Solved Best Uninstallers

Stigg · Jul 31, 2023

I have a Microsoft Store app that wouldn't uninstall or update using the normal methods.

I used Revo Uninstaller to uninstall it. I also used Everything search to locate all the old file and folder remnants and also searched through the registry and removed all found items. I've also tried using PowerShell commands. But it's still showing in the Microsoft Store, Start Menu and Apps & Features. The latter two have a blank icon. It still tries to update in the Microsoft Store, but every time it tries, it fails with "Something Happened On Our End" or "Something Unexpected Happened 0x80073CFE".

So, I'm looking for suggestions for a good uninstaller that works well for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps.

Flashorn · Jul 31, 2023

This is not free but,see if this is what you might need:

Uninstaller support information

Total Uninstall support information and troubleshooting.

www.martau.com

It's been around for many years.

Another thought, you wouldn't happen to have a restore point to before you installed
this app?

Ghot · Jul 31, 2023

Stigg said:
I have a Microsoft Store app that wouldn't uninstall or update using the normal methods.

I used Revo Uninstaller to uninstall it. I also used Everything search to locate all the old file and folder remnants and also searched through the registry and removed all found items. I've also tried using PowerShell commands. But it's still showing in the Microsoft Store, Start Menu and Apps & Features. The latter two have a blank icon. It still tries to update in the Microsoft Store, but every time it tries, it fails with "Something Happened On Our End" or "Something Unexpected Happened 0x80073CFE".

So, I'm looking for suggestions for a good uninstaller that works well for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps.

It would help to see a screen shot of what "Windows Apps" you have left... in REVO.
Some of these Windows Apps or lack of... are dependent upon others.
Like down at the bottom of the Windows Apps list, I see an App called "Store Experience Host".

It would also help to know which Windows store App, we are discussing.

I also just noticed that I have "Auto-update store apps" disabled in Winaero Tweaker
I've never seen an App try to update...

On a side note, I've removed most of the Windows Apps, using REVO...

And last but not least, in Bitdefender firewall I have winstore.app.exe blocked.
When I want to use the Store... I have to allow winstore.app.exe

Winstore.app.exe is located here...
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsStore_22204.1400.4.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\winstore.app.exe

jimbo45 · Jul 31, 2023

My view is a simple thing -- It's actually called WINDOWS !!!.

If there's a load of things on your system that can't be uninstalled then a) those apps should never have been installed anyway, and b) time to backup user data and re-install windows.

I'm not denying that some of these 3rd party uninstallers save people a lot of time but in the end if people don't install "rubbish apps" then developers will be more conscious of the code they are writing and conform more to "Best practices". I believe Windows has a quite reasonable SDK for developers who need to create the install and uninstall procedures for their applications.

People installing things also should avoid if there's no sensible install / uninstall options too.

The only one that I've used in the past was "Delete on boot" for some "orphaned directory" that windows kept saying "was in use" when trying to delete it.

cheers
jimbo

x BlueRobot · Jul 31, 2023

You usually have to remove Store apps by using:

Code:

Remove-AppxPackage -Package {Package Name}

You can use Get-AppxPackage -All | Format-List -Property PackageFullName to list all the packages which you have installed.

elbmek · Jul 31, 2023

Geek, no contest. It uninstalls them goes back and looks for leftovers. It also has a force uninstall in case something tries to prevent you uninstalling. Been using it for eons.

neves · Jul 31, 2023

Since this one of those software comparisons that became highly subjective (mainly, a matter of preference) - you'll just have to try them out and see which you prefer the most. It's what i did for past two decades or so - trying over a dozen - till couple of years ago when I switched from Revo to: Bulk Crap Uninstaller Which so far - proved to be the most complete solution (it's more than just an advanced uninstaller). Still tried others on the side just for the kicks (simply cause i never heard of it before and some users recommended it - so was curious what's that all about) - like HiBitUninstaller - which seems to cover all the features of an advanced Uninstaller (a mix betwen Geek Uninstaller and Glary Utilities), pretty decent - just not as powerful as BCU. There's one feature included in HiBitUninstaller (and other Uninstallers) - by default - for which BCU might need a script: Detecting Browsers Extensions (in case you use/need an uninstaller for that as well / personally, i'm satiated - using the Browser's integrated extension remover).

rezpower · Jul 31, 2023

neves said:
Since this one of those software comparisons that became highly subjective (mainly, a matter of preference) - you'll just have to try them out and see which you prefer the most. It's what i did for past two decades or so - trying over a dozen - till couple of years ago when I switched from Revo to: Bulk Crap Uninstaller Which so far - proved to be the most complete solution (it's more than just an advanced uninstaller). Still tried others on the side just for the kicks (simply cause i never heard of it before and some users recommended it - so was curious what's that all about) - like HiBitUninstaller - which seems to cover all the features of an advanced Uninstaller (a mix betwen Geek Uninstaller and Glary Utilities), pretty decent - just not as powerful as BCU. There's one feature included in HiBitUninstaller (and other Uninstallers) - by default - for which BCU might need a script: Detecting Browsers Extensions (in case you use/need an uninstaller for that as well / personally, i'm satiated - using the Browser's integrated extension remover).

