Remove Leftover Files After Uninstalling Software - How to Guide

Sherly updated on Oct 29, 2024 to PC Transfer | How-to Articles

Want to learn how to remove leftover files after completely uninstalling software? Follow this guide to find manual procedures and tools for doing so.

Leftover files and remnants of programs that continue to occupy system space are common issues users face when uninstalling applications from their PCs. These files could remain in several folders and directories even after removal. This annoying situation can lead to problems such as full system directories, insufficient storage space, and software incompatibilities.

Over time, leftover files may accumulate and slow down your system, reducing its overall performance. Remains from previous installations can conflict with newly configured software, which can also cause issues when reinstalling or updating software. Thus, removing these lingering files is essential to keeping your computer system structured and functional.

EaseUS will show you how to properly remove these leftover files so your system remains optimized and clean. For instance, the potent program uninstaller EaseUS Todo PCTrans is designed to delete apps without erasing unnecessary data. Follow along to learn how to maintain a clean, clutter-free PC.

How to Remove Leftover Files After Uninstalling Software

We'll examine practical ways to delete any leftover files appropriately. First, we will cover using your computer's built-in tools to locate and erase leftovers manually. Next, we'll examine third-party software uninstallers like EaseUS Todo PCTrans, which ensures no data is left behind by automating the cleansing procedure. Adhere to these steps to maintain a clean and efficient system.

Solution 1. Use Program Uninstaller - EaseUS Todo PCTrans

If you want to remove programs while eliminating leftover files successfully, consider using EaseUS Todo PCTrans. This trustworthy program uninstaller allows you to erase apps and leave no trace.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans offers several advantages:

1. User-Friendly Design: Simplifies the app uninstallation process.

2. Intuitive Navigation: Effortlessly browse the software.

3. Thorough Cleanup: Ensures complete removal of software, leaving no files behind.

4. Repair and Restore: Fix broken software, getting it back to full functionality.

5. Flexible Transfers: Easily move programs between PCs to suit various needs.

To find out the steps for removing programs while eliminating leftover files with EaseUS Todo PCTrans, refer to the guidelines outlined below:

Step 1. Choose App Management, Click "Start" to securely uninstall your apps and repair your damaged apps. 

Step 2. All of apps installed on your PC, choose the selected one you want to uninstall or repair. (If your uninstall process fails, you can click the small triangle icon and select "Delete".)

Step 3. Click "Uninstall". (If you want to repair apps, click the icon right behind "Uninstall" and choose "Repair".)

Download EaseUS Todo PCTrans to simplify the uninstallation process and keep your system effective and clean.

Solution 2. Delete Leftover Files from AppData

Finding leftover files from apps you've removed in the AppData folder is common. Clean up your computer and free up space by manually removing these files.

To eliminate any remaining files from AppData, take the following actions:

  • Press Win + R to bring up the Run dialogue box.
  • Type %appdata% and press enter. This will navigate you to the AppData Roaming subdirectory.

  • Open the Local and LocalLow folders after navigating to the AppData folder.
  • Search for files or folders associated with the programs you removed. Usually, these are named after the publisher or the program.
  • Choose any relevant files or folders, then hit Delete. To prevent unintentionally erasing important data, make sure you're only deleting the pertinent files.

You can maintain a clean and optimized system by removing these files.

This part can help many people uninstall software more efficiently. Don't hesitate to share this information with others. Click the buttons below to share it on your social media.

 

Solution 3. Delete Leftover Files from Program Files

The Programme Files folder only contains leftover files from uninstalled software. Manual deletion of these files will help free up space and maintain system integrity.

Follow the below-given directions for removing any last files from Programme Files:

  • Press Win plus E to open File Explorer.
  • From "This Computer," access the C drive.
  • Find and open the Program Files folder. If your system is 64-bit, check the Program Files (x86) folder.

  • Search the Programme Files (and Programme Files (x86) folder for folders holding uninstalled programs. Usually, these folders take the name of the publisher or the program.
  • Press delete to remove the selected files.

If you encounter errors below, click the links to get more details.

