Free uninstaller software for Windows
Revo Uninstaller is a utility that removes files from Microsoft Windows devices. Apart from uninstalling programs, it deletes files that operating system tools left behind in the Registry. This program cleans out temporary folder files, entries from the startup folder, browser history, and cache, and recently opened file list. A portable version of the program is also available. Revo Uninstaller can now be used on Windows 11 too.
Third-party software for full uninstallation
Most Windows users uninstall programs using their Control Panels. However, there are reasons why third-party applications are handy to have as an addition.
On Windows, installers create directories in your Program Files and scatter shortcuts across the system. They may also make extra changes and add files elsewhere, which makes it challenging for the system to get rid of everything on default mode.
Therefore, while not necessary, Revo Uninstaller is beneficial, especially if you tend to store a lot on your PC.
The UI
Revo Group designed this program with ease of use in mind. Once you launch it, the main interface will show you all the installed programs. The options and information about any are a right-click away.
To remove a program, all you need to do is select one. Revo Uninstaller will then launch its thorough removal process and create a backup point in case of a mistake.
During its removal in your Registry, it uses a wizard approach. The software prompts you to select the files you wish to be removed at each step.
Program removal
There are two ways of removing files using Revo Uninstaller - Drag and Drop, as explained above, and Hunter mode.
The Hunter mode is ideal for getting rid of those silent, unknown programs that you wouldn't normally be able to find. You get a target icon that you place over a file or folder you want to be removed.
Functionalities
Revo Uninstaller is packed with handy features and functionalities. Primarily, it removes software and programs from your PC, but it can also uninstall built-in Windows apps.
You'll find eight extra cleaning tools, each with its handy usage. The Autorun Manager controls what you see on startup, and the Windows Tools bar shows you all the tools in one place.
As regards cleaners, there are those for junk, unnecessary files, browser history, Microsoft Office history, and confidential data.
Finally, you can choose to perform an unrecoverable deletion, which permanently erases the files and folders.
Performance
This program shows excellent, smooth, and quick performance. All it lacks is a bundleware remover and a software updater to take all the work away from your hands.
Note also that Revo Uninstaller is only for Windows devices. If you want an excellent alternative for Mac, try AppZapper.
Portable version
The main differences between the installable and portable versions of Revo Uninstaller are the license and portability.
With portable, only the user gets the license. Otherwise, it's designed to work from an external USB device. That way, you can run it on any computer, leaving no traces on the Registry or hard drive.
Safety and security
When it comes to using this program to get rid of files from your PC, it's safe. It performs well and deletes clutter. The only software that is not the best is security, as uninstalling it requires specific tools.
As regards security, Revo Uninstaller doesn't gather any sensitive data, nor does it sell any personal data it receives to third parties.
Free vs. Paid
Revo Uninstaller comes in three versions. You can use it free of charge while still receiving most of its benefits. Alternatively, you can opt for the Pro version with a free trial, and the Portable Pro.
The extras you receive once you go pro are the removal of browser extensions, extended scanning, quick and multiple removals, the force uninstall feature, and real-time monitoring of your system.
If you're looking for a 100% free application, Bulk Crap Uninstaller is open-source and quick, offering more than the free version of Revo.
App Cleaner is another free alternative you could go for if you don't need a plethora of features. Finally, Wise Program Uninstaller is quite safe, free, and able to repair programs.Other important alternatives to Revo Uninstaller are IObit Uninstaller, CCleaner, and Ashampoo Uninstaller.
Replacement and supplement
Revo Uninstaller is a highly functional third-party app for removing anything you no longer want on your Windows device and one of the best such tools on the market. It acts as an assistant to your built-in system uninstaller, scanning for the leftovers, and getting rid of everything in the process. Be sure to purchase the full version if you want to experience the entirety of what this program can do, though.
User reviews about Revo Uninstaller
by Beninu Andersen
Just to correct some misleading information being spread on this thread:
This does all the things Windows uninstall does NOT! They are not in any way comparable.
When installing a program with REVO uninstaller running, a complete snapshot of your system including appdata, program folders, user profiles, registry database, and much more is generated. And after installation is complete another snapshot is created. After installation is complete, REVO compares the two snapshots, and makes a list of everything that has changed between the before- and after-snapshot, and save this information to the database of all software installed with REVO running in the background during install. That way REVO knows exactly where to look when asked to uninstall. When REVO uninstalls it does three things:
1) it creates a system restore point so you can always return to the computers settings as it were before uninstalling.
