How to Uninstall PowerToys | Complete Removal Guide

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🤔 Why Is It Hard to Uninstall Microsoft PowerToys?

Microsoft PowerToys is a powerful set of utilities designed for advanced Windows users and developers. While it enhances productivity with tools like PowerRename, Color Picker, Keyboard Manager, and more, many users find that uninstalling PowerToys isn’t as straightforward as other apps.

Common issues include:

• Lack of a centralized uninstaller for all modules
• Residual registry entries and configuration files
• Individual tools installed in different system directories
• Silent background processes that persist after removal
• Confusion between versions (classic vs modern)

This can lead to system clutter, conflicts during reinstallation, or even performance issues if outdated components remain active.

In this article, we’ll explain why PowerToys resists full removal, provide detailed methods to uninstall it completely, and give you the success rate of each approach. We’ll also introduce top uninstallation tools — highlighting PerfectUninstaller as the most effective solution for deep cleaning stubborn software like PowerToys.

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📦 What Is Microsoft PowerToys?

Microsoft PowerToys is a free set of system utilities developed by Microsoft for power users. Originally released in 1995, the modern version was relaunched in 2019 and includes tools such as:

• FancyZones: Advanced window layout manager
• PowerRename: Batch file renamer
• Image Resizer: Quick image resizing
• Keyboard Manager: Custom keyboard shortcuts
• Color Picker: Extract and save color codes
• PowerToys Run: Fast app launcher

While not resource-heavy, each tool installs independently, making complete removal complex without the right tools or knowledge.

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🔧 Step-by-Step Ways to Uninstall Microsoft PowerToys

✅ Method 1: Use Windows Settings (Success Rate: 60%)

This method removes the main PowerToys package but often leaves behind registry keys, cache, and individual module files.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I > Go to Apps > Installed apps
2. Search for PowerToys
3. Click Uninstall
4. Follow the on-screen prompts

📌 Note: This removes the primary application only — individual tools may still run in Task Manager.

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✅ Method 2: Remove via Control Panel (Success Rate: 70%)

Control Panel gives more detailed access to installed programs.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Go to Programs > Programs and Features
3. Find PowerToys
4. Right-click > Uninstall

💡 Tip: If PowerToys doesn’t appear here, it was likely installed from the Microsoft Store or GitHub as a UWP or portable app.

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✅ Method 3: Manual Cleanup of Leftovers (Success Rate: 85%)

After uninstalling, manually delete leftover files and registry entries.

Steps:

1. Delete these folders if they exist:

• C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\PowerToys
• C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\PowerToys
• C:\Program Files\PowerToys or C:\Program Files (x86)\PowerToys

1. Remove registry keys:

• Press Win + R, type regedit
• Navigate to:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\PowerToys
  and
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerToys

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can be risky — always back up before proceeding.

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✅ Method 4: Use PowerShell to Remove UWP Version (Success Rate: 90%)

If you installed PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or via MSIX, use PowerShell to remove it.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run the command:

   Get-AppxPackage *powertoys* | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Confirm the removal

🛠 This method works best for removing the UWP/MSIX version of PowerToys and clears most system-level traces.

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✅ Method 5: Reinstall & Repair Then Uninstall (Success Rate: 95%)

Sometimes, reinstalling PowerToys first ensures all components are registered correctly, allowing a clean uninstall.

Steps:

1. Download and install the latest version of PowerToys from GitHub
2. Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps > PowerToys > Uninstall

📌 This ensures all components are properly indexed, leading to a more complete removal.

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🛠️ Top Tools That Help Uninstall PowerToys

Tool Name	Description	Success Rate
PerfectUninstaller	Deep cleans all traces including registry, cache, logs, and system services	⭐ 98%
Revo Uninstaller	Removes leftover files and tracks registry changes	⭐ 85%
IObit Uninstaller	Offers forced uninstall and browser cleanup	⭐ 80%
Geek Uninstaller	Lightweight and fast removal tool	⭐ 75%

🌟 Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out

Unlike generic uninstallers, PerfectUninstaller performs a deep scan that removes every trace of PowerToys — including:

• Hidden registry keys
• Leftover DLLs and configuration files
• Cache, logs, and user-specific data
• Background services and scheduled tasks

It supports forced uninstallation of stubborn entries and features an intuitive interface perfect for both beginners and advanced users.

🔗 Download PerfectUninstaller Here

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✅ Summary: Best Way to Remove PowerToys

Here’s how to choose the right method based on your experience level:

• Beginner: Use Windows Settings + PerfectUninstaller for full cleanup
• Intermediate: Use manual file deletion + registry cleanup
• Advanced: Combine PowerShell commands, registry edits, and PerfectUninstaller

Always remember to restart your computer after uninstalling to ensure all changes take effect.

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💡 Final Pro Tip

To keep your system clean and efficient:

• Always read installation steps carefully — avoid bundled software
• Set up a scheduled maintenance routine using trusted tools like PerfectUninstaller
• Regularly scan for leftover drivers, toolbars, and unused programs