Fix Please Wait Until Current Program Finished Uninstalling - How to Guide

Sherly updated on Nov 11, 2024 to PC Transfer | How-to Articles

Stuck with the 'Please wait until current program finished uninstalling' error? Learn how to fix it with our step-by-step guide and alternative solutions to successfully uninstall programs on your Windows PC.

Have you ever tried to uninstall a program on your computer? Did it get stuck, telling you to "please wait until the current program finished uninstalling"? This is an annoying error. This means the computer is waiting for some other program to finish installing or uninstalling before it can continue.

Unfortunately, one needs to remove programs to make space on your computer, get rid of clutter, and avoid other software problems. That's a frequent order when this happens.

In this post, EaseUS will show you how to fix the issue. There are a few methods, and all can help you remove the nagging error message while uninstalling your programs. If you find this information helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media to help them. 

 

Moreover, we will introduce a tool called EaseUS Todo PCTrans. It makes uninstalling programs easy and efficient. Let's get started!

How to Fix Please Wait Until Current Program Finished Uninstalling

Are you stuck with this error message? Worry not! We have you covered in the section below, breaking down the simplest methods for you to repair. You will also be introduced to a third-party power program uninstaller that may help you make this process a breeze for yourself.

Restart the PC

Sometimes, it only takes a simple reboot. You should restart the PC and try uninstalling the program a second time. This will close all background processes that could interfere with the uninstallation. If it still doesn't work, no problem—scroll down to find more solutions to fix this error.

Use the Free Program Uninstall Tool

If the restarting PC does not work, no worries. We have a better solution here. EaseUS Todo PCTrans will make uninstalling software hassle-free with its powerful program uninstaller. This user-friendly software is designed to suit a beginner who wants an easy, fast means of uninstalling programs without stress.

It profoundly removes software, excess files, and registry items that integrative uninstallers cannot do. It can help keep your computer clean and out of clutter, creating conflicts with other applications.

Here are the steps you can follow to uninstall programs:

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".)

The following are the advantages of using EaseUS Todo PCTrans:

  • User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate, even for those who aren't tech-savvy.
  • Easy to use: Uninstall software quickly with just a few clicks.

Ready to say goodbye to uninstallation headaches? Download this free program uninstaller now, and managing the program dependency will be a breeze.

Restart Windows Explorer

Another variant of the "Please wait until the current program finished uninstalling" error has to do with Windows Explorer's process. Check it out because we have an even shorter solution for you! It is quite simple: at times, restarting Windows Explorer helps. Here is how you do that:

Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.

Step 2: Go to the Processes tab, scroll down, and locate "Windows Explorer."

Step 3: Right-click on it and choose the option to "Restart".

This way, you will end the process of one or several stuck processes that are blocking the program from being uninstalled. After you restart Windows Explorer, try uninstalling the program. If you still can't uninstall the program, try the following method. 

Re-register Windows Installer using CMD

Windows Installer Service: This is used to install and uninstall applications. If it is stuck, it may give the message "Please wait until the current program has finished uninstalling." You can try re-registering Windows Installer Service from CMD.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R.

Step 2: Type in "cmd" and hit Enter.

Step 3: Type in the following commands and hit Enter after each command.

  • msiexec /unreg
  • msiexec /regserver

Now, after re-registering the Windows Installer service, you can give it a go and uninstall a program using cmd again.

Note* CMD needs to be handled carefully. If you type the wrong thing, it can easily cause issues with your system. 

If you found this note useful, please share it on social media to help others who might be facing the same issue.

 

Run Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

The Microsoft Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is a versatile utility for troubleshooting most issues related to installation and uninstallation. This troubleshooter can resolve the error "Please wait until the current program has finished uninstalling."

The troubleshooter can be enabled through the following steps.

Step 1: Log in to the Microsoft Support website and download the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

Step 2: Click the "Download" button to download the troubleshooter.

File name: MicrosoftProgram_Install_and_Uninstall.meta.diagcab

You have downloaded the file above. Run it and follow the on-screen instructions to launch the troubleshooter.

Step 3: Click "Next," then click the program on the list you intend to remove.

