How to Uninstall LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a free and open-source office productivity suite that provides alternatives to Microsoft Office. It includes applications for word processing (Writer), spreadsheets (Calc), presentations (Impress), vector graphics (Draw), database management (Base), and mathematical formula editing (Math). While it’s widely used for its flexibility, cross-platform support, and lack of licensing fees, some users may decide to uninstall it due to performance issues, system conflicts, or the need to switch to another office suite.

However, uninstalling LibreOffice can be more complex than expected, as residual files, registry entries, and background services often remain on the system. This guide outlines several methods to fully remove LibreOffice from Windows, including standard OS tools, manual cleanup, and the use of Perfect Uninstaller, a professional third-party tool designed for deep software removal.

We’ll also cover key differences between 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as Windows 7, 10, and 11, during the uninstallation process.

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Method 1: Use Windows Settings (Windows 10 & 11)

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to:

• Windows 10: Apps > Apps & Features
• Windows 11: Apps > Installed apps

1. In the search bar, type “LibreOffice”.
2. Click on the result and select Uninstall.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

Key Points:

• Simple and built-in method available in both Windows 10 and 11.
• On 64-bit systems, ensure you’re removing the correct version if both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are installed.
• Does not apply to Windows 7, which lacks the modern Settings interface.

Limitations:

• Often leaves behind registry keys, user profiles, and temporary files.
• May not remove all components such as the Quick Start tray icon or language packs.
• Cannot handle deeply embedded installation remnants.

Success Rate: ~60%

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Method 2: Use Control Panel (All Windows Versions Including Windows 7)

Steps:

1. Open the Start Menu and search for Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, go to Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Locate LibreOffice in the list of installed programs.
4. Right-click it and select Uninstall.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal.

Key Points:

• Works consistently across Windows 7, 10, and 11.
• More comprehensive than the Settings app in listing installed software.
• Compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

Limitations:

• Leaves behind cache folders, log files, and user-specific configuration data.
• Does not remove all traces like registry entries or startup items.
• Manual follow-up is typically required for full removal.

Success Rate: ~65%

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Method 3: Manual Removal of Leftover Files and Registry Entries

Even after using the standard uninstaller, LibreOffice often leaves behind hidden files and registry entries that can interfere with future installations or system performance.

Steps:

1. Delete Program Files:

• Go to C:\Program Files\LibreOffice or C:\Program Files (x86)\LibreOffice (for 32-bit systems).
• Delete the folder if it still exists.

1. Clear AppData and LocalAppData:

• Press Win + R, type %AppData%, and hit Enter.
• Delete any folders related to LibreOffice.
• Repeat the process by typing %LocalAppData%.

1. Edit the Registry (Advanced Only):

• Open Registry Editor (regedit) as Administrator.
• Backup the registry before making any changes.
• Navigate to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\LibreOffice HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\LibreOffice
• Delete any keys related to LibreOffice.

Key Points:

• Allows deeper cleaning than standard uninstallers.
• Essential for removing startup shortcuts, cache, and user profiles.
• Recommended for advanced users only.

Limitations:

• Risk of system instability or damage if registry edits are incorrect.
• Time-consuming and error-prone for average users.
• May miss encrypted or locked files.

Success Rate: ~80%

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Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)

For a complete and safe removal of LibreOffice—including stubborn files, registry entries, and background services—using Perfect Uninstaller is highly recommended.

Steps:

1. Download Perfect Uninstaller:

• Visit the official website or a trusted software repository.
• Choose the correct version based on your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

1. Install the Software:

• Run the installer and follow the setup wizard carefully.
• Decline optional bundled software to avoid installing unwanted programs.

1. Launch Perfect Uninstaller:

• Wait for the program to scan and list all installed applications.

1. Select LibreOffice:

• Find LibreOffice in the application list and click Uninstall.
• The tool will handle the removal process automatically.

1. Run Leftover Scan (Optional):

• After uninstallation, use the Leftover Scanner feature to detect and delete remaining files, folders, and registry entries.

Key Points:

• Deep scanning ensures full removal of all traces.
• Fully compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Works seamlessly across Windows 7, 10, and 11.

Impact of Residual Files and Registry Entries:

• Orphaned registry keys can cause system instability, slow boot times, or crashes.
• Hidden cache files consume disk space and may conflict with reinstallation.
• Background services left running can drain memory and CPU resources unnecessarily.

Limitations:

• Advanced features may require purchasing a license.
• Potential risk of downloading fake or malicious clones from unofficial sources.

Success Rate: ~95%

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Conclusion and Professional Opinion

Uninstalling LibreOffice effectively requires more than just using the default uninstaller. Due to its modular structure and integration with the operating system, many users find that residual files, registry keys, and cached data remain after removal, potentially causing system slowdowns, conflicts, or errors.

While Windows Settings and Control Panel offer basic uninstallation capabilities, they often leave behind configuration files and registry entries. For deeper cleaning, manual removal is effective but demands technical expertise and carries risks, especially when editing the registry.

The most reliable and safest solution for most users is to use Perfect Uninstaller, which performs deep scans, identifies and removes all traces of LibreOffice, and ensures a clean system environment. Its compatibility with Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, makes it a versatile choice.

From a professional standpoint, we recommend starting with built-in OS tools, followed by manual cleanup if necessary. If system anomalies persist or maximum cleanliness is required, turn to Perfect Uninstaller to guarantee full removal and optimal system health.

Always download third-party tools from verified and secure sources to protect against malware infection or system compromise. By choosing the appropriate method based on your system version and experience level, you can safely and effectively remove LibreOffice from your computer.