Best free software uninstaller of 2024
Remove unwanted programs and all its files
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The best free software uninstallers make it simple and easy to remove all of the files associated from programs that you want to remove.
1.Best overall2.Best lightweight3.Best for optimization4.Best for toolkits5.Best portable6.FAQs7.How we test
While Windows comes with an “Add or remove programs” option, all too often you’ll be presented with a message telling you that some components couldn’t be removed, or the uninstall has failed.
Additionally, even if the uninstall says it completed, Windows will often leave existing files, folders, and shortcuts in place meaning you have to delete these manually. It also doesn’t always properly update the registry, either.
Third-party software uninstallers can do a more thorough job, quickly scanning your system for all installed programs, and letting you select several at once for removal. Once they’ve been purged, the software will then perform another scan to track down and wipe out temporary files and old registry entries, freeing up valuable space and ensuring you don’t run into problems when installing a newer version of the same software later on.
Software uninstallers also provide a handy way to manage browser extensions and plugins, and remove any that you don’t use. You’ll also be able to empty your recycle bin with a single click, and delete your browser history.
Here then are the best free software uninstallers currently available.
You might also like to check out our featuredbest driver update software.
The best free software uninstallers of 2024 in full:
Why you can trust TechRadarWe spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
1. IObit Uninstaller Free
Our expert review:
IObit Uninstaller Free gets right down to business, scanning your system for installed software the moment it starts. Its smart, clear interface displays a list of all your installed software, with extra tabs if you’re only interested in the newest programs (if you’ve tried something new and don’t like it), and the biggest ones (which will have the greatest impact on system performance).
If you’ve already uninstalled a program but suspect it’s left mucky footprints across your drive, IObit’s deep scanner can hunt down junk including broken shortcuts and caches created when installing software updates.
IObit Uninstaller also takes a look at your web browsers to identify any plugins that could be uninstalled to speed up your surfing. It currently supports Firefox and Internet Explorer, but not Chrome or Edge. Each extension is accompanied by a user rating to help you decide whether to keep it.
There’s a file shredder thrown in too, which doesn’t really fit with the premise of an uninstaller, but all the other tools are relevant and useful.
All in all, IObit is the best uninstaller you can download, and its thorough scanning makes it the equal of many premium programs.
Read our fullIObit Uninstaller review.
Best lightweight
2. Wise Program Uninstaller
Our expert review:
Wise Program Uninstaller is a portable app, so you don’t have to worry about it leaving mess of its own.
It’s a very quick and lean little uninstaller that scans your system for already installed programs and displays ratings to show you how other users feel about them. You probably know what you want to erase, but it’s a thoughtful touch.
Your choices for each program are Safe and Forced uninstall (some also have a Repair option, but only if it’s part of the software in the first place).
Safe uninstall is simply a way to access the program’s own uninstaller, whereas Forced performs a deep scan to track down scrap files and broken registry entries. It shows you everything it’s identified before deleting them, but this doesn’t serve much purpose; you’re unlikely to be able to pick out an individual Registry entry and say “Hang on, I need that!”
The main downside of its small size is that it can’t log new programs as you install them, but as a program uninstaller it’s well designed and not bulked out with unnecessary system tools.
Read our fullWise Program Uninstaller review.
Best for optimization
3. Revo Uninstaller Free
Our expert review:
Revo Uninstaller Free’s icon-strewn interface is colorful but cluttered, and includes tools like a startup program manager, plus links to Windows' own system tools (including defrag and on-screen keyboard). These really aren’t necessary, and just distract from an otherwise solid free uninstaller.
Revo Uninstaller Free offers four uninstall options: built-in, safe (built-in with additional registry scanning), moderate (with extra scanning of common locations for leftover files) and advanced (moderate mode, followed by a thorough scanning of your whole system). There’s also a strange ‘Hunter Mode’, which lets you uninstall programs by dragging their icons onto a crosshair on your desktop. It’s much more work than selecting the program from a list - a metaphor gone rogue.
Unlike some uninstallers, Revo begins by creating a system restore point, which is reassuring. It can’t log new installations, though - if you want that, you might like to give Revo’s Pro version a whirl for 30 days. It’s worlds away from the free edition’s late-90s styling, and will give your drives a good scrubbing.
Read our fullRevo Uninstaller Free review.
Best for toolkits
4. Advanced Uninstaller Pro
Our expert review:
Advanced Uninstaller Pro is a multi-featured tool that, at its heart, is simply a free software uninstaller. However, on top of that are more advanced toolkits, which we’ll get to in a moment.
As uninstaller software, it works as expected among the best of them, performing a deep scan, removing temporary files, deleting leftover folders, and taking care of your PC’s registry as well.
Another feature is the ability to back up and restore individual programs, so if a file or folder is deleted, corruption, or encrypted by ransomware, you can still repair the program quickly and easily.
On top of all this, Advanced Uninstaller PRO also comes with a paid-for upgrade option called Daily Health Check, which runs each day and makes recommendations on optimizing your PC, much like other PC optimizers also offer.
In addition, it also offers virus detection and monitoring of browser extensions, to ensure improved security as well.
Read our fullAdvanced Uninstaller Pro review.
Best portable
5. Geek Uninstaller
Our expert review:
Geek Uninstaller is another free portable uninstaller. Although a ‘Pro’ version is advertised on developer’s site, this is actually a completely different program called Uninstall Tool - Geek Uninstaller is completely free,
It performs a speedy system scan and provides the usual options: regular or forced uninstall. If you don’t recognize something, Geek Uninstaller willGoogleit for you - a simple but welcome addition that saves you loading up a browser.
That’s pretty much it - there’s no deep scan for remnants of previously uninstalled programs, and no monitoring for new installations, but if you’re simply after something to clean up as you go, uninstallers don’t come smaller and simpler than Geek Uninstaller. It comes in over 30 languages too, which is undoubtedly a bonus.
Read our fullGeek Uninstaller review.
We’ve also featured the best free PC cleaner.
FAQs
Which free software uninstallers is best for you?
When deciding which free software uninstallers to download and use, first consider what your actual needs are, as sometimes free platforms may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, free and budget software options can sometimes prove limited when it comes to the variety of tools available, while higher-end software can really cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require.
How we test
To test for the best free software uninstallers we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, whether as a download or as an online service. We then tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each software platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.
Read how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.
Get in touch
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled inwebsite buildersandweb hostingwhen DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.
Best secure file transfer solution of 2024
Best lightweight Linux distro of 2024
Latest Google Pixel update includes surprise launch of Android 15’s best battery feature
