Battle Uninstaller clean-up comparison (Free Edition)

[jackuars]

Just did a testing of 6 free uninstallers to see their cleanup capabilities after un-installation. I used Rollback-RX to take the machine back to it's original state after each test.

HiBit Uninstaller, Revo Uninstaller, IOBit Uninstaller, Geek Uninstaller, Wise Program Uninstaller & Glarysoft Absolute Uninstaller were used for the initial tests. The software that was used to do the testing on (install & uninstall) is Google Chrome. Here are the results and my rankings in order. It may not be conclusive as I haven't tested many programs for the verdict.

I will try to test by checking the effectiveness with other software's too as I just started with Google Chrome, and will update the list with paid uninstallers later on. Please let me know what other programs should I do the testing on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT

1. HiBit uninstaller
2. Revo uninstaller free
3. Wise program uninstaller
4. Geek uninstaller free
5. IObit uninstaller free
6. Glarysoft absolute uninstaller free

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETAILED TEST RESULTS
Spoiler
1. HiBit Uninstaller Free

Leftovers found
163 files and folders
71 registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders (includes all sub-folders)
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*

Deleted registry entries (includes all sub-keys)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

Service driver
Google Chrome elevation service

Net Leftovers after un-installation: None

2. Revo Uninstaller Free

Leftovers found
149 files and folders (217 in total, not sure how)
46 registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*

Deleted registry entries
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\*

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

3. Wise Program Uninstaller

Leftovers found
158 files and folders
3 registry entries (was surprised at this, but it was showing only parent values)

Deleted folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*

Deleted registry entries
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\Update\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\*

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\

4. Geek Uninstaller Free

Leftovers found
151 files and folders
41 registry entries

Deleted folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\*

Deleted registry entries
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*

5. IOBit Uninstaller Free (not recommended)

Leftovers found
0 Files and Folders
0 Registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders: None

Deleted registry entries: None

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

6. Glarysoft Absolute Uninstaller Free (not recommended)

Leftovers found
0 Files and Folders
0 Registry entries

Deleted folders: None

Deleted registry entries: None

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

 

[JohnR]

Another reason I don't use that extension... too many false positives! I use Adguard.

Oddly enough I can't access Hibit site either, assume blocked by my ISP, as not using an adblocker or other on my phone that provides hotspot.

 

[Tutman]

Oddly enough I can't access Hibit site either, assume blocked by my ISP, as not using an adblocker or other on my phone that provides hotspot.
View attachment 239018

Hmm.. very strange. Site is working fine for me here in U.S.

 

[CyberTech]

Oddly enough I can't access Hibit site either, assume blocked by my ISP, as not using an adblocker or other on my phone that provides hotspot.
View attachment 239018

It looks like its DNS? you use DNS custom? if so which ?

 

[JohnR]

It looks like its DNS? you use DNS custom? if so which ?

Cloudflare DNS on laptop, connected to Vodafone UK mobile hotspot, the settings of (mobile) I have not looked into as every other site in the history of all things internet work without complaint, even those of the lessor moral compass

 

[roger_m]

Uninstall utility for Windows | Total Uninstall software with easy

Total Uninstall utility analyze installed programs or monitor new installations to uninstall software completely.

www.martau.com

The second link is the link for Total Uninstall. The first one is for a different product, Total Uninstaller.

 

[jackuars]

Despite HiBit apparently uninstalling more thoroughly than most, am put off by the included junk and registry (EEEEK!) cleaners, although admittedly not forced to use either of those tools.
With possible exception of uninstall AV, a few 'useless' reg entries left behind and in excess of such removed by normal uninstall process are neither here nor there IMO and best left alone.

The junk and registry cleaner is related to the uninstaller to check for leftover files/registry entries during previous un-installs without the software.

This is what the advanced scans refers to during un-installing software, where you check for junk (leftover files) and registry entries (leftover registry keys & values)

 

[jackuars]

UPDATE:

Results for second round of tests: Software's used

1. K-Lite codec pack
2. Mozilla Firefox
3. Cuphead game

Softorganizer uninstaller was added to the tests. Glarysoft absolute uninstaller free version was out of contention for the lack of proper advanced scans

Notes:
HiBit & Revo performed really well, and now their difference gets closer. HiBit had better success at uninstalling Google Chrome earlier completely. Geek had an issue with uninstalling Mozilla Firefox as it got stuck twice, but managed to remove a lot of leftover entries through manual scan. In general it performed better than Wise program uninstaller barring this. IObit performs a little better than Wise in these tests but is still stuck at last spot, however their gap in standings reduces a bit. Newly included Soft organizer performs better than Wise & IObit & jumps to 4th spot.

