If you need to recover uninstalled programs in Windows 10
Here you will find out:
- what happens when you uninstall programs
- how to recover uninstalled programs in Windows 10
- how DiskInternals Partition Recovery can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
How Do Programs Get Deleted from a Windows 10 PC?
- 1. Uninstalling through the Control Panel: Windows 10 provides a built-in feature called "Programs and Features" or "Apps & Features" in the Settings app. You can access this feature by searching for "Apps & Features" in the Start menu or by opening the Control Panel and selecting "Uninstall a program" under the "Programs" category. From there, you can select the program you want to remove and click on the "Uninstall" or "Remove" button. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
- 2. Uninstalling through the Start menu: Some programs may have an uninstaller shortcut in the Start menu or in their program folder. You can navigate to the program's folder in the Start menu, right-click on the program's icon, and select "Uninstall" or "Uninstall/change." This will launch the program's uninstaller, which will guide you through the removal process.
- 3. Using third-party uninstallers: There are third-party software uninstallers available that can help you remove programs more thoroughly. These tools can scan your system for installed programs and provide additional features such as removing leftover files and registry entries. Some popular third-party uninstaller tools include Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller.
- 4. Manually deleting program files: In some cases, you may be able to manually delete a program by navigating to its installation folder (usually located in the "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" directory) and deleting the program's files and folders. However, this method is not recommended unless you are certain about what you are deleting, as it can leave behind remnants or cause issues if not done correctly.
Where Do Uninstalled Programs Go?
When you uninstall a program from your Windows 10 PC, the program's files and associated components are typically removed from their original installation location. However, some programs may leave behind residual files or folders. Here are the common locations where uninstalled program data can be found:
- 1. Recycle Bin: If you uninstall a program by simply deleting its files, they may be moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. You can restore the program from the Recycle Bin if needed.
- 2. Temporary Files: Some programs create temporary files during installation or while running. These files are typically stored in the "Temp" or "Temporary" folder on your PC. When you uninstall the program, these temporary files may not be removed automatically.
- 3. AppData and ProgramData folders: Programs often store user-specific settings and data in the "AppData" folder for individual users or the "ProgramData" folder for all users. After uninstallation, some programs may leave behind files or folders in these locations.
- 4. Registry Entries: The Windows Registry contains information about installed programs. When you uninstall a program, its registry entries should be removed. However, sometimes remnants of the program's registry entries may remain, which can be cleaned up using specialized tools like registry cleaners.
What happens when you uninstall programs in Windows 10
Whether you’re using a third party application or the default “Programs and Features” option in Windows 10, once you click the Uninstall button and then confirm your action by clicking “OK” on the prompt, you will successfully remove a particular software or program from your computer.
When an app/software program is uninstalled, all the features and components of the app/program are deleted from the computer, and there’s no way to get those things back, unless you reinstall the app. Initially, people may choose to uninstall several programs to gain more space to install new ones or save some important files. But as time goes on, they may discover that they really needed those uninstalled programs. So how would they get them back, including the programs' files?
How to recover uninstalled programs in Windows 10
Method 1: From the Settings page
This method does not actually retrieve the uninstalled program; it only helps to fix the apps and programs that are malfunctioning and not running correctly.
- Press Windows key + I to launch the Settings page in Windows 10.
- Click on “System” or “Apps”.
- Then click on “Apps & features”.
- Select the malfunctioning app and click on the "Advanced options" link (Note: most PC apps/programs don’t support this feature).
- On the next prompt, select “Repair” if available. If you don’t see the “Repair” option, then click on “Reset” (if available).
Method 2: From the Control Panel
Similar to the method above, this method doesn't restore removed/uninstalled programs, but it repairs or fixes them.
- Launch the control panel by right-clicking on the Windows icon on the taskbar and selecting "Control Panel”.
- Go to “Programs” and then to “Programs and Features”.
- Select the program and click “Repair” from the options shown on the top bar. If “Repair” isn’t shown, then click on “Change.” (Some programs may not support either option.)
Method 3: Use System Restore
This action can actually get back uninstalled programs and their files. System Restore returns your computer to a previous state from a restore point. Thus, it retrieves all old programs that may have been uninstalled from the computer after the restore point was created, and at the same time, uninstalls new programs installed on the computer after the restore point was created.
