Sometimes you will install a program on your computer and later decide that you no longer want it. At this point you may decide you want to remove the program and recover the space that it is taking up on your computer.
Windows comes with a built in uninstall application that will step you through uninstalling a program. We’ll show you how to use this.
However, before we start, a word of warning. Never try to uninstall a program by just deleting its files from your computer – this doesn’t remove all the program files. The tool we are using here is the safest way to remove unwanted programs. Also, never delete a program or files that you don’t recognize – there are many files and programs on your computer that it needs to be able to operate – you may not recognize these but your computer does!
To get started click the Start button > Control Panel > Programs and Features. In some Windows versions you will choose Start > Settings > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program. Wait as Windows creates a list of installed programs that can be safely uninstalled.
Locate the program that you want to uninstall and click it to select it. Click Uninstall and then answer Yes when you are asked to confirm that you want to remove the program. Wait as the program is uninstalled.
Sometimes, in the process, Internet Explorer may open at the program website to display a page asking you the reason that you want to uninstall the program. You can complete the questionnaire or not as you desire.
When you are uninstalling programs, be aware you can only uninstall one program at a time. So, if you have multiple programs to uninstall you must wait until the first one is removed before you can uninstall the next one. Uninstalling a program doesn’t typically remove files containing work that you have done using the program. So, for example, if you uninstall a painting program any paintings you have created with the program will still be on your computer. However, if the file format in which those paintings are saved is peculiar to that program then you won’t be able to view the paintings – so be sure that when you uninstall a program you really don’t want or need it any more.