Solution 4. Erase Temporary Files from Program Files

While uninstalling programs, temporary files can be created and occupy valuable space on the computer. Eliminating these temporary files helps to keep your computer running as intended.

Here's how to find and remove temporary files:

  • Win + E to open File Explorer.
  • Go to This PC and launch the C: drive.
  • Start with the Temp folder, then the Windows folder.
  • Press Ctrl + A to choose every file in the Temp folder.

  •  Delete the respective chosen files.

You might need administrator rights to delete some files, so verify any suggested actions.

Solution 5. Remove Leftover Registry Keys 

Uninstalling programs may cause the related registry keys to not always be deleted, which would cause system clutter and maybe conflicts. Removing these extra registry keys will help to keep your system in good running order.

Use these instructions to delete extra registry keys:

Backing up the Windows Registry helps you to prevent possible problems before changing anything.

  • Press Win + R to launch the Run dialogue; type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Look for File > Export in the Registry Editor.
  • Select a site to save the backup, name the file, and click Save.
  • Press Win + R to start the Run dialogue; type regedit, then press Enter to access the Registry Editor.

  • Go to Halky_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE and Halky_CURRENT_USER > SOFTWARE in the Registry Editor.
  • Search among directories about the uninstalled programs. These are usually called after the program or its publisher.
  • On the folder connected to the uninstalled program, right-click and choose to delete.

Solution 6. Use Disk Clean-up Tool

Disc Clean-up is a built-in Windows utility that lets you remove temporary files and other trash from your system. This utility might help you increase the performance of your system and release space.

Use Disc Clean-up following these guidelines:

  • Click Start Menu and type Disc Clean-up in the search bar.
  • Open the utility by choosing Disc Clean-up from the result list.
  • Usually, C: Pick the drive you wish to clean up and press OK.

  • Disc Clean-up will figure out the space you could free up. This might take some time.
  • In the Disc Clean-up window, check the boxes under Temporary files and Recycle Bin for the kinds of files you wish to discard.
  • Click on Clean up system files for a more exhaustive cleanup. This option eliminates extra files, including past Windows Update files.
  • To begin the clean-up, click OK and Delete Files to confirm.

Conclusion

It is essential to remove any remaining files created during the uninstall process to keep your system tidy and functional. Although they can be time-consuming and dangerous, manual techniques like wiping AppData, Programme Files, temporary files, and registry keys can be helpful. EaseUS Todo PCTrans is an ideal tool that guarantees that programs are fully removed without any traces. You can maintain a clean, efficient system by using this dependable tool.

Remove Leftover Files After Uninstalling Software FAQs

1. Where do uninstalled program files go?

You usually delete most program files when you uninstall them. However, some files and directories may remain in AppData, Program Files, and the Windows Registry. Over time, these residual files can take up space and clash with subsequent installations. Manually or with EaseUS Todo PCTrans, these residues can be removed completely, maintaining system performance.

2. How to make sure a program is completely uninstalled?

To guarantee a program is fully uninstalled:

1. Use tools like EaseUS Todo PCTrans to help eliminate all program components—including hidden files and registry entries—from a machine.

2. After uninstallation, manually examine and remove the remaining files from AppData, Programme Files, and the Windows Registry.

3. Run Disc Clean-up to remove other system trash and temporary files.

4. Carefully remove any remaining program-related registry keys; back up the registry before altering anything.

These guidelines will help guarantee that a program is completely deleted from your system, eliminating undesired items.

3. How do I completely uninstall a program?

To completely uninstall a program, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to Programmes > Uninstall a program when the Control Panel opens.
  • After choosing the program to remove, click Uninstall.
  • Install programs such as EaseUS Todo PCTrans for effective removal.
  • Use the utility to uninstall the software and eliminate related files and registry entries.
  • Examine and remove any residual files from Programme Files and the AppData folder.
  • To get rid of temporary files, use Disc Clean-up.
  • Press Win + R, type regedit, then hit Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
  • Locate and remove any registry keys associated with the removed software. Before making any changes, remember to make a registry backup.

By employing these techniques, you can be sure that a program has been entirely removed from your system.