Fix ‘Windows Cannot Find Uninstall.exe / Unins000.exe’ Error in Windows 11/10/8/7 (5 Ways)

Uninstalling programs that refuse to delete can be frustrating, especially when background processes or system errors interfere. Below, we’ve outlined proven methods to force-remove stubborn apps while optimizing your system’s performance.

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Method 1: Force Uninstall via Command Prompt

Use Command Prompt to bypass standard uninstallers:

Steps:

1. Launch Command Prompt with administrator rights: Search for ‘CMD’ in the Start menu, then right-click and select ‘Run as Administrator’.
2. List Programs: Run wmic > product get name to see installed apps.
3. Uninstall: Enter:
4. product where name=”Program Name” call uninstall Replace “Program Name” with the exact app title. Press Y to confirm.

Method 2: Restart the Windows Installer Service

The Windows Installer service manages app installations and removals. If disabled, restart it:

Steps:

1. Launch the Services window by pressing Windows + R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.
2. Restart the service by right-clicking on Windows Installer, selecting Properties, then clicking Stop followed by Start. Ensure Startup type is set to Automatic.
3. Re-register the Service (if needed):
   • Right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator,” then enter:
4. • msiexec /unreg msiexec /regserver
   • Restart your PC and attempt uninstallation again.

Method 3: Uninstall in Safe Mode

When background apps block uninstallation, Safe Mode—a Windows environment with only essential drivers—can help.

Steps:

1. Open Recovery Settings: Press Windows + I > Go to System (or Update & Security) > Recovery > Click Restart Now under Advanced Startup.
2. Access Safe Mode: After restarting, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Activate Safe Mode by pressing 4 or F4 when the options menu appears.
4. Uninstall the App: Once in Safe Mode, uninstall the problematic program via Settings > Apps.
5. Exit Safe Mode by rebooting your system in standard mode.

Method 4: Use Microsoft’s Troubleshooter

Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter automates fixes for broken installations.

Steps:

1. Download the tool directly from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Run the Troubleshooter: Select Uninstalling > Choose the target program (or Not Listed if missing).

1. Follow Prompts: Let the tool diagnose and resolve issues, then retry uninstallation.

Method 5: Force uninstalling a program / App using regedit (Registry Keys)

Caution: Editing the registry can cause system instability. Backup first!

Steps:

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Windows + R > Type regedit > Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

or

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

1. Remove Keys: Find the program’s entry > Right-click > Delete.
2. Restart Your PC and check if the program uninstalls.

Conclusion

Force-uninstalling stubborn programs doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you choose to boot into Safe Mode, restart essential services, use Microsoft’s troubleshooter, edit the registry, or run Command Prompt commands, each method targets common causes of uninstall failures. Start with the simpler solutions, and move to advanced steps only if necessary. Always back up your system before making major changes—and once the program is removed, consider cleaning up leftover files or running a system optimizer to keep your PC running smoothly.