Proceed accordingly to finish the troubleshooting.

The troubleshooter will analyze what is amiss that doesn't let the program uninstall correctly.

Run this troubleshooter to find and eliminate any problems that could prevent the software from being uninstalled correctly. If the problem persists, then you can try the next solution.

Uninstall Software in Safe Mode

As a last-ditch effort, you may uninstall the program in Safe Mode. Safe Mode only loads a minimal complement of drivers and services, so this may bypass whatever was causing the problem since the program is getting uninstalled.

Way 1. Start your computer in Safe Mode.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select Settings.

Step 2: Click on Update & Security, and then on Recovery.

Step 3: Under the Advanced Startup option, click on Restart Now.

Step 4: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings and then click Restart.

Step 5: Press the F4 key to click Enable Safe Mode.

Way 2. Disabling the Program from Safe Mode

Here are the steps:

Step 1: While in Safe Mode, click on Settings > Apps > Apps & features

Step 2: Look for the program you'd like to uninstall and click on that program. Uninstall.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this.

Note: Some applications and programs cannot be uninstalled while the system is in Safe Mode. Use the application's in-built uninstaller, provided it is still functional, or a third-party uninstaller, such as EaseUS Todo PCTrans.

Perform a System Restore

At any rate, a System Restore could be tried to fix the issue.

You conduct a System Restore by restoring your OS to its restore point, wherein an action you took to trigger the removal glitch is undone. Steps to do a System Restore: 

Step 1: Press Win key + S and type into the search bar: "Create a restore point."

Step 2: Click "Create a restore point" to open another window, System Properties.

Step 3: Under the "Protection Settings" section, choose System Drive and click Configure.

Step 4: Select the "Turn on system protection" option.

Step 5: Hit the apply button and “OK”.

Now, go ahead and try again to uninstall this program.

System Restore does not impact personal files, though it could uninstall newly installed applications or drivers. You will need to reinstall the applications based on your needs. Please share this little tip for others who may not have noticed.

 

Disable Antivirus

Sometimes, the antivirus is the problem itself and interferes with uninstallation. So, if you are facing some issues, turn off your antivirus software for a while to see if that helps. Here is how to turn off Real Time protection in Windows Defender:

Step 1: Press the Windows key and select Settings.

Step 2: Go to the “Privacy & Security” options from the left panel. 

Step 3: Navigate and choose "Windows Security."

Step 4: Open Virus & Threat Protection.

Step 5: There will be an option under "Virus & threat protection settings" to "Manage settings," Click on it.

Step 6: Then "Real-time protection," click on the switch there to turn it off.

Using Third-Party Antivirus Software:

If it is anti-virus software, it will be found in the system tray, which is at the bottom-most right position of your screen.

Step 1: Right-click the icon of the anti-virus; then click on "Disable" or ".

Step 2: Click Yes to confirm that you want to shut down the software.

Conclusion

The error "Please wait until the current program finished uninstalling" can be very annoying, but luckily, there are a few ways to repair it. You can restart your PC, restart your Windows Explorer, re-register your Windows Installer, run your Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter, uninstall the software in Safe Mode, or even do a System Restore. In addition, if you need a safer and more efficient way, we recommend you use EaseUS Todo PCTrans. It uninstalls stubborn software, transfers programs from one PC to another, and cleans up leftovers.

Information on this page can be helpful to other users. Don't forget to share it on your social media so that other users can repair the annoying error.

 

Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling FAQs

If other questions are still bugging you, check this part for solutions.

1. Why is it taking so long to uninstall a program?

It's been too slow to uninstall. What are the factors? Maybe a huge program size, heavy system load, or maybe some conflict with other installed software makes it so? Please bear with it or use the above remedies to sort out the problem.

2. How do I stop uninstalling a program?

  • Bringing up the Task Manager with Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
  • Locating the installer process.
  • Clicking the "End Task" button in that window. 

3. How do I force uninstall a program?

  • In the search box on the taskbar, type Control Panel and select it from the results.
  • Select Programs > Programs and Features.
  • Press and hold (or right-click) on the program you want to remove and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. Then follow the directions on the screen.