This wikiHow teaches you how to uninstall programs on a Windows 7 computer.
Steps
Step 1. Open the Start menu
To do this, click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen or press the ⊞ Win button on your computer.
Step 2. Click Control Panel
You should see this option on the right side of the Start window.
- If you don't see the option there Control Panel, type control panel in the search bar at the bottom of the Start window, and then click the result Control Panel.
Step 3. Click Uninstall a program
This link is below the icon Programs, which looks like a compact disc next to a box, and is in the main Control Panel window.
- If you don't see Uninstall a program, double-click the icon Programs and characteristics.
Step 4. Find and click the program you want to uninstall
Clicking on the program will select it.
If the program you want to remove is not listed, it may have its own uninstall tool, which you can find by typing the program name in Start and looking for the "Uninstall (program name)" option
Step 5. Click Uninstall
This button is just above the list of programs. Clicking there will usually open a pop-up window detailing the uninstallation process for the program.
Step 6. Follow the prompts on the screen
Each program has a slightly different uninstall process. Some will be uninstalled immediately after clicking the button Uninstall and others will require you to specify whether or not you want to save some temporary files. Once you complete those prompts, the program will uninstall.
In some cases, you will have to restart your computer after uninstalling the program before it disappears completely
Advice
Consider defragmenting your hard drive to improve your computer's performance before uninstalling any programs
Warnings
- If you try to uninstall a program and you get a message that says "Uninstalling this program could damage other programs," then you may not want to remove it unless you are sure it will not affect any other programs you are using.
- If you are unsure of the function of a program, do your research before uninstalling it. Some drivers that are necessary for the operation of the computer (for example, the drivers for the touch panel) appear as files that can be uninstalled.