How to Uninstall a Windows Program Safely

When you install a program on a PC, it invariably includes ancillary files scattered through your Windows folder. To remove a program completely, use the Add/Remove Programs utility.

Step 1 Check your documentation to see if the application has its own custom uninstall program, and use it if it's available.

Step 2 If not, open the Start menu and select Settings, then Control Panel.

Step 3 Double-click on Add/Remove Programs.

Step 4 Find the program you want, then click Add/Remove.

Step 5 In the box that appears, confirm to remove the program and click through the Wizard that follows.

Step 6 Consider using a third-party utility, such as Clean Sweep or Norton Utilities, to uninstall remnants of programs from your system.