Best free software uninstaller of 2024

The best free software uninstallers make it simple and easy to remove all of the files associated from programs that you want to remove.

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files and old registry entries, freeing up valuable space and ensuring you don't run into problems when installing a newer version of the same software later on.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 featured best driver update software.

The best free software uninstallers of 2024 in full:

Best overall

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 full IObit Uninstaller review.

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Best lightweight

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 full Wise Program Uninstaller review.

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Best for optimization

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 full Revo Uninstaller Free review.

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Best for toolkits

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 full Advanced Uninstaller Pro review.

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Best portable

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 will Google it 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 full Geek Uninstaller review.

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We've also featured the best free PC cleaner.

FAQs

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.

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