Time to Complete (in minutes): 10
- Question:
- How do I remove a program in Windows XP/Vista/7/8?
- Answer:
-
Disclaimer: These instructions, or part(s) of them, are out of date and no longer supported by 4Help. For more information, see
Currently Supported Versions.
Notes:
- The preferred method for removing programs from Windows is through the Add/Remove Programs utility. Dragging files and folders to the Recycle Bin can cause system errors or your computer to stop responding.
- Depending upon your system configuration and the method in which a particular program was originally installed, you may need computer administrator privileges to complete this process. If you do not have an account with computer administrator privileges, contact your departmental computer support technician or the person who originally configured your computer.
- There are some programs, such as Internet Explorer, that you cannot remove using the Add/Remove Programs utility. Refer to your software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for more information.
To uninstall a program:
- Go to the Control Panel.
- In XP/Vista/7:
- Click the Start button.
- Select Control Panel.
- In 8:
- On the Start screen, type: control panel
- Click the Control Panel tile.
- View the list of programs.
- In XP, click the Add or Remove Programs link.
- In Vista/7/8, under Programs, click the Uninstall a program link.
- Select the program you want to uninstall.
- Start the removal process.
- If prompted:
- In Vista, click the Continue button.
- In 7, click the Yes button.
- In 8, click OK.
- Follow the on-screen instructions specific to each program.
Notes:
- If you get an error saying that an instance of the program you want to remove is in use, end the task. For more information, see Ending a Task in Windows XP/Vista/7/8 (http://answers.vt.edu/kb/entry/2466/).
- If prompted by the Remove Shared File window, click the No to All button.
