Features)

For older programs, the Control Panel may offer more reliable uninstall options:

1. Search for Control Panel in the Start menu
2. Click Programs → Programs and Features
3. Right-click the program and select Uninstall

Method 3: Use a Dedicated Uninstaller Tool (Best Method)

This is the most thorough approach. Dedicated uninstaller tools monitor the installation process or deeply scan the system to find and remove all traces of a program.

IObit Uninstaller (Recommended)

IObit Uninstaller is the most popular free uninstaller for Windows. It automatically detects and removes leftover files after the standard uninstall process.

• Powerful Scan — after uninstalling, it scans for and removes all remaining files, folders, and registry entries
• Batch uninstall — remove multiple programs at once
• Browser plugin manager — removes leftover browser extensions
• Windows Apps manager — uninstall built-in Windows bloatware
• Forced uninstall — removes programs even when normal uninstall fails
• Real-time monitor — tracks installations so removals are complete

💡 We regularly post IObit Uninstaller Pro free license giveaways — the Pro version unlocks faster scans and more features at no cost during giveaway periods.

Ashampoo UnInstaller (Also Excellent)

Ashampoo UnInstaller takes a slightly different approach — it creates a snapshot of your system before installation, then removes everything added during installation when you uninstall. This makes removals 100% complete.

• Snapshot-based tracking for perfect uninstalls
• Drive cleaner to remove junk files
• Startup manager included
• Removes browser toolbars and extensions

We’ve shared Ashampoo UnInstaller 15 free licenses — check if the giveaway is still active.

Method 4: Manually Delete Leftover Files

After any uninstall method, follow these steps to manually remove any remaining traces:

Step 1: Delete Program Folders

Check these locations and delete any folders related to the program:

• C:\Program Files\[AppName]
• C:\Program Files (x86)\[AppName]
• C:\ProgramData\[AppName] (hidden folder)

Step 2: Delete AppData Folders

Press Win + R, type %appdata% and press Enter. Then also check %localappdata% and %appdata%\..\LocalLow. Delete any folders named after the app.

Step 3: Clean the Registry (Advanced)

⚠️ Warning: Only do this if you’re comfortable with the Registry Editor. Always back up your registry first (File → Export).

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, press Enter
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE
3. Look for and delete any keys named after the removed program
4. Also check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall for any remaining entries

Step 4: Check Startup Entries

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click the Startup apps tab and disable or remove any entries from the uninstalled program.

Method 5: Use Revo Uninstaller (Free Version)

Revo Uninstaller is another popular option with a free version that includes a “Hunter Mode” to drag-and-drop uninstall almost anything.

• Junk Files scanner after each uninstall
• Multiple scan modes (Safe, Moderate, Advanced)
• Hunter Mode — point and click any window to force-uninstall
• Logs Manager for tracking installations

How to Remove Built-in Windows 11 Apps (Bloatware)

Some pre-installed Windows apps can’t be removed through normal methods. Use these approaches:

Via PowerShell (Advanced)

Open PowerShell as Administrator and use commands like:

Get-AppxPackage *BingWeather* | Remove-AppxPackage

Replace *BingWeather* with the app’s package name.

Via IObit Uninstaller (Easy)

IObit Uninstaller includes a Windows Apps section that lists all pre-installed Windows apps with one-click removal — much easier than PowerShell commands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a program is fully removed?

After uninstalling, search for the program name in File Explorer and check %AppData%, %LocalAppData%, and %ProgramData%. If no folders remain, it’s fully removed.

Can leftover files cause problems?

Yes. Leftover registry entries can sometimes cause errors when installing a newer version of the same program. Leftover files accumulate over time and waste disk space.

Is it safe to delete AppData folders manually?

Yes, for fully uninstalled programs. AppData folders for installed programs contain settings that you’ll lose if deleted — but for programs you’ve already uninstalled, deleting these folders is safe.

Conclusion

The standard Windows uninstaller leaves behind a surprising amount of clutter. For a truly clean removal, use a dedicated tool like IObit Uninstaller or Ashampoo UnInstaller — they automatically find and remove all traces. Follow that up with a manual check of AppData folders for complete peace of mind.

Keep your Windows PC clean and fast! Check out our other Windows optimization guides and browse our latest free software giveaways — including free licenses for IObit Uninstaller Pro and Ashampoo UnInstaller.

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