2) It starts by running the built-in uninstaller first and after normal uninstall is done REVO make a lookup in the database it keeps of all programs installed with REVO to see if there are leftovers, both in the filesystem and in registry - which there always is, and removes these as well.
3) Finally it scans the filesystem and registry for any additional leftovers that might have been added since the installation snap-shot was created (such as files added during an update of the software), and if more leftovers are found in either RegDB and file system you can opt to remove these as well.
Apparently there are still people out there that think uninstalling a program removes all of it's content from the computer. Personally I often see that a conventional uninstallation of a program leaves up towards 50% of the folders, files and Registry entries behind, that are invisible to the user, but which definitely will slow down the computer.
This is the main reason computers gets increasingly slow as time goes by, because the Registry grows bigger and bigger each time some app or software is installed, and the uninstallation doesn't remove it. Many people are apparently oblivious to the amount of leftovers you will find in the registry and in users appData folders and in program folders, when you are done uninstalling. Many have found themselves frustrated as their computer gets slower by the day, and they are even more frustrated when they don't see any improvements when uninstalling a bunch of apps.
Just to correct some misinformation on this thread: This does all the things Windows uninstall does NOT! They are not in any way comparable.
This is by NO means just an extension of the conventional uninstall function in Windows. This is a completely different functionality.
And even programs installed before you started using REVO uninstaller are also easily removed and REVO does a very decent job of finding leftovers from the program in registry and in the filesystem, due to regular update of software definitions in REVO so it will recognize 90% of the things the regular uninstall doesn't find.
Pros.
Keeps your registry and system folders clean.
Automatically creates a new restore point each time you install or uninstall software, so you don't have to remember.
Prevents buildup of Registry residue and leftover flies and folders.
Extremely simple to use.
Cons.
MoreIf you install REVO uninstaller as the first thing after a clean install it will keep a database of everything installed, but if it is installed much later it has to rely on scanning for programs installed before REVO was installed on your computer. (Still better than a regular uninstall though).
It can have troubles finding small residues if an update made after the initial install has added extra files that was not present in the installation before the update. (These files will 90% of the time still be found by analysis anyway)
REVO is not good with installations that require multiple reboots to finalize. REVO stops the procedure of registering changes when a computer reboots. If it is only one reboot it shouldn't matter as this is usually just made to initialize some drivers and services that has been installed, and not something that makes fundamental changes in the file system or registry. (This is in my opinion the biggest downside to REVO, as this is not something that they shouldn't be able to handle. It would be a small thing to create the "after" snapshot on the other side of a reboot, and thereby being able to create a list of all changes made - no matter how many reboots it takes to install a program. The program lacks a feature to delay the "after" snapshot so you get a registration of all changes made to the system).
by Bill Thomson
For a layman man like me and my, hum age I find it so easy to use & everything is wiped clean myself my age group, it is purfect. !!!!!
Moreby Anonymous
Don't need.
MoreEverybody says that it's very useful, but the default uninstaller in Windows does everything I need in the same fashion.
Pros: ???
Cons:
Does exactly what Windows uninstaller
by Anonymous
solution for reappearance of programs .
Morevery nice it solves my problem to get rid of program which appears back after uninstall from control panel
by Anonymous
Very Handy and Helpful Software!.
MoreThis is an awesome software! :) It really comes in handy. I was able to uninstall this program that wouldn't come out even when I clicked uninstall. Though with Revo Uninstaller, it came out in a matter of a few minutes. Now my computer has more space.
by Anonymous
Education.
MoreREVO is powerfull. No doubt. Leftover keys are in registry. I used your Forced-uninstall. It found the key. I selected to delete, but it did not. I do not dare to select red H-KEYS. Shall I? Please guide how to get them deleted.
Pros:
talib-hussain@hotmail.com While your REVO assures that the left obver key is deleted, it in fact did not. Where I am failing? please guide.
Cons:
not every user is very clever. small hint beside the action-window is needed, how much to select for the key, otherwise I cannot dare to select H-KEYS shown in red Red.