Tests for K-Lite codec pack were worthless. It left no leftover files/registry entries and none of these softwares detected any leftover files/registry entries too. Below are the results after testing with Mozilla Firefox & Cuphead.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
FINAL VERDICT: (small change in standings)

1. HiBit uninstaller
2, Revo uninstaller Free
3. Geek uninstaller Free
4. Soft organizer Free
5. Wise program uninstaller
6. IOBit uninstaller Free


DETAILED TESTS:

Spoiler

1. HiBit Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (106)
C:\Users\Real Illusions\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\*
C:\Program Files\Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (36)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders: None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache\*

CUPHEAD

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry entries (10)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\CUPHEAD
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries - None

2. Revo Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/folders (107)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (36)
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries -
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*
-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries (11)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries - None

3. Geek Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Uninstall hanged in between twice
Had to do manual force removal

Leftover Files/folders (64)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (3)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders:
None

Leftover Registry Entries:
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries (9)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\Cuphead\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

4. Soft Organizer

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/folders (1)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (1)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders -
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*

Leftover Registry Entries -
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (3)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries:
None

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE


GOOGLE CHROME

Leftovers found
163 files and folders
71 registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders (includes all sub-folders)


Deleted registry entries (includes all sub-keys)

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (2)
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*

Leftover Registry Entries (4):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*

5. Wise Program Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (0)

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*

Leftover Registry entries
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (0)

Leftover Registry entries (1)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\Cuphead\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders:
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

6. IOBit Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/folders (92)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\*
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (4)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders -
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\

Leftover Registry Entries -
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries (0)

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

 

[JohnR]

The junk and registry cleaner is related to the uninstaller to check for leftover files/registry entries

Removing remnants of the program being uninstalled is fine, the temptation to remove other items am not so sure.

 

[roger_m]

@jackuars I have a suggestion for your tests. That is to run the Software Health tool in IObit Uninstaller, after cleanup of leftovers is done. Sometimes it finds leftover files and registry keys, that were missed in the scan for leftovers after uninstalling a program.

Removing remnants of the program being uninstalled is fine, the temptation to remove other items am not so sure.

I just did a scan with the registry cleaner and it found no false positives, so it would have been safe to let it delete everything it found. However, I need to run it on a number if computers and manually check the results, before I deem it to be safe. In any case, there's usually no need to ever clean the registry, so it won't hurt to give it miss.

 

[SumTingWong]

UPDATE:

Results for second round of tests: Software's used

1. K-Lite codec pack
2. Mozilla Firefox
3. Cuphead game

Softorganizer uninstaller was added to the tests. Glarysoft absolute uninstaller free version was out of contention for the lack of proper advanced scans

Notes:
HiBit & Revo performed really well, and now their difference gets closer. HiBit had better success at uninstalling Google Chrome earlier completely. Geek had an issue with uninstalling Mozilla Firefox as it got stuck twice, but managed to remove a lot of leftover entries through manual scan. In general it performed better than Wise program uninstaller barring this. IObit performs a little better than Wise in these tests but is still stuck at last spot, however their gap in standings reduces a bit. Newly included Soft organizer performs better than Wise & IObit & jumps to 4th spot.

Tests for K-Lite codec pack were worthless. It left no leftover files/registry entries and none of these softwares detected any leftover files/registry entries too. Below are the results after testing with Mozilla Firefox & Cuphead.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
FINAL VERDICT: (small change in standings)

1. HiBit uninstaller
2, Revo uninstaller Free
3. Geek uninstaller Free
4. Soft organizer Free
5. Wise program uninstaller
6. IOBit uninstaller Free


DETAILED TESTS:

Spoiler

1. HiBit Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (106)
C:\Users\Real Illusions\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\*
C:\Program Files\Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (36)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders: None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache\*

CUPHEAD

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry entries (10)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\CUPHEAD
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries - None

2. Revo Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/folders (107)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (36)
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries -
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*
-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries (11)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries - None

3. Geek Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Uninstall hanged in between twice
Had to do manual force removal

Leftover Files/folders (64)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (3)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders:
None

Leftover Registry Entries:
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries (9)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\Cuphead\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

4. Soft Organizer

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/folders (1)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (1)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders -
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*

Leftover Registry Entries -
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (3)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries:
None

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE


GOOGLE CHROME

Leftovers found
163 files and folders
71 registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders (includes all sub-folders)


Deleted registry entries (includes all sub-keys)

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (2)
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*

Leftover Registry Entries (4):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*

5. Wise Program Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (0)

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders
C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Mozilla\*

Leftover Registry entries
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (0)

Leftover Registry entries (1)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\Cuphead\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders:
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

6. IOBit Uninstaller

FIREFOX

DETECTED

Leftover Files/folders (92)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\*
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\*

Leftover Registry entries (4)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{}\*
-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Local settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\MuiCache\*

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders -
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\

Leftover Registry Entries -
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MOZILLA\FIREFOX
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\LOCAL SETTINGS\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\SHELL\MUICACHE\*
-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\*
-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONROLSET\SERVICES\SHAREDACESS\PARAMETERS\*

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\INTERFACE\{}\*

CUPHEAD

DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders (4)
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Cuphead\*

Leftover Registry Entries (0)

NOT DETECTED

Leftover Files/Folders - None

Leftover Registry Entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\STUDIO MDHR\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENT VERSION\APPCOMPATFLAGS\COMPATIBILITY ASSISTANT\STORE

Can you rank them which is the best and worst each time you test?

