As a software expert specializing in Mac and iOS, I‘ve spent countless hours exploring the intricacies of program installation and removal on various platforms. While Mac users enjoy a relatively straightforward uninstallation process, Windows users often face a more complex and clutter-prone experience.
The average Windows PC has a whopping 75 programs installed, according to a recent survey by the University of Indiana. But here‘s the kicker – the same survey found that 37% of those programs are never actually used. That‘s right, more than a third of the software installed on the typical Windows machine is just taking up space!
So why do unused programs accumulate on Windows PCs far more than Macs? A lot of it comes down to the different approaches to software installation on the two platforms. On a Mac, most programs are self-contained application bundles that can be uninstalled simply by dragging them to the Trash. Windows software, in contrast, often scatters components throughout the system during installation, making clean removal more challenging.
Additionally, many Windows PCs come with a significant amount of pre-installed bloatware – programs added by the manufacturer that aren‘t part of the standard Windows installation. A 2021 investigation by Computerworld found that a new Windows 10 machine from a major manufacturer can have up to 20 such programs, very few of which are useful to the average user.
Luckily, Microsoft has made strides in simplifying the uninstallation experience in recent versions of Windows 10. But many users are still unaware of the best methods for thoroughly removing unwanted software. In this guide, I‘ll share some professional tips for uninstalling programs on Windows, informed by years of experience in Mac software development.
Why Proper Program Removal is Important
Before we get into the "how," let‘s talk about why it‘s so important to uninstall programs you no longer use. Obviously, removing old software frees up disk space – a study by IT firm Condusiv Technologies found that the average user can save a hefty 5GB of storage just by uninstalling unused programs.
But beyond reclaiming disk space, removing unneeded programs can improve your PC‘s performance and security. Many applications run background processes that chew up memory and CPU cycles, even when you aren‘t actively using the program. This performance hit only increases as more junk programs accumulate.
There are security considerations with old programs as well. As noted by cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs, "One of the biggest risks posed by outdated software is that it may contain known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers." If you aren‘t regularly using a program, chances are you aren‘t keeping it updated with the latest security patches.
Cem Kaner, Professor of Software Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology, emphasizes the importance of a clean software ecosystem: "Every program installed on a system is another potential attack surface. By removing unneeded applications, users can reduce their exposure to potential vulnerabilities."
Remove with the Uninstaller
So what‘s the best way to remove an unneeded Windows program? In most cases, the built-in Apps & Features tool is the first line of attack. Microsoft has continually improved this utility over different Windows 10 versions, and it now provides a straightforward way to uninstall the vast majority of programs.
To access it, open the Start menu and click the gear icon to go to Settings. From there, click "Apps" to see a list of all the programs installed on your machine. To remove one, simply select it from the list and click the "Uninstall" button.
However, Kory Grushka, director of IT at PCMatic, notes that the Apps & Features approach doesn‘t always catch every associated file or registry entry. "For the most thorough removal, use the program‘s original uninstaller if it has one. This is often found in the program‘s folder in the Start menu."
These dedicated uninstallers are most commonly found with large program suites like Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud. They‘re designed to do a deep clean of all the program‘s components, which can be scattered throughout the hard disk and registry.
Third-Party Bulk Uninstallers
While the built-in Windows uninstaller works well for removing individual programs, it can be tedious to go through the process for each and every application you want to purge. This is where third-party uninstaller utilities really shine.
Programs like Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller allow you to select multiple programs at once and uninstall them in bulk. They also typically perform a deeper level of cleanup than the standard Windows utility, removing orphaned registry keys and leftover files.
But with so many uninstaller options out there, which one should you choose? After testing over a dozen of the most popular utilities, I‘ve found Revo Uninstaller to be the most reliable and thorough. It‘s available in both free and paid versions, with the paid version adding real-time installation monitoring and support for removing stubborn programs.
For users on a tight budget, Geek Uninstaller is a solid free option. It doesn‘t have quite as many features as Revo, but it gets the job done for basic bulk uninstallation tasks.
Whichever uninstaller tool you choose, be sure to regularly run a scan for orphaned registry entries and leftover files. Over time, these digital dustbunnies can really accumulate and negatively impact system performance. Most uninstallers include a tool for cleaning up this residue.
Dealing with Bloatware
While third-party uninstallers work great for removing programs you installed yourself, they often struggle with the pre-installed bloatware that comes on many Windows PCs. These programs are frequently set to run at startup and may not even appear in the standard Apps & Features list.
Common examples of Windows bloatware include trial versions of antivirus programs, game launchers, and manufacturer-specific utilities. A 2020 analysis by PCWorld found that a new Dell laptop included 19 such programs, consuming over 6GB of disk space!
Luckily, there are a few ways to deal with this digital clutter. First, try to avoid it in the first place by choosing a "clean" version of Windows when setting up a new PC. Brands like Microsoft Surface and Dell‘s XPS line offer configurations without the bundled bloatware.
On an existing machine, you may be able to remove stubborn bloatware by installing it and then uninstalling the program. You can also use a tool like the PC Decrapifier to automate the process of removing common bloatware programs.
As a last resort, a fresh installation of Windows will wipe the slate clean. Just be sure to choose the option not to include any manufacturer-specific software during the setup process.
Streamline App Acquisition
Beyond removing existing clutter, a great way to keep your Windows software ecosystem manageable is to be judicious about what you install in the first place. Before clicking that download button, ask yourself if the program is something you truly need and will use regularly.
It‘s also a good idea to seek out portable versions of programs when possible. These are designed to run without installation and can be easily deleted when no longer needed. The community-curated Portable App Directory is a great place to find safe and reliable portable alternatives to commonly used programs.
For essential tools like office suites and media editors, consider web-based alternatives to locally installed software. Programs like Google Workspace and Pixlr offer much of the functionality of traditional desktop applications right in the browser.
When you do need to install a program, pay close attention during the setup process and opt out of any bundled extras like browser toolbars or trial offers. Choosing the "custom" installation option will typically give you more control over what components are installed.
Learning from macOS
As a Mac software developer, I‘m constantly impressed by how seamlessly the macOS approach handles application management. The vast majority of Mac programs are self-contained app bundles that can be uninstalled simply by dragging them to the Trash – no uninstaller tools or registry cleaners needed.
There are certainly security benefits to the more locked-down nature of macOS software installation. By default, programs can only be installed from the vetted Mac App Store or from identified developers who have signed their code. This greatly reduces the risk of unknowingly installing malware or junkware.
While Windows is unlikely to ever adopt the Mac approach wholesale, Microsoft has taken steps in recent years to make the Microsoft Store a more prominent part of the Windows software ecosystem. Windows 11 further emphasizes the Store as a central hub for finding and installing vetted applications.
For Windows power users, tools like the Windows Package Manager (WinGet) offer a command-line approach to software installation and removal, similar to Linux package managers. By using a package manager, users can ensure that only approved software is installed and easily keep programs updated.
Conclusion
Removing unused programs is an essential part of keeping a Windows PC running smoothly and securely. By combining the built-in Apps & Features tool, dedicated third-party uninstallers, and a judicious approach to new software installation, users can keep digital clutter to a minimum.
While Windows may never be quite as streamlined as macOS in terms of application management, tools like the Microsoft Store and WinGet are a step in the right direction. And by learning from the Mac approach, Windows developers can design software that is easier to install and remove cleanly.
Ultimately, the key to a tidy Windows setup is to be proactive about what you allow onto your machine in the first place. By thinking critically about each program you install and regularly removing those you no longer need, you can enjoy all the benefits of a well-oiled Windows experience for years to come.