High-quality program removal. IObit Unlocker - a program for forcibly deleting undeletable files and folders

Uninstallers (programs for removing programs) are an integral part of the process of optimizing the operating system, as they can free up significant resources for the operating system.

Unlike the standard uninstallation system, uninstallers often have advanced functionality. In addition to simple removal, they can search for remnants of deleted programs, perform forced removal (in cases where the program cannot be removed using standard means), as well as a number of other capabilities.

Below are the best removal programs that you can download to your computer and use instead of the standard removal tool.

Soft Organizer is a utility for removing (uninstalling) unnecessary programs and searching for their traces (residues) that remain after the normal removal process. To do this, you need to run program removal from Soft Organizer. In this case, the trace search process starts automatically after normal deletion.

08/15/2018, Anton Maksimov

Uninstallers have become the norm for Windows users. This is due to the fact that programs often leave a large number of files and folders on the disk that hang like dead weight. And the more applications the user installs and deletes on his PC, the more unnecessary traces remain on the system as dead weight.

06.26.2018, Anton Maksimov

The Uninstall Tool is perfect for conservative users who like the classic appearance of Windows XP-style programs. As for the functionality, it is very typical for programs of this type and includes a basic set of tools for searching for traces of uninstalled programs and a startup manager.

05/11/2018, Anton Maksimov

Total Uninstall is a utility for removing unnecessary programs with the function of tracking the installation of new programs, support for modern Windows applications (from the Microsoft Store), the function of cleaning the system from temporary and other unnecessary files, as well as a startup manager.

The program can display a list of all traces of the selected program using the “Details” button on the toolbar. These include traces on the disk, in the system registry, as well as services and devices. It can be very useful for analyzing applications, as it can show all the services associated with the selected program.

In our work, we focus on free and, even more often, open source software. In this post, we will talk about the free, but unfortunately not yet open source software Revo Uninstaller. This program will allow you to easily uninstall (remove) other software installed on your computer. The developer claims that Revo Uninstaller will be able to remove a program even if Windows cannot remove it through the Control Panel (Add/Remove Programs). Moreover, Revo Uninstaller is the most powerful and fastest alternative to the standard Windows uninstaller tool.

12/14/2017, Anton Maksimov

The standard program uninstallation tool does not always completely remove applications installed on the system. Some files and records remain there as dead weight. This does not cause serious damage to Windows until too much of this data accumulates. Residues from programs in the form of files can seriously reduce disk space, which can subsequently affect system performance. To prevent this from happening, there are various applications for completely removing programs.

One of these programs is called GeekUninstaller and it is designed to remove unnecessary programs and then search for and remove traces of these programs on the computer. The utility's interface is quite ascetic and simple. All you need to do is select the application and click the “Delete” button.

11.21.2017, Anton Maksimov

Wise Program Uninstaller is a utility for completely removing programs and traces of them that remain after normal uninstallation. The utility is very easy to use and does not require additional knowledge to operate. It works according to the classic scenario: first, a regular deletion is carried out, and then the remnants of the program are searched and deleted in the system.

Quite often, users are faced with the inability to delete a file, folder or program. When trying to delete, the user receives this: message:

Always like this error due to the fact that the file or folder busy another program. For example, a folder contains a document that is currently open. Accordingly, it will not be possible to delete the folder until the document is closed.

The same goes for programs, which for one reason or another are currently working.

But there are more complex cases when nothing is running on the PC, but it is not possible to delete the necessary element. We will consider such cases.

Basic removal methods

Before resorting to “heavy artillery” in the role of specialized software, you can try simple methods eliminating non-removable elements:

If none of the methods listed above helped, move on to the next section.

No access rights

Sometimes it happens that a local user simply does not have enough rights to the object being deleted.

To change permissions for the file you need:

At this point the setup is complete, you can try deleting it.

Unlocker for removal

If none of the methods help, then move on to using programs. The most popular application is Unlocker. It can be found on the developer's website. Complete software for free.

The application allows unlock non-deletable file and get rid of it.

There are two versions of the program - installable And portable.

Portable version allows you to use the program without installation, which is quite convenient if you don’t plan to use it in the future.

The operating algorithm is quite simple:

In cases where the file is occupied by a system process, the program will offer reboot computer. We agree and wait for removal.

Other software

There are several analogues the program described above, although there are quite a few of them.

One of the most popular is iObitUnlocker. It is included in the iObit application package. All actions in it are similar to Unlocker.

Another application - Deadlock. It's also easy to use.

Let's launch program and look for the element needed to remove.

Then right-click on the element in the list and select Unlock – Remove.

No further actions are required.

How to remove uninstallable programs

Programs may also refuse to be removed. You come across software that simply no delete function from a computer. In this case, you can use the following utilities:

As a rule, when you remove software, a certain amount of junk data remains on your computer's hard drive. These can be entire folders and individual files in the places where the software was installed, configuration elements in user folders and entries in the registry database.

If you want to remove everything completely, it is better to rely on the help of the appropriate utilities. However, not every junk removal program actually does a complete cleanup. For this reason, we have selected the best uninstallers and present them to you in this article.

