How to completely uninstall software that cannot be uninstalled normally?

When dealing with software that resists normal uninstallation methods on Windows 11, follow this structured approach to ensure a thorough removal:

1. Use Windows Built-in Tools

Safe Mode Uninstall

• Boot into Safe Mode:
  • Press Win + I → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now.
  • Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
  • Press 5 or F5 to enable Safe Mode with Networking.
• Uninstall via Settings:
  • Navigate to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find the software, and click Uninstall.

System Restore Point

• If the problematic software caused system issues, revert to a restore point created before installation:
  • Press Win + R, type rstrui, and follow the prompts.

2. Third-Party Uninstallers

Use specialized tools to force removal and clean 残留文件:

• Revo Uninstaller (Free/Pro):
  1. Download and install Revo Uninstaller.
  2. Select the stubborn software → Analyze → Uninstall.
  3. After the initial uninstall, let Revo scan for 残留项 and delete them.
• IObit Uninstaller:
  • Offers “Deep Scan” to detect hidden files and registry entries.

3. Manual Registry Cleanup (Advanced)

Warning: Incorrect registry edits can damage your system. Back up the registry first.

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and click OK.
2. Locate 残留 Entries:
   • Navigate to:
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\ (for 32-bit software on 64-bit systems)
   • Delete folders or keys related to the software.
3. Delete 残留 Files:
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ and delete the software’s folder.
   • Remove 残留 files in C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\ and C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\.

4. Command Prompt/PowerShell Methods

Using wmic (Command Prompt)

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. List installed programs: wmic product get name
3. Uninstall by name: wmic product where name="Software Name" call uninstall

Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Find the package GUID: Get-AppxPackage *SoftwareName*
3. Remove the package: Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName

5. Microsoft Fixit Tool

• Download the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.
• Run the tool and follow its guided steps to repair installation/uninstallation issues.

6. Windows Installer Cleanup Utility

• Note: This tool is for older Windows versions but may work in Windows 11:
  1. Download and run the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility.
  2. Select the software and click Remove.

7. Delete App Execution Aliases

• If the software’s executable remains in the Start Menu:
  1. Press Win + I → Apps → App execution aliases.
  2. Disable aliases related to the software.

8. Seek Manufacturer Support

• Contact the software vendor for a dedicated uninstaller or guidance (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool for Adobe products).

9. Reinstall and Uninstall

• For apps with corrupted installers, reinstall the software using the original installer or download it again, then uninstall normally.

10. System File Checker (SFC)

• Fix corrupted system files that may block uninstallation:
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run: sfc /scannow
  3. Restart your PC and try uninstalling again.

Final Steps:

• Restart Your PC after each attempt to refresh system processes.
• Use a Registry Cleaner (e.g., CCleaner) to scan for 残留 entries after manual removal.
• Monitor Startup Programs via Task Manager → Startup to ensure no 残留 processes remain.

By combining these methods, you can eliminate even the most stubborn software while minimizing system risks. Always prioritize backing up your data before making significant changes.