The trouble with using a shared public computer is that you can't really control what software is being installed there. The one that we use together at my office is so bloated with so many strange applications that the "Start - Applications" menu is bigger than the computer screen itself.

While doing the research for my previous article about a Mac updater and uninstaller, I found a Windows alternative to uninstaller apps called IObit Uninstaller. After a quick experiment using the free software, I found out that this one has a few unique personalities worth sharing - even though they are a bit different to Revo Uninstaller which I usually use.

To Uninstall Without The Need To Install

The first thing that I noticed about this uninstaller is the size. This one is so small - only around 600KB - that you can download it virtually in a blink of an eye. Keeping it will cost you almost no storage space.

The second noticable fact is that this app can be categorized as a portable uninstaller. It means that you can use the app in its full functionality to force uninstall programs without having to install the app itself. This also means that you can put the app on the thumb drive (or even Dropbox folder) and use it everywhere.

force uninstall programs

In my opinion, IObit Uninstaller's interface is friendlier than the standard Windows Add/Remove Programs. It categorizes the installed items into several categories. They are: All Programs, Toolbars, Recently Installed, Large Programs, Rarely Used and Windows Updates.

force uninstall programs

As the name shows, "All Programs" lists down every installed application on the hard drive. Nothing special. But once you browse through the other categories, you'll see how easy the task to force uninstall programs has become.

For example, the "Toolbar" category lists down all the installed toolbar(s) on your system. Some applications 'trick' users into installing useless toolbars. This category helps you to get rid of them.

force uninstall programs

Or if you want to hunt down and get rid of programs based on how much space it hogs your system, you can choose the "Large Programs" category.

force uninstall

The app allows users to do uninstallation in bulk. After choosing which items you want to uninstall by checking the boxes next to them, you can continue the uninstallation process by clicking the "Uninstall" button on the toolbar.

There are two modes of uninstallation provided by this app: Standard and Advanced. The latter is chosen by default.

force uninstall

Click "Uninstall" and the app will ask for your confirmation.

force uninstall

Click "Yes" and then the uninstallation process will begin.

how to force an uninstall

While some apps require you to reboot after uninstalling them to complete the process, you can always reboot your system at later time.

how to force an uninstall

In "Advanced" mode, IObit Uninstaller will offer users to do a "Powerful Scan" to go deeper and find leftovers. The search could take some time depending on the number of items being uninstalled and the "strength" of your system.

After the search, users can choose to delete or keep the leftovers.

how to force an uninstall

If you click the "Delete" button, a warning pop up will appear.

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Sometimes, there are applications that "refuse" to be uninstalled. If you've ever encountered this sign (or other similar signs), you can use the "Forced Uninstall" option on the toolbar.

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Another unique ability of this app is the "Export Application List" feature under "Manage". This feature is useful for those who want to re-install, upgrade or change their system and want to make sure that they have all of their favorite applications reinstalled.

06_Manage.jpg

All you have to do is to decide where the list - in text form - will be saved, decide on the name, and hit "Save".

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To be honest, I was expecting a simple list of names as the result. But IObit Uninstaller gave me a very complete list. Too complete I may add.

06b Program_List.jpg

While uninstallers are the kind of applications that ordinary users won't use every day, this type of app becomes very handy when they are needed. IObit Uninstaller is one of the alternatives that you can count on. In general, I think the app delivers what it promises: thorough uninstallation. The performance alone makes this little app worth keeping.

Have you tried IObit Uninstaller? What kind of uninstaller do you use to force uninstall programs?  Please share using the comments below.