3 best uninstallers

IObit Uninstaller: reliable and high quality

Also very popular is IObit Uninstaller, which, first of all, very reliably and efficiently removes programs you do not need. With the help of this free software, you can even get rid of various toolbars that you might once have installed by pure chance. As with other uninstallers, we recommend that you consider creating a system restore point before using this software.

Geek Uninstaller: You don’t even have to install it

The second most popular uninstaller is GeekUninstaller. The concept of the program itself is especially wonderful: it does not need to be installed directly on your PC's hard drive. In addition, with this utility you can also clean the registry of debris. Just remember to back up your data before doing this.

Revo Uninstaller: limited features in the free version

At the very bottom of our preference rankings is Revo Uninstaller. What we like about this utility is the ease of use - uninstalling programs is quick and easy. In addition, you are offered a large amount of additional information about the relevant software. Of course, you will have to put up with some limited functionality compared to the paid version of the utility.

Chip output:

Modern operating systems such as Windows 10 are no longer prone to becoming full of junk data very quickly. However, it makes sense to keep the system on a diet and periodically clean it up.

Warning: If you decide to use an uninstaller, be careful, as even the best utilities do only what they were designed to do: completely delete data from the hard drive. If the necessary files are among this data, this can lead to trouble. So first, save a copy of your important files, preferably on an external storage device.

You can choose a suitable external hard drive for storing backups in our corresponding ratings and drives.

I will present an overview of the best, in my opinion, programs designed to remove other programs installed on the computer. The programs presented in this list can claim the title of “best uninstaller”.

Uninstaller programs are programs for removing other programs, designed to completely remove all traces of the uninstalled program from the operating system.

Uninstalling programs using Windows does not always allow you to completely clear your computer of the program being removed. Traces of the application remain on the computer: registry entries, data folders, etc. Therefore, there is a need to use a specialized program.

I have compiled a review of the best program uninstallers for the Windows operating system based on my experience. I am familiar with all these programs, I have used some or continue to use them for a long time. I think that getting to know these applications will be useful for visitors to my site.

Many of the programs presented here have additional features that significantly expand the functionality of the software. This review does not include “harvesters” - computer optimization programs (AVG PC TuneUp, Advanced SystemCare, Ashampoo WinOptimizer, Wise Care 365, etc.) that have special modules for removing programs, because these are programs of a broader profile.

Most of the best programs designed to remove installed programs from your computer are paid, some applications are free.

Revo Uninstaller Pro

Revo Unstaller Pro is a powerful uninstaller program with additional functionality. Revo Uninstaller Pro has three program removal modes, which create a system restore point and a full copy of the registry. Forced removal of programs is possible; the program has a unique “hunter” mode for removing applications that are not in the list of installed programs.

Revo Uninstaller Pro has a mode for tracking the installation of programs on your computer. In the future, if the program is uninstalled, all changes made by the program will be deleted, and the application will be completely deleted.

Revo Unistaller Pro includes additional utilities for cleaning your computer from unnecessary files, startup manager, browser cleaner, office application cleaner, fatal deletion tool, etc.

Currently, on my computer, I use Revo Uninstaller Pro to uninstall programs from Windows. You can read a detailed review of the Revo Uninstaller Pro program.

There is a free version of the Revo Uninstaller Free program, which you can read about using by clicking here.

Revo Uninstaller is produced by VS Revo Group.

Total Uninstall is one of the best uninstaller programs. Using a special module, the installation of the program on the computer is monitored and snapshots of the registry are taken. Thanks to this, in the future the program will be completely removed from the computer.

Total Uninstall implements batch removal of programs, has a startup manager, and a function for removing junk files.

For a long time I used the Total Uninstall program as my main program for removing programs from the operating system.

The Total Uninstall program was created by a developer from Romania, Gavrila Martau.

iObit Uninstaller

The free iObit Uninstaller program is used to completely remove unnecessary programs from your computer. The program has the following features: deleting programs and unnecessary folders, batch deleting programs, “powerful scanning” mode, permanent deletion, deleting toolbars and plug-ins in browsers, managing applications and Windows settings, forced deletion.

You can find out more about the capabilities of the iObit Uninstaller program in the article.

The iObit Uninstaller program is produced by the Chinese company iObit, the developer of popular programs: Advanced SystemCare, iObit Driver Booster, and other software.

The Uninstall Tool uses an installation monitor to monitor the installation of new programs in order to completely remove all traces of installed applications in the future. Uninstall Tool has a simple and intuitive interface.

The program has a forced uninstall function, it is possible to manage programs in startup, and batch uninstallation of programs is implemented.

The Uninstall Tool program is produced by the American company CrystalIDEA Software.

Ashampoo UnInstaller is a powerful program for removing programs installed on the operating system. The program has an application installation tracking mode for further complete removal of all traces of the installed program.

