How to Remove Software Leftovers on Windows?

Regularly checking and removing redundant software is important to speed up computers and free up space. Usually, when you install any app, several other unwanted programs may get installed along with it. When you uninstall the said app, data such as registration files and folders may get left behind. If you want to boost your Windows PC’s performance and make more space, then you should remove software leftovers. Here is how you can do that.

Using Control Panel to Uninstall a Program

1. At first, launch the Windows menu, then find the option of Control Panel.
2. Now select the Control Panel option and click on the Programs option.
3. You should choose the ‘Programs and Features’ option.
4. Later, find the software you would like to uninstall.
5. Now, hit the Uninstall button and wait to finish the uninstallation procedure.
6. Once over, close the Control Panel screen.

Take a Look at the Program Files and AppData Folders

1. Firstly, go to the Search bar.
2. Thereafter, input ‘%programfiles%’ in it and select the OK button to open the folder of Program Files.
3. Now, look for files that have the name of the uninstalled program. Remove such files or folders.
4. You should input ‘%appdata%’ in the bar and select the OK button. It will take you to the folder of AppData.
5. Now, if you find any file bearing the name of the uninstalled app, remove it.

Run a Registry Backup

1. To get started, go to the Search section.
2. After that, input ‘regedit.exe’ in it and select the OK button to invoke the Registry Editor. Choose what you would like to backup.
3. You should select the File option and then choose the Export option.
4. Later, provide the backup file a name.
5. Now, select the location for backup.

Delete the Temporary Files Left on the System

1. To get started, go to the Search section.
2. Thereafter, insert ‘%temp%’ into it and press the Enter button.
3. Then insert ‘temp’ in the bar and press the Enter key.

Restore the Registry

1. Navigate to the Registry Editor and click on it.
2. Then choose the option of Import, find and restore the backup file.
3. Finally, it’s time to delete unnecessary keys through the Windows Registry.
4. Launch the Registry Editor and find the pursuing keys:
5. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
6. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
7. HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software
8. If your PC runs a 64-bit version of Windows, you will need to check the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node key as well.
9. Remove the keys related to the uninstalled program.