π οΈ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
π
Last Updated: June 17, 2025
β SEO-Friendly Title:
How to Completely Uninstall APK Installer and Launcher on Windows & Android β Full Removal Guide
π Introduction
The APK Installer and Launcher is a utility commonly used by developers and Android enthusiasts to install and test Android apps (.apk
files) on both Windows PCs and Android devices. While it’s particularly useful for testing apps outside of the Google Play Store or sideloading apps, many users choose to uninstall it after use due to system clutter, performance concerns, or switching to more robust tools like Android Studio, Genymotion, or Nox Player.
In this detailed guide, Iβll walk you through all available methods to completely remove APK Installer and Launcher from your system β whether on Windows or Android. You’ll also find an expert breakdown of each methodβs success rate, drawbacks, and my professional recommendations based on years of managing software environments across development and enterprise systems.
β οΈ Why You Should Fully Uninstall APK Installer and Launcher
Even though APK Installer and Launcher may seem lightweight, improper removal can leave behind:
Component | Description |
---|---|
π Leftover Files | App cache, APK storage folders, logs |
πͺ Registry Keys (Windows only) | Installation path, settings under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\APKInstaller |
π Startup Entries | Auto-launch options if enabled |
π οΈ Temporary APKs | May remain in hidden directories |
These remnants can cause conflicts with newer installations or consume unnecessary disk space over time.
π§° Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (for Windows Version)
Steps:
- Press
Win + I
β Apps > Installed apps - Search for APK Installer and Launcher
- Click Uninstall
- Follow the prompts
Success Rate: 80%
Drawbacks:
- Leaves behind registry keys and cached APK files
- Does not always remove startup entries
- May miss hidden configuration files
Best for basic removal when no custom configurations were made.
π₯ Method 2: Use Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller (For Deep Removal on Windows)
Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller perform deep scans to remove leftover files and registry entries after standard uninstallation.
Steps:
- Install Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller
- Locate APK Installer and Launcher
- Run Forced Uninstall or Deep Scan
Success Rate: 95%
Drawbacks:
- Risk of deleting shared registry entries
- Some features locked behind paid versions
Ideal for complete removal without technical knowledge.
βοΈ Method 3: Manual Removal (For Advanced Users)
This method involves manually deleting files and registry entries.
Steps:
- Go to installation directory and delete folder (e.g.,
C:\Program Files\APK Installer
) - Delete:
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\APKInstaller
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\APKInstaller
- Open Registry Editor and delete:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\APKInstaller
Always back up the registry before deletion.
Success Rate: 100%
Drawbacks:
- Time-consuming and complex
- Risk of accidental deletion of unrelated keys
Recommended only for experienced users or post-uninstall cleanup.
π± Method 4: Uninstall on Android Devices
If you’re using APK Installer and Launcher as an app on your Android device:
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > APK Installer and Launcher
- Tap Uninstall
- Optionally clear cache/data before uninstalling
Success Rate: 90%
Drawbacks:
- APK files stored in internal storage may remain
- Permissions may not be fully revoked until reboot
Safe and straightforward for most Android users.
ποΈ Bonus: Remove APK Files Manually on Android
After uninstalling, check these locations for leftover APKs:
/storage/emulated/0/Download/
/storage/emulated/0/Android/media/com.example.apkinstaller/
Use a file manager or ES File Explorer to delete any remaining .apk
files.
π Summary Table
Method | OS Support | Thoroughness | Success Rate | Drawbacks |
---|---|---|---|---|
π§° Windows Settings | Win 10/11 | Basic | 80% | Leaves registry and config files |
π₯ Revo / Geek | Win All | Deep | 95% | Risk of over-deletion |
βοΈ Manual Cleanup | Win All | Complete | 100% | Complex, technical |
π± Android Uninstall | Android | Moderate | 90% | Leaves APK files |
ποΈ File Manager Cleanup | Android | Complete | 100% | Requires manual effort |
β Final Thoughts β From an IT Expert
As a senior IT specialist who has worked extensively with mobile development tools and cross-platform utilities, I strongly recommend using Revo Uninstaller or manual cleanup after standard uninstallation if you want to ensure that APK Installer and Launcher is fully removed from your system.
While the built-in uninstallers do a decent job, especially on Android, they often miss configuration files, cached APKs, and registry entries on Windows β which can lead to clutter or future conflicts. For developers or power users, manual cleanup provides the highest level of control but requires careful handling of sensitive system components.
π§ Pro Tip: If youβre removing APK Installer and Launcher because you’re moving to a more advanced environment, consider transitioning to Android Studio or using ADB commands for better control over APK management and device interaction.
π Need help automating APK Installer removal across multiple machines or setting up a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
π¬ Stay clean. Stay in control.
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