In addition to removing programs, Ashampoo UnInstaller includes a large number of additional tools with which you can optimize your computer: clear your hard drive of temporary files, optimize the registry, clear Internet history: delete cache, cookies, delete empty folders, delete unnecessary fonts, defragment the hard drive, manage Windows services, autostart, change file associations, etc.

Ashampoo UnInstaller was created by the German company Ashampoo, a well-known software manufacturer: , Ashampoo Burning Studio, Ashampoo Photo Commander, etc.

There is a detailed article about on my website.

The Soft Organizer program (formerly known as Full Uninstall) is designed to completely remove programs installed on your computer. The application monitors all changes that occur during the installation of the program on the computer. This allows you to completely uninstall unnecessary software.

Using the program, you can detect traces of previously deleted applications for their complete removal using Soft Organizer. The program removes universal Windows applications, uninstalls several programs at once, checks for new versions of programs, etc.

You can read more about using the Soft Organizer program.

The manufacturer of the Soft Organizer program, the Russian company ChemTable Software is known for its applications: , .

Advanced Uninstaller Pro is a free application uninstaller. The program monitors the installation of a new program, and then, when it is uninstalled, uninstalls all changes made from the computer.

Advanced Uninstaller Pro has additional tools: startup manager, registry optimization, deleting temporary files, cleaning the Start menu, managing fonts, working with browsers: clearing the cache, removing extensions and toolbars, etc. The program has extensive functionality, uninstalling programs is just one of the functions.

The Advanced Uninstaller Pro program was developed by the Romanian company Innovative Solutions, the application works in English (including other languages, Russian is not supported).

Wise Program Uninstaller is a simple free program for removing applications installed on your computer. This is a pure uninstaller without additional features.

Wise Program Uninstaller has only three uninstall modes: secure uninstall, smart uninstall to remove programs that cannot be uninstalled, and changing the application installation path.

The Wise Program Uninstaller program is produced by the Chinese company Wise Cleaner, developer of the following programs: Wise Care 365, Wise Registry Cleaner, Wise Folder Hider and many other applications.

Read more about working with Wise Program Uninstaller.

Other uninstaller programs

In this part of the article I will mention a few more programs that deserve attention. These programs can be used on your computer if, for some reason, other applications are not suitable for you.

Your Uninstaller! PRO is a good uninstaller program. This application is not on the list of the best because the program has not been updated for a long time.

Your Uninstaller contains additional utilities: startup management, disk cleaning, Start menu cleaning, removal of traces of Internet activity, permanent deletion of files, access to Windows tools.

At one time I used the Your Uninstaller program and had a positive experience with it.

The Your Uninstaller program is developed by the American company URSoft.

Geek Uninstaller is a simple free program, sort of a free version of the Uninstall Tool. Geek Uninstaller is a portable program that can be run from removable media (flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).

Geek Uninstaller has a forced uninstall feature.

Read more about using Geek Uninstaller in the article.

The program developer is Thomas Koen from the Netherlands.

Bulk Crap Uninstaller

Bulk Crap Uninstaller is a free program for uninstalling applications from your computer. The program has an autorun manager, the user receives detailed information about the application being removed, silent uninstallation is possible, simultaneous removal of several programs, etc.

Read more about working with Bulk Crap Uninstaller.

The program was created by Polish developer Marcin Szeniak.

Conclusions of the article

In conclusion, a small reminder: do not use uninstaller programs to remove antiviruses from your computer. Because an antivirus is a special program that is closely integrated into the operating system.

The article provides an overview of the best, in my opinion, uninstaller programs: Revo Uninstaller Pro, Total Uninstall, iObit Uninstaller, Uninstall Tool, Ashampoo UnInstaller, Soft Organizer, Advanced Uninstaller Pro, Wise Program Uninstaller. Most programs, in addition to the function of uninstalling other programs, have additional modules that significantly expand the capabilities of the applications.

"Iobit Uninstaller is by far the best uninstaller for Windows that I have tested. If you want a program that removes applications without leaving a trace, then try Iobit Uninstaller. This free utility easily removes applications, including files left behind after uninstallation Software from your hard drive or SSD using Windows. Other free tools like Comodo Programs Manager and Revo Uninstaller perform similar functions, but Iobit Uninstaller is superior in that the manufacturer listens to user suggestions and the program removes annoying browser toolbars and plugins. In short, if you are using a Windows PC, you should download Iobit Uninstaller to uninstall applications."

PC Magazine

User Reviews

"IObit Uninstaller is probably one of the best software for removing unnecessary programs from your computer. Unlike the basic Windows uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller removes all leftover programs that can later reduce the performance of your PC. I have been using this program for several years and it works quickly my computer and cleans it of unnecessary files. I have recommended IObit Uninstaller to some of my friends in the past and would recommend it again today."

Sergey Erlich

User Reviews

"IObit Uninstaller is one of the best uninstallers. Easy to use, cleaning is fast and thorough. Since version 5, many features have appeared that are compatible not only with Windows 10. Quick cleaning of plugins is also very convenient. And the program does an excellent job of finding unused and duplicate applications. Thank you for your warm attitude towards our family's computers."