System restore points are automatically created when you install new stuff (apps, drivers, OS updates, etc.) on a computer. You can also create restore points manually. When restoring your computer to a restore point, your files won't be affected; only third party programs, drivers, and updates may be affected.
- Right-click on the Windows icon on the taskbar and select "Control Panel".
- Search for "System Restore" and click on the "System" link from the search results.
- On the left pane, click on "System Protection."
- Now click on the "System Restore…" button.
- Choose a restore point and click "Next"
- Follow the instructions to restore your computer.
Method 4: Use DiskInternals Partition Recovery
Using DiskInternals Partition Recovery, you can easily recover all apps uninstalled on a computer without going through many steps. DiskInternals Partition Recovery is an advanced PC utility that helps to retrieve deleted or lost files, including program files that were deleted during uninstallation. This software is very intuitive and easy to use. You do not need advanced technical knowledge to use DiskInternals Partition Recovery.
How to Reinstall Uninstalled Apps on Windows 10/11?
To reinstall uninstalled apps on Windows 10 or Windows 11, you have a few options depending on how you originally acquired and installed the app. Here are some common methods:
1. Windows Store (Microsoft Store) Apps:
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows PC.
- Search for the app you want to reinstall using the search bar.
- Once you find the app, click on it to open its store page.
- Click on the "Install" or "Get" button to reinstall the app.
2. Desktop Apps (Installed via Installer or Setup File):
- If you have the original installer or setup file for the app, simply run the installer again.
- Locate the installer file on your PC (e.g., in your Downloads folder or where you previously saved it).
- Double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the app.
3. Pre-installed Apps (Built-in Windows Apps):
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows PC.
- Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select "My Library."
- In the "Ready to install" section, you'll find a list of apps that you previously installed but have since been uninstalled.
- Locate the app you want to reinstall and click on the "Install" button next to it.
4. Reinstalling from Backup:
- If you have a backup of your entire system or app-specific backups, you can restore the app from the backup.
- Use your backup software or system restoration tools to restore the app and its associated files.
How to Protect Windows 10/11 Programs from Accidental Deletion
To protect Windows 10/11 programs from accidental deletion, you can take the following precautions:
1. User Account Control (UAC): Enable and properly configure User Account Control, which prompts for permission before making changes to your system. This can help prevent accidental deletion by requiring administrative approval for certain actions.
2. Limited User Accounts: Avoid using an administrator account for everyday tasks. Create a standard user account for daily use and only switch to an administrator account when necessary. This reduces the chances of inadvertently deleting programs or making system changes.
3. Backup Important Data: Regularly back up your important files, including program installation files, settings, and data. In case of accidental deletion, you can restore the program using the backup.
4. Be Cautious When Deleting Files: Exercise caution when deleting files or folders. Double-check the items you intend to delete before confirming the action. Pay attention to confirmation prompts and read them carefully to avoid deleting important files or programs accidentally.
5. Use File/Folder Permissions: Adjust the file and folder permissions to restrict access or modification to critical program files. By limiting permissions to specific user accounts, you can reduce the risk of accidental deletion by unauthorized users or even yourself.
6. System Restore Points: Create regular system restore points, which capture a snapshot of your system's configuration. If a program is accidentally deleted, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state when the program was installed.
7. Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Install and keep your antivirus and anti-malware software up to date. They can help identify and prevent malicious programs or accidental deletion caused by malware.
8. Educate Users: Provide proper training and education to users who have access to the system. Teach them about the potential risks of deleting programs and the precautions to take.
FAQ
- Can I restore uninstalled programs?
In most cases, once a program has been uninstalled from your Windows 10/11 PC, it cannot be directly restored or recovered through built-in Windows features. When you uninstall a program, it is typically removed from the system and its associated files and configurations are deleted.
However, there are a few potential ways to restore uninstalled programs:
1. Reinstallation from the Original Source: If you have the original installation files or setup file for the program, you can reinstall the program using that. Locate the installer or setup file, run it, and follow the installation process to restore the program.
2. System Restore: If you have previously created a system restore point that includes the period when the program was installed, you can use the System Restore feature to revert your system back to that point in time. This can restore the program along with other system settings and configurations. However, please note that System Restore affects the entire system and may undo other changes made after the restore point was created.
3. Third-Party Data Recovery Tools: In certain cases, it might be possible to recover remnants of uninstalled programs using third-party data recovery software. These tools can scan your system's storage for deleted files and attempt to recover them. However, the success of such recovery depends on various factors, such as how long ago the program was uninstalled and whether the associated files have been overwritten or not. It's important to note that using data recovery tools may not always yield satisfactory results and should be used with caution.
