Over time, our PCs become cluttered with legacy software, logs, useless files, and general bloat. Unless you tidy up your PC regularly, this leads to lower speeds, sluggish responsiveness, and, sometimes, operational errors.
Regular clean-ups are an important part of keeping our PCs operating at their best and freeing up space. Your operating system will have a default uninstaller, but for a deeper and more effective cleanup, specialized software uninstallers are a better solution. What’s even better is that you don’t have to pay thanks to generous developers that rely on donations only. You don’t need to purchase dedicated software uninstallers unless you want advanced features.
What is the best free software uninstaller right now?
The best free software uninstaller is Revo, a free app for the Windows operating system. It offers a range of scanning options and removal tools and will clean up leftover files on your behalf. The free option will suit many users, but you can also sign up for advanced editing tools through Revo’s $12.47 Pro subscription, a discount of 50% during its summer sale.
Also: The best password managers: Expert tested
While I compiled my top recommendations for the best software uninstallers of 2025, I tested and measured each option’s security, speed, and stability. I also considered the experiences of ZDNET authors and user feedback. Read on to discover the rest of my top picks.
The best free software uninstallers in 2025
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One of the best free software uninstallers available today is Revo.
Why we like it: The basic, free program comes with a massive range of features that will suit most users. These include rapid program uninstallation, a scan for leftover files, safe and forced uninstalls, and Hunter Mode. This feature helps you recognize and deal with potentially unwanted programs, but it’s often quicker just to use the main user interface.
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Additional cleaning and optimization tools are included, but the main strength of this software is its solid uninstallation process.
Who it’s for: The free program is fine for quick cleanups, but if you want your software to go further with real-time system changes monitoring, batch uninstallation, a backup system, and more, you will want to opt for Revo’s $25 Pro version.
A free trial or portable version of this software — transported via USB — is also available.
Who should look elsewhere: Unfortunately, Revo is only available for Windows machines, so Mac users will have to look elsewhere. Still, users say Revo is useful when the standard Windows installer doesn’t finish the job correctly.
Revo features: Range of scanning tools | Backups | Real-time monitoring | Hunter mode | Support available | Free USB portable version
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Geek Uninstaller is another Windows-compatible software uninstaller that you can download and use for free.
Why we like it: For usability, I give Geek Uninstaller top marks, although the interface is somewhat dated. You can choose between downloaded software or Microsoft Store apps for removal. There are also useful data points included such as the date of installation and file size.
This option has proved popular for many years with users, many of whom report good results and a reliable system. Another benefit is how lightweight the software is, taking up only 7MB of space on 32-bit or 64-bit Windows machines.
Another bonus is the firm’s release notes, which show that Geek Uninstaller is constantly updated with bug fixes and improvements.
Who it’s for: The free version is solid on its own and so it will suit most Windows users — but there are some useful functions locked behind a paywall such as an uninstallation wizard and batch removal.
You can purchase a lifetime license for $25 for Geek Uninstaller Pro, but you will be sent to another website with the software branded under a different name.
The Pro version of GeekUninstaller is called “Uninstall Tool” and has been developed by CrystalIDEA Software based on the original developer’s code.
Who should look elsewhere: Mac users won’t get far with this Windows-only tool.
Geek Uninstaller features: Various scanning tools | Search function | Small file size | Leftover scans | Registry file removal | Simple interface
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While many free software uninstallers are focused on the Windows operating system, a few reputable options exist that specialize in cleaning up machines in Apple’s ecosystem.
Why we like it: Pearcleaner, inspired by Freemacsoft’s AppCleaner and Sun Knudsen’s Privacy Guides, is my favorite Mac cleaner.
Once downloaded from GitHub and given the necessary permissions, Pearcleaner displays apps of interest, file sizes, dates of installation, and more. You can also exclude specific files and folders from the search.
While I’m on my MacBook Pro, this is my favorite uninstaller to use. It’s free, quick, safe, does the job and, as a bonus, it’s open source. The app receives frequent updates according to GitHub changelogs.
Who it’s for: Anyone using a MacBook. Mac-based cleaners are less common than those designed for Windows, but they can still be just as effective.
Who should look elsewhere: It’s not for Windows machines, so choose one of my other recommendations for Microsoft’s operating system.
Pearcleaner features: Mac-ready | Open source | Modern interface | File and folder exclusions | Support for bug reports, feature requests | Sentinel monitor
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Wise Program Uninstaller is another decent Windows program uninstaller that has made my recommendations list as a reputable, solid software uninstaller.
Why we like it: Coming in at around 10MB in size, this option allows you to safely or forcefully uninstall programs. When the software launches, you will see a list of installed programs and apps alongside their initial install dates and file sizes.
The software includes a repair function that allows users to try and fix files and return them to normal operations. Leftover files, including fragmented logs and registry files, are also wiped from your system.
Wise Program Uninstaller is completely free.
Who it’s for: Consider this option if you want a sleek user interface for software management. It has excellent user reviews online, too.