 

[pxxb1]

@jackuars I have a suggestion for your tests. That is to run the Software Health tool in IObit Uninstaller, after cleanup of leftovers is done. Sometimes it finds leftover files and registry keys, that were missed in the scan for leftovers after uninstalling a program.

I just did a scan with the registry cleaner and it found no false positives, so it would have been safe to let it delete everything it found. However, I need to run it on a number if computers and manually check the results, before I deem it to be safe. In any case, there's usually no need to ever clean the registry, so it won't hurt to give it miss.

Why is that so?

 

[pxxb1]

Just did a testing of 6 free uninstallers to see their cleanup capabilities after un-installation. I used Rollback-RX to take the machine back to it's original state after each test.

HiBit Uninstaller, Revo Uninstaller, IOBit Uninstaller, Geek Uninstaller, Wise Program Uninstaller & Glarysoft Absolute Uninstaller were used for the initial tests. The software that was used to do the testing on (install & uninstall) is Google Chrome. Here are the results and my rankings in order. It may not be conclusive as I haven't tested many programs for the verdict.

I will try to test by checking the effectiveness with other software's too as I just started with Google Chrome, and will update the list with paid uninstallers later on. Please let me know what other programs should I do the testing on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT

1. HiBit uninstaller
2. Revo uninstaller free
3. Wise program uninstaller
4. Geek uninstaller free
5. IObit uninstaller free
6. Glarysoft absolute uninstaller free

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETAILED TEST RESULTS
Spoiler
1. HiBit Uninstaller Free

Leftovers found
163 files and folders
71 registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders (includes all sub-folders)
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*

Deleted registry entries (includes all sub-keys)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

Service driver
Google Chrome elevation service

Net Leftovers after un-installation: None

2. Revo Uninstaller Free

Leftovers found
149 files and folders (217 in total, not sure how)
46 registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*

Deleted registry entries
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\*

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

3. Wise Program Uninstaller

Leftovers found
158 files and folders
3 registry entries (was surprised at this, but it was showing only parent values)

Deleted folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*

Deleted registry entries
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\Update\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\*

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\

4. Geek Uninstaller Free

Leftovers found
151 files and folders
41 registry entries

Deleted folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\*

Deleted registry entries
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*

5. IOBit Uninstaller Free (not recommended)

Leftovers found
0 Files and Folders
0 Registry entries
1 service driver

Deleted folders: None

Deleted registry entries: None

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

6. Glarysoft Absolute Uninstaller Free (not recommended)

Leftovers found
0 Files and Folders
0 Registry entries

Deleted folders: None

Deleted registry entries: None

Net Leftovers after un-installation:
Folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\*
C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Google\*
Registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\*
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Google\*
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\*

One of the most important features in a uninstaller is the Forced uninstall, you can run a uninstaller that does not clean as good as the best with a regular cleaner and most likely get the same result but you cant replace a good forced uninstaller. Any plans to test that?

I have been running Soft Organizers uninstaller for some time and it is good and i like it but, the forced uninstaller is no good. Revo on the other hand is very competent in that department so overall as an uninstaller it is a better experience.

 

[blacksheep]

I used long time ago Ashampoo Uninstaller. Anyone else, here?
Nowadays I am just sticking to default remove apps in W10. Seems to be enough.

 

[roger_m]

Why is that so?

Based on many years of experience, using a large number different registry cleaners on tens of computers, I have found the following. I would say that at least 99.9% of the time, cleaning the registry will not make a computer run faster or fix any problems you are experiencing. No matter how many hundreds or even thousands of so called errors, that a registry cleaner finds, it is exceptionally rare for them to be causing any problems or slowing down your computer. As a result, the vast majority of the time, cleaning the registry is a waste of time. No only that, but just about every registry cleaner ever written (except for a few exceptions) has issues with false positives. This means that sometimes they will think that valid registry keys are errors and will want to delete them. Deleting such keys can sometimes cause problems. Even registry cleaners like the one in CCleaner which is widely regarded as being safe, has issues with false positives.