Remember, it's generally recommended to keep backups of important programs and data to avoid relying solely on recovery methods. Regular backups allow you to restore programs and files more easily in case of accidental deletion or other system issues.
- How do I recover uninstalled apps on Windows 10?
1. Download and Install DiskInternals Partition Recovery: Visit the DiskInternals website and download the appropriate version of Partition Recovery for your Windows 10 system. Install the software following the on-screen instructions.
2. Launch DiskInternals Partition Recovery: Open the DiskInternals Partition Recovery application.
3. Select the Drive to Scan: Choose the drive or partition where the uninstalled app was previously installed. Click on the drive and click the "Next" button to proceed.
4. Scan the Drive: DiskInternals Partition Recovery will now perform a deep scan of the selected drive to search for deleted or lost files and partitions. The scanning process may take some time to complete, depending on the size of the drive.
5. Preview and Recover Files: After the scan is complete, DiskInternals Partition Recovery will display a list of recoverable files and folders. You can navigate through the folder structure and use the preview feature to check the recoverable files.
6. Recover the App Files: Select the files and folders associated with the uninstalled app that you want to recover. Choose a location on a different drive or external storage device to save the recovered files to avoid overwriting any existing data.
7. Complete the Recovery Process: Once you have selected the files to recover and chosen the destination, click the "Recovery" button to start the recovery process. DiskInternals Partition Recovery will restore the selected files to the specified location.
- How do I recover a program I accidentally uninstalled?
1. Check the Recycle Bin: The first place to look is the Recycle Bin. When you uninstall a program, its files are often moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. Open the Recycle Bin, locate the program's folder or shortcut, right-click on it, and select "Restore" to bring it back to its original location.
2. Use the "Restore Previous Versions" Feature: Windows has a "Restore previous versions" feature that can sometimes help recover uninstalled programs. Right-click on the folder where the program was installed (typically located in the "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folder), select "Properties," and navigate to the "Previous Versions" tab. If previous versions are available, you may be able to restore the folder to a previous state when the program was still installed.
3. Reinstall from the Original Source: If you have the original installation files or setup file for the program, you can simply reinstall it. Locate the installer or setup file, run it, and follow the installation process to restore the program.
4. Check for a Backup or System Restore Point: If you regularly create system backups or have enabled the Windows System Restore feature, you may be able to restore your PC to a previous state when the program was installed. Use the backup or system restore feature to revert your system back to that point in time, which should bring back the uninstalled program along with other system settings and configurations.
5. Contact the Program Developer or Support: If the above methods do not work or if you don't have the original installation files, you can reach out to the program's developer or support team. They may be able to provide you with a copy of the program or assist you in recovering it.
- Will System Restore reinstall uninstalled programs?
No, the System Restore feature in Windows does not reinstall uninstalled programs. System Restore is designed to revert your computer's system files, settings, and configurations to a previous state, but it does not restore individual programs.
When you use System Restore to revert your system to a previous restore point, it primarily affects system files, drivers, and system settings. It does not restore the program files or registry entries associated with uninstalled programs.
If you want to reinstall a program that you have uninstalled, you will need to use the original installation files or setup file for that program. Alternatively, you can try other methods like checking the Recycle Bin, restoring from backups, or contacting the program's developer or support for assistance in recovering or reinstalling the program.
System Restore can be a useful feature for resolving system issues, but it is not intended as a means to recover or reinstall specific programs.
- Do uninstalled programs go to the Recycle Bin?
No, uninstalled programs typically do not go to the Recycle Bin. When you uninstall a program from your Windows PC, the program's files and associated components are generally removed from their original installation location.
The Recycle Bin is primarily used to hold files and folders that you have deleted from your computer manually. However, the uninstallation process typically involves a different mechanism that removes the program's files and configurations without sending them to the Recycle Bin. This is done to ensure a clean removal of the program from the system.
It's worth noting that some uninstallers or uninstallation procedures may prompt you to confirm the deletion of specific files or folders, and in such cases, those specific files or folders may be moved to the Recycle Bin. However, this is not a common practice and depends on the individual program's uninstallation process.
In general, once you uninstall a program, its files are permanently removed from the system, and they do not end up in the Recycle Bin.