Uninstaller software - yes or no?

[xenon20]

Hi All,

Just wondering if you use any kind of installer/uninstaller software?

I have now started using winget to install / uninstall most things, but there are certain software that can't be found via winget, so I have to download and install those manually.

In the past I have used Revo Uninstaller which tracks what the installer has done and removes leftover traces when uninstalling etc.

Do you think it's necessary or advisable to use such a tool for manual installers?

If so, what do you use? Can you recommend a lightweight and modern tool which is not 'snake oil' ?

Thanks,
X20

 

[Energize]

Nope, never used one myself and I cant see an uninstaller making a practical benefit, but I'm prepared to be corrected if wrong.

 

[throwaway4372]

My take is if things have gone wrong enough to be considering this then I may as well do a clean windows install.

 

[Energize]

My take is if things have gone wrong enough to be considering this then I may as well do a clean windows install.

This. Same approach I take. Just blow it away.

 

[Glanza]

Only time I've ever had to use Revo etc is to tidy up left entries when the usual uninstall doesn't work for whatever reason.

 

[zaniro]

I do not use any third party software. A clean install would be my preferred option if system performance issues arise.

 

[xenon20]

Only time I've ever had to use Revo etc is to tidy up left entries when the usual uninstall doesn't work for whatever reason.

In my experience, default uninstallers almost never remove all of the associated folders and registry items, but it sounds like most people don't mind that. I just find it annoying to have leftovers from things I've uninstalled.

My take is if things have gone wrong enough to be considering this then I may as well do a clean windows install.

My thinking was that if you could use a tool to monitor the installation changes, then when you click uninstall you'd be back to the same scenario before you installed it. No traces. Surely that would be a good thing?

Maybe it's just OCD, and I should care less

 

[embalse]

Manual uninstall.
Uninstall if the program has specific uninstall app
Program dedicated to uninstalling programs
Clean install

In that order
.
.

 

[j.col]

I have used Revo for years, i like the peace of mind that there are no left over files.

 

[The_Arbiter]

I tend to go with the prevention approach, avoiding installing where possible.

Windows these days is its own worst enemy. It tends to be break itself more than left over registry entries from installers that break it.

 

[bledd]

My take is if things have gone wrong enough to be considering this then I may as well do a clean windows install.

Yup.

Rule number 1, install only what you need.

 

[nade]

I also try and always use a "portable" version of an app if it's available rather than using winget or other installers.

I expect there to be registry entries created, but at least any files required are normally contained within the folder.

 

[Blackjack Davy]

Only time I've ever had to use Revo etc is to tidy up left entries when the usual uninstall doesn't work for whatever reason.

In that case I'll just manually do it myself including the registry

 

[Sirrel Squirrel]

I use Revo if something doesn't uninstall properly and it works very well

 

[Jenz]

+1 for Revo Uninstaller here.

 

[Spacedeck]

I don't use one. I think in the past I've had trouble uninstalling something, so I used one then but usually don't feel the need for them. If given an option now though, I much prefer to install portable apps.

 

[mrk]

Not essential but highly useful for anyone that actually cares about keeping reg entries and various folders free from remnant crap that is left behind by nearly all game installs after they are uninstalled. I used it all the time.

I then have a manual routine of checking recently updated key folders if the uninstalled game or app still has an empty folder left incase Revo had not picked that up which can happen too.

Which is where my Maintenance folder comes in:

 

[Shergar]

Add me to the list of satisfied Revo Uninstaller users, saved my backside a few times in work when end users have completely messed up some bit of third party software they tried to update

 

[Tee Hee Johnson]

I use chocolatey, easy for installing, updates and uninstalling