How to Remove Programs Not Listed in the Control Panel

Normally, when you download software onto your computer, it will appear in the Control Panel. However, in some cases, certain software may not be visible in the Control Panel, making it difficult to uninstall. So, how can you uninstall software that isn’t in the Control Panel?

What is the Control Panel?

The Control Panel is an essential component of the Windows operating system. It allows users to adjust settings and customize software and hardware on their computers.

Through the Control Panel, you can permanently remove unused software and applications. Additionally, you can customize basic computer functions such as accessing and disconnecting networks, adjusting clocks, creating security passwords, and enabling automatic sleep mode.

Why are some software not in the Control Panel?

Typically, when you download software to your computer or laptop, it will appear in the Control Panel. However, there are instances where installed software does not appear in this control panel. There are several reasons for this, including installation errors, presence of malware, use of portable software, or failure to create registry keys.

How to uninstall software not in Control Panel

Here are several methods to uninstall software that is not in the Control Panel:

1. Delete the Registry of software not in the Control Panel

If the display name of the software exceeds 32 characters, it will not be shown in the Control Panel. You can resolve this issue by following these steps:

Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. In the Open box, enter regedit and click OK or press the Enter key to open the Registry Editor.

If prompted with “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device“, click Yes.

Step 2: Go to the address HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall.

Step 3: Double-click on the address line and change the name in the Value Name box, then click OK.

Step 4: Close the Registry Editor, and the application will now appear in the Control Panel, allowing you to proceed with the normal uninstallation process.

Learn more: What is the Registry? The most effective way to utilize the Registry

2. Use Unlocker software

Unlocker is a software tool used to remove stubborn files and can also aid in uninstalling software that is not in the Control Panel.

To uninstall, download the Unlocker software to your computer and run it. Then, select the folder of the software you want to uninstall and choose Delete.

3. Uninstall software using Windows Settings

Step 1: Press the Windows key on the keyboard and choose Settings.

Step 2: In the Settings, select Apps and then Apps and Features. Check if the software you want to uninstall appears in the list.

To uninstall, select Uninstall.

4. Check the uninstaller in the Programs Folder

Most installed software can be found in the C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) folders. You can navigate to these folders and search for the uninstaller (usually with the software icon and .exe extension) of the software you wish to uninstall. Run the uninstaller to remove the software.

5. Download and reinstall the software

An alternative method to uninstall software not found in the Control Panel on Windows 10 is to download and reinstall the software. During this process, the system will prompt you to uninstall the existing software before proceeding with the reinstallation.

6. Use uninstaller software

If the aforementioned methods fail to help in uninstalling unwanted applications, you may consider using specialized uninstaller software such as:

• Revo Uninstaller: Download link HERE.
• IObit Uninstaller: Download link HERE.
• Ccleaner: Download link HERE.
• Comodo Programs Manager: Download link HERE.
• ZSoft Uninstaller: Download link HERE.

There are multiple ways to uninstall software that doesn’t appear in the Control Panel. We hope these suggestions will be helpful to you.

Learn more: 7 ways to fix Control Panel not opening on Windows 11