There are occasions when cleaning the registry can fix problems or make your computer run faster, but there are very rare. An example of this is the following. When I'm doing a cleanup on a customer's computer which is running slower than it should, I will clean the registry as a last resort, if after doing my best to diagnose and find the cause of the slowdowns, it is still running slowly. Every time I've done this, the computer has run just as slowly afterwards.

If you use a safe registry cleaner (one which has no issues with false positives), you won't cause any problems. But, on the other hand, most likely you won't fix any problems either.

I used long time ago Ashampoo Uninstaller. Anyone else, here?
Nowadays I am just sticking to default remove apps in W10. Seems to be enough.

I used Ashampoo years ago too. I don't like it so much these days. I avoid solely using a programs own uninstaller, as I want to remove any leftovers which could potentially cause issues, as I plan on not doing a clean install of Windows for many years.

However, unless you are regularly installing and uninstalling software, then just using a programs own uninstaller will be fine. The one exception, is security software. After uninstalling an antivirus, download and run the vendor's own removal tool, to ensure that all leftovers are removed. This is very important, as sometimes there will be leftover drivers which can cause issues with other antiviruses, such as slowdowns or even blue screens of death.

 

[jackuars]

Just contacted the developer at HiBit, this was the response for future plans.

Hi, I'm glad you liked my software.
My plan for the future of "HiBit Uninstaller" is to add installation
monitoring tools, improve leftovers scanning using a built in database
and the ability to continue the uninstall process after rebooting
system.
About the site and software certification, I must say that unfortunately
I live in Iran. Due to the low value of our money, it is very expensive
for me to obtain a valid certificate.

best regards,
Mohammad Raee

 

[pxxb1]

Based on many years of experience, using a large number different registry cleaners on tens of computers, I have found the following. I would say that at least 99.9% of the time, cleaning the registry will not make a computer run faster or fix any problems you are experiencing. No matter how many hundreds or even thousands of so called errors, that a registry cleaner finds, it is exceptionally rare for them to be causing any problems or slowing down your computer. As a result, the vast majority of the time, cleaning the registry is a waste of time. No only that, but just about every registry cleaner ever written (except for a few exceptions) has issues with false positives. This means that sometimes they will think that valid registry keys are errors and will want to delete them. Deleting such keys can sometimes cause problems. Even registry cleaners like the one in CCleaner which is widely regarded as being safe, has issues with false positives.

There are occasions when cleaning the registry can fix problems or make your computer run faster, but there are very rare. An example of this is the following. When I'm doing a cleanup on a customer's computer which is running slower than it should, I will clean the registry as a last resort, if after doing my best to diagnose and find the cause of the slowdowns, it is still running slowly. Every time I've done this, the computer has run just as slowly afterwards.

If you use a safe registry cleaner (one which has no issues with false positives), you won't cause any problems. But, on the other hand, most likely you won't fix any problems either.

I used Ashampoo years ago too. I don't like it so much these days. I avoid solely using a programs own uninstaller, as I want to remove any leftovers which could potentially cause issues, as I plan on not doing a clean install of Windows for many years.

However, unless you are regularly installing and uninstalling software, then just using a programs own uninstaller will be fine. The one exception, is security software. After uninstalling an antivirus, download and run the vendor's own removal tool, to ensure that all leftovers are removed. This is very important, as sometimes there will be leftover drivers which can cause issues with other antiviruses, such as slowdowns or even blue screens of death.

That is my experience too but, if you want to reduce the size of your Os over time then cleaning the registry, also, is good. I like it small!

One thing i have noticed is that if you clean the register your Os slows down over time but if you dont, wel,l it stays more as fresh as a newly installed d.o. What is your experience on that?

So i am leaning towards a different behaviour when it comes to "cleaning".

 

[roger_m]

That is my experience too but, if you want to reduce the size of your Os over time then cleaning the registry, also, is good. I like it small!

One thing i have noticed is that if you clean the register your Os slows down over time but if you dont, wel,l it stays more as fresh as a newly installed d.o. What is your experience on that?

Cleaning the registry will not make any significant difference in disk usage. There are some cases where cleaning the registry can decrease performance, but I believe in general that there won't be any difference.

 

[blackice]

Cleaning the registry will not make any significant difference in disk usage. There are some cases where cleaning the registry can decrease performance, but I believe in general that there won't be any difference.

This has been proven time and again, and these vendors keep selling these like snake oil salesmen.

 

[Eggnog]

Think about it. What kind of OS would it be if casual users had to constantly worry about a "clean" and "optimized" registry, or even know about what a registry is. Why would anyone ever be expected to "optimize" RAM or do any of those other things vendors terrify people with. I have friends who are constantly worried over the state of their OS and whether they have enough protection. I'm glad I don't live like that.

 

[mlnevese]

I don't see the point even of deleting things in the appdata folder unless you need disk space...