Who should look elsewhere: This is excellent for residual files, data, and forceful uninstallations, but if you want an option with safeguards against accidentally deleting important programs, you might prefer another of my top choices.
Wise Program Uninstaller features: Scanning tools | Leftover file deletion | App fixes | Registry file removal | Safe and forced uninstallation | Modern user interface
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|
Software uninstaller |
Price |
Basic scan? |
Registry cleaner? |
Extra cleaning tools? |
|
Revo |
Free and paid plans |
Yes |
Yes, separate free program |
Yes |
|
Geek Uninstaller |
Free and paid plans |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Pearcleaner |
Free |
Yes |
N/A |
No |
|
Wise Program Uninstaller |
Free and paid bundles |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Choose this software uninstaller… |
If you want… |
|
Revo |
The best free software uninstaller overall. While Revo is limited to Windows machines, it comes with a wealth of cleanup options and tools for free including a portable version. |
|
Geek Uninstaller |
A lightweight, barebones software uninstaller. This tiny program packs a punch and comes with every basic function you need to quickly clean your system. The branding, however, may confuse some users. |
|
Pearcleaner |
A free software uninstaller for the macOS ecosystem. It’s free, open source, easy to use, and rated highly by MacBook users. |
|
Wise Program Uninstaller |
A free, simple file uninstaller with repair features. If you want to quickly view, manage, and resolve software uninstall problems, try this one out. |
When you are looking for a third-party, free software uninstaller, consider these factors:
- Security: Ensure you only choose software uninstallers offered by reputable, trustworthy services with a long pedigree of happy users. There are too many “uninstallers” online which are nothing more than bundled nuisanceware or worse.
- Compatibility: Whether you’re a Windows or macOS user could determine the best uninstaller for you. Check that your chosen software is compatible with the operating systems you frequently use.
- Scanning: Do you just want a quick scan, or do you want software able to reach the depths of your system to wipe clean years of fragmented, useless files? Consider which features are the most important to you.
- Free or paid: You don’t need to pay for a third-party software uninstaller, but if there are advanced features hidden behind a paywall that you want, think about parting with some cash.
In compiling this list of the best software uninstallers, I combined experts’ opinions with thorough research and customer feedback. I also leaned on our own experiences with uninstalling software.
When selecting the best software uninstallers, these are some of the most important factors that determine the best options for you:
- Functionality: I want software uninstallers that can do more than a quick scan at the same level as default operating system uninstallers. I like to see deep scanning tools, registry cleanups, and file shredding capabilities on offer.
- Batch cleanups: I’ve included tools able to handle multiple uninstall tasks at once, saving you time.
- Limits: You get what you pay for, and this also means that there is usually a trade-off with free software. I won’t include software that impacts your privacy, has shady marketing practices, or is suspected of being malware.
- Open source: I prefer open source software uninstallers when it comes to free software as this reduces the risk of any unwanted or malicious code. As we know, little in life is truly free, but there are generous developers out there that have taken the time to provide us with genuine, useful, and free software.
- Options for paid plans: While this article highlights the excellent free options on the market, some also have premium plans that users may want to investigate.
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Yes, as long as you pick a software uninstaller from a reputable company. We don’t recommend that you just hop on a search engine and download the first thing you find. There are too many “software uninstallers” that are nothing more than bloatware, adware, or malware.
Yes. Many software uninstallers will also offer to remove leftover, scrap files and registry entries during the removal process. They may also delete hidden files linked to the software you are trying to uninstall.
You need to be very careful when you select a software uninstaller. To avoid downloading and executing malicious software disguised as a helpful utility, consider our recommendations for trusted software and conduct your own research into whether or not a free uninstaller is legitimate. If you’re unsure, running an antivirus scan on the executable before installation is also worth doing.
Also: Best free antivirus software 2025
Many people simply rely on their operating system’s default program and file remover. However, over time, legacy files and registry entries from old or deleted software can clog up your system and potentially degrade its overall performance. Unless you’re planning a fresh install of your operating system (OS) every year or so, I’d recommend exploring standalone software uninstallers to keep your system as clean as possible.
Latest updates
- In ZDNET’s July update, we performed substantial copy and editorial changes. We also provided more information on our favorite alternative installers.
- In May, we updated the information available on all of our recommendations and added BCU as a popular alternative option. We also revised our FAQ section.
Other software uninstallers worth considering
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Bulk Crap Uninstaller is a popular batch file remover. If you are looking for an open source software uninstaller, Bulk Crap Uninstaller has gathered quite a following over the years. It is available on GitHub, but it is looking for maintainers.
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Advanced Uninstaller Pro is worth checking out if you want a powerful uninstaller for Windows. It’s laid out well and offers a simple, clean user interface with tools including file shredding, file duplication, registry optimization, health checks, and file compression.
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For more on Windows news and reviews, check out our guide to upgrading to Windows 11. Or, if you’re looking for a new Windows device, we’ve tested and ranked the best Windows tablets and laptops you can buy.
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