Use this guide when your computer is cluttered with programs you do not recognise or takes a long time to start. Have a recent backup and about half an hour when you do not need the computer for anything urgent.
Step by step
Make a restore point or backup
Create a backup of your important files and, on Windows, a system restore point. This gives you a way back if you remove something the system needs. It only takes a few minutes.
Review installed programs
Open the list of installed apps in your system settings and sort by name or install date. Mark programs you know you do not use, and look up any unfamiliar names before deciding. Leave anything from your computer's manufacturer or driver makers unless you are sure it is not needed.
Uninstall one at a time
Remove unwanted programs through the system's uninstall option rather than deleting folders. Follow each uninstaller to the end and decline any offers to install something else. Restart when prompted.
Check startup items
Open the startup apps list in your system settings or task manager. Disable programs that do not need to run the moment you log in, such as chat apps you rarely use or updaters for programs you open occasionally. Keep security software enabled.
Check browser extensions
Open your browser's extensions page and remove any you do not recognise or no longer use. Unwanted extensions can slow browsing and may collect data. Reset your browser's home page and search engine if they have been changed.
Restart and compare
Restart the computer and note how long it takes to become usable. Open your everyday programs to confirm nothing important is missing. If something is, reinstall it from the official source.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Backup or restore point created
- Unfamiliar programs looked up
- Unused programs uninstalled
- Startup list reviewed
- Security software left enabled
- Browser extensions checked
- Everyday programs still working
Practical tips
- Disabling a startup item is safer than uninstalling when you are unsure, because you can switch it back on.
- Look up unfamiliar program names on the developer's own website rather than on sites offering cleaning tools.
- Avoid paid registry cleaners and speed-up tools, which rarely help and sometimes cause harm.
Common problems
A program will not uninstall.
Restart the computer and try again, as the program may have been running. Check the developer's website for an official removal tool. If it looks like unwanted or malicious software, run a full scan with your security software.
Something stopped working after I removed a program.
You may have removed a component another program relied on. Reinstall it from the official source or use your restore point. Then remove programs more cautiously, one at a time.
The same unwanted program keeps coming back.
Another program may be reinstalling it, or it may be unwanted software. Check your startup items and browser extensions, run a full security scan and change your passwords if you suspect anything malicious.