Fix Uninstall Failed Errors

Resolve software removal failures, stuck uninstalls, and incomplete uninstallation processes in Software Center.

Common Uninstall Error Types

Immediate Failures

• "Uninstall failed" error message
• "Access denied" during removal
• "Package not found" errors
• Missing uninstaller files
• Permission-related failures

Stuck Processes

• Uninstall hangs at 0% or mid-process
• "Please wait" message indefinitely
• Process appears frozen
• Multiple failed attempts
• Software still appears installed

Quick Diagnosis Steps

Before Attempting Fixes

Identify the Problem Type:

1. Note the exact error message and error code
2. Check if software is currently running (Task Manager)
3. Try uninstalling as administrator
4. Check Windows Event Viewer for detailed error info
5. Verify you have admin rights for software removal
6. Check if software is locked by group policy

Uninstall Failure Solutions

Close Running Processes

Best for: "Access denied" errors, locked file issues

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Look for processes related to the software you're trying to uninstall
3. Select each related process and click "End task"
4. Check both "Processes" and "Details" tabs
5. Close any browser tabs or windows using the software
6. Wait 30 seconds, then retry uninstall from Software Center
7. If still fails, restart computer and try again

Success rate: ~70% for lock/access-related failures

Force Cleanup and Retry

Best for: Stuck installations, corrupted uninstall data

Cleanup Process:

1. Stop SMS Agent Host service (services.msc)
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\ccmcache
3. Find and delete folders related to the failed software
4. Clear Software Center cache:
- • C:\Windows\CCM\Logs - clear old logs
- • %APPDATA%\Microsoft\SMS - clear user cache
5. Restart SMS Agent Host service
6. Refresh Software Center (F5)
7. Wait 5 minutes, then retry uninstall

Manual Windows Uninstaller

Best for: When Software Center uninstall completely fails

Alternative Uninstall Methods:

Method A: Programs and Features

1. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl
2. Find the software in the list
3. Right-click → "Uninstall"
4. Follow the uninstaller prompts

Method B: Settings App

1. Press Windows + I
2. Go to "Apps" → "Apps & features"
3. Search for the software
4. Click "..." → "Uninstall"

Note: This bypasses Software Center but may not remove SCCM deployment tracking.

Command Line Uninstall

Best for: Advanced users, when GUI methods fail

PowerShell Uninstall Commands:

Find installed software:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*SoftwareName*"}

Uninstall by name:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product -Filter "Name='ExactSoftwareName'" | ForEach-Object {$_.Uninstall()}

Using package ID (if known):

msiexec /x PACKAGE-ID /quiet /norestart

⚠️ Warning: Run PowerShell as Administrator. These commands perform immediate uninstallation.

Common Error Codes & Solutions

Error Code Reference

Error 1603

Fatal error during installation/uninstall

→ Check Windows Installer service, run as admin

Error 1618

Another installation is in progress

→ Wait for other installers to complete, restart

Error 1612

Installation source unavailable

→ Software package corrupted, re-download

Resolution Steps

Access Denied (Error 5)

Insufficient permissions

→ Run as administrator, check user rights

Error 1602

User cancelled installation

→ Retry, ensure no user prompts appear

Error 2

System cannot find the file

→ Uninstaller missing, use manual removal

Advanced Cleanup for Stubborn Software

Manual Cleanup Process

When all automated methods fail, manual cleanup may be necessary:

Step 1: Stop Related Services

1. Open Services (services.msc)
2. Find services related to the software
3. Stop each service
4. Set startup type to "Disabled" temporarily

Step 2: Remove Files and Folders

1. Navigate to installation directory (usually Program Files)
2. Delete the software folder
3. Check %APPDATA% for user-specific files
4. Clear %TEMP% of temporary files

Step 3: Registry Cleanup

1. Open Registry Editor (regedit) as administrator
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
3. Find and delete software's registry keys
4. Check HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE as well
5. Clean up Uninstall entries

⚠️ Critical Warning: Manual registry editing can damage your system. Create a backup first and only proceed if you're experienced with registry editing.

Third-Party Uninstaller Tools

When Standard Methods Fail

Consider these specialized uninstaller tools for persistently stuck software:

Free Tools

• Revo Uninstaller Free
• IObit Uninstaller
• Geek Uninstaller
• Bulk Crap Uninstaller
• Windows PowerShell

Features to Look For

• Force removal capabilities
• Registry scanning and cleanup
• Leftover file detection
• Batch uninstall support
• System restore point creation

Note: Check your organization's IT policy before installing third-party tools. Some environments may restrict their use.

Preventing Future Uninstall Issues

Best Practices

During Installation

• Allow installations to complete fully
• Don't interrupt the installation process
• Ensure adequate disk space
• Install as administrator when needed
• Close other software during installation

During Use

• Don't modify installation files manually
• Use official uninstall methods
• Keep Windows and software updated
• Regularly clear temporary files
• Don't delete program folders directly

When to Contact IT Support

Contact your IT department if:

•Multiple uninstall methods have failed completely
•The software is required by company policy
•Uninstall attempts are causing system instability
•You need to remove enterprise/licensed software
•Registry editing is required but you're uncomfortable
•Group policy may be preventing removal

Related Troubleshooting Guides

Installation Issues

Fix software installation problems and errors.

Repair Corrupted

Fix corrupted Software Center installations.

Permission Denied

Resolve access and permission-related errors.