πŸ“± How to Uninstall APK Installer and Launcher – A Senior IT Expert’s Step-by-Step Removal Guide

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πŸ› οΈ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
πŸ“… Last Updated: June 17, 2025

βœ… SEO-Friendly Title:

How to Completely Uninstall APK Installer and Launcher on Windows & Android – Full Removal Guide


πŸ” 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, I’ll 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 method’s success rate, drawbacks, and my professional recommendations based on years of managing software environments across development and enterprise systems.


⚠️ Why You Should Fully Uninstall APK Installer and Launcher

Even though APK Installer and Launcher may seem lightweight, improper removal can leave behind:

ComponentDescription
πŸ“ Leftover FilesApp cache, APK storage folders, logs
πŸͺŸ Registry Keys (Windows only)Installation path, settings under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\APKInstaller
πŸ”„ Startup EntriesAuto-launch options if enabled
πŸ› οΈ Temporary APKsMay remain in hidden directories

These remnants can cause conflicts with newer installations or consume unnecessary disk space over time.


🧰 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (for Windows Version)

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I β†’ Apps > Installed apps
  2. Search for APK Installer and Launcher
  3. Click Uninstall
  4. 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.


πŸ’₯ 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:

  1. Install Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller
  2. Locate APK Installer and Launcher
  3. 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.


βš™οΈ Method 3: Manual Removal (For Advanced Users)

This method involves manually deleting files and registry entries.

Steps:

  1. Go to installation directory and delete folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\APK Installer)
  2. Delete:
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\APKInstaller
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\APKInstaller
  1. 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.


πŸ“± Method 4: Uninstall on Android Devices

If you’re using APK Installer and Launcher as an app on your Android device:

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > APK Installer and Launcher
  2. Tap Uninstall
  3. 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.


πŸ—‘οΈ 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.


πŸ“Š Summary Table

MethodOS SupportThoroughnessSuccess RateDrawbacks
🧰 Windows SettingsWin 10/11Basic80%Leaves registry and config files
πŸ’₯ Revo / GeekWin AllDeep95%Risk of over-deletion
βš™οΈ Manual CleanupWin AllComplete100%Complex, technical
πŸ“± Android UninstallAndroidModerate90%Leaves APK files
πŸ—‘οΈ File Manager CleanupAndroidComplete100%Requires manual effort

βœ… Final Thoughts – 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.

πŸ”§ Pro Tip: If you’re 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.

πŸ“Œ Need help automating APK Installer removal across multiple machines or setting up a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
πŸ’¬ Stay clean. Stay in control.

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