Sometimes, when we uninstall a program from our Windows PC, we think everything has been removed. But when we open the C drive, we may still find folders and files related to that software. These leftover files can take up storage space, and sometimes they can cause problems when we try to install the same application again. You may also face issues where an app is not uninstalling, software is not removing properly, or a program folder is not deleting even after uninstalling it.
In this guide, I will show you how to completely uninstall apps and remove leftover files and folders from Windows 11 and Windows 10. We will use built-in Windows tools, so you don't need to install any additional software.
1. Uninstall the Software Using Control Panel
First, uninstall the program properly from Windows. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter. The Programs and Features window will open, showing the list of installed programs on your PC. Find the application you want to remove, select it, click Uninstall, and follow the instructions on the screen until the process is complete. If you are using Windows 11 and cannot find the application here, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, click the three-dot menu next to the app, and select Uninstall.
Once the uninstallation is complete, some files and folders may still remain on your computer. Don't worry, we will check these locations in the next steps.
2. Delete Leftover Program Files From the C Drive
After uninstalling the application, open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E and go to C:\Program Files. Look for a folder with the name of the software you just uninstalled. If you find one and are sure it belongs to that application, right-click it and select Delete. Now go back to the C drive, open Program Files (x86), and check for the same application's folder. If you find any leftover files or folders that clearly belong to the uninstalled software, you can delete them as well.
Sometimes Windows shows an error when you try to delete a folder, saying the file or folder is currently in use. In that case, restart your PC and try deleting it again. If the problem continues, check whether a related application process is still running or whether you have permission to delete the folder. Never delete the entire Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder, and don't remove folders belonging to other installed applications.
3. Remove Leftover Files From AppData
Some applications save their settings, cache files, and other data in the AppData folder. These files may remain even after uninstalling the program. To check them, press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter. Look for a folder related to the software you removed. If you find one and are sure it belongs to that application, right-click it and select Delete.
Next, press Windows + R again, type %localappdata%, and press Enter. Look for the same application's folder and remove it if you are certain it is no longer needed. These two locations can contain leftover files, but they may also contain saved settings, personal data, or projects. So, before deleting anything, make sure you don't need the files inside. If you are unsure about a folder, leave it alone.
4. Delete Temporary Files Using Windows Settings
Windows stores temporary files that can take up unnecessary storage space over time. To clean them, press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to System > Storage > Temporary files. Wait for Windows to scan the files, review the available categories, and select the temporary files you want to remove. Before clicking Remove files, check whether the Downloads option is selected. If you have important files in your Downloads folder, uncheck that option to avoid deleting them accidentally.
Once you have reviewed the selections, click Remove files and let Windows finish the cleanup. This can help free up storage space, although it may not remove every leftover file associated with an uninstalled application.
5. Remove Leftover Software Entries From Registry Editor
Some applications may leave Registry entries behind after uninstallation. You can check these entries, but be very careful because deleting the wrong Registry key can cause software problems or affect Windows. This step is optional, and if you are not comfortable using Registry Editor, you can skip it.
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes. In Registry Editor, expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, then expand SOFTWARE and look for a key clearly related to the application you uninstalled or its developer. Before making any changes, select the relevant key and choose File > Export to create a backup. Only if you are completely sure that the key belongs exclusively to the uninstalled application should you consider deleting that specific key.
Important: Never delete the entire SOFTWARE key or unfamiliar entries related to Microsoft, Windows, drivers, or other installed applications. If you cannot identify an entry with confidence, leave it as it is. You do not need to clean the Registry to complete the other methods in this guide.
Final Words
These are the simple methods you can use to completely uninstall apps and remove leftover software files in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Start by uninstalling the program through Control Panel or Settings, then check Program Files, Program Files (x86), and AppData for folders that belong to the removed application. You can also clean temporary files through Windows Settings to free up storage space.
If an app is not uninstalling or its leftover folder is not deleting, try restarting your PC and checking again. If the problem continues, use the software's official uninstaller or an appropriate Windows troubleshooting option. Always be careful when deleting files manually, especially in Registry Editor, because removing the wrong files can create new problems. By following these steps carefully, you can clean up unnecessary files and keep your Windows PC organized without using paid software.