Thanks a lot for sharing. I use Revo, but I just gave this a try and it looks very interesting. +it's free!

abactuon · Jul 31, 2023

Try it

Stigg · Jul 31, 2023

Hi all. I appreciate all your replies.
I'll try and cover at least some of the comments.

@Flashorn I might have a look at that uninstaller. Regarding System Restore, or even a system image. This computer is not mine and it's been on the computer for a long time, so restoring using System Restore or even a system image is not practical.

@Ghot This is the offending app that Revo Uninstaller fails to uninstall.

Photo Editor-Photo Studio - Something Happened On Our End 01.png

Photo Editor-Photo Studio - Something Unexpected Happened 0x80073CFE.png

Photo Editor-Photo Studio by Express Apps - Revo Uninstaller.png

@jimbo45 I agree with you about installing rubbish apps on computers. My computers don't normally have these issues. I'm very selective as to what I install. I had no control over what was installed on this particular computer.

@x BlueRobot I tried PowerShell commands, but they fail.

Photo Editor-Photo Studio by Express Apps Remove-AppxPackage -allusers.png

@abactuon I thought the Winget command might have worked as it gave me a "Successfully Uninstalled" message, but it didn't remove it. It's still there.

Photo Editor-Photo Studio by Express Apps Winget Uninstallation Command 01.png

I might try one of the other uninstallers suggested by @elbmek and @neves .

Ghot · Jul 31, 2023

Stigg said:
This is the offending app that Revo Uninstaller fails to uninstall.

I guess I'd try some Safe Mode sleight of hand.

idgat · Jul 31, 2023

RevoUninstaller (the free version, used properly, is sufficient)
GeekUninstaller (freeware)

It gives me a sense of obscene ecstatic euphoria to remove Windows bloatware .... I've still yet to find one single user who wants Xbox bloatware left on their computer !!!

On new computers I set up, I use RevoUninstaller (Advanced mode, removes leftover files, folders, registry entries), then GeekUninstaller to remove RevoUninstaller (so the user is not tempted to mess around), then delete the single standalone file for GeekUninstaller. No trace of my shullduggery is left behind

EDIT Occassionally there is a leftover Windows bloat that is not listed in Revo, but in every case I find it listed in Geek ... Gone !!

Stigg · Jul 31, 2023

idgat said:
RevoUninstaller (the free version, used properly, is sufficient)
GeekUninstaller (freeware)

It gives me a sense of obscene ecstatic euphoria to remove Windows bloatware .... I've still yet to find one single user who wants Xbox bloatware left on their computer !!!

On new computers I set up, I use RevoUninstaller (Advanced mode, removes leftover files, folders, registry entries), then GeekUninstaller to remove RevoUninstaller (so the user is not tempted to mess around), then delete the single standalone file for GeekUninstaller. No trace of my shullduggery is left behind

EDIT Occassionally there is a leftover Windows bloat that is not listed in Revo, but in every case I find it listed in Geek ... Gone !!

I even looked for the app in the Revo Uninstaller Logs Database, but it's not there.
That's probably expected for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps.

I might give Geek Uninstaller a try.

Flashorn · Jul 31, 2023

As Ghot said, Safe Mode might be helpful in your case.

What I like about Total U. is that you can install with the program
and it stores all the places the programs installs too in it's database.
Then, when the time comes to uninstall , Total will identify all of those
places and remove them.
But, like I said Not Free.

Stigg · Aug 1, 2023

Flashorn said:
What I like about Total U. is that you can install with the program
and it stores all the places the programs installs too in it's database.
Then, when the time comes to uninstall , Total will identify all of those
places and remove them.
But, like I said Not Free.

What's it like with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps?
I'm finding UWP to be the weaknesses of some of these uninstallers.

idgat · Aug 1, 2023

Stigg said:
I even looked for the app in the Revo Uninstaller Logs Database, but it's not there.

??

Download RevoUninstaller

idgat · Aug 1, 2023

Stigg said:
This is the offending app that Revo Uninstaller fails to uninstall.

Can't remember which was the most successful, but one of Revo/Geek worked for me. Haven't got this abomination on any of my devices.

Flashorn · Aug 1, 2023

Stigg said:
What's it like with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps?

I couldn't tell you as I don't remember using it for such a purpose.
if I have to uninstall a Windows app, I simply follow what everyone
else is doing that is, all apps and uninstall. I haven't encountered a
situation like yours on my notebook "yet".

x BlueRobot · Aug 1, 2023

Stigg said:
@x BlueRobot I tried PowerShell commands, but they fail.

Hmm, it looks like it believes that your store has become corrupt? Have you tried installing the problematic app again and then removing it? You should be able to do this via Add-AppxPackage.

TairikuOkami · Aug 1, 2023

Stigg said:
I'm finding UWP to be the weaknesses of some of these uninstallers.

Uninstallers will not help much, because UWP apps are SYSTEM protected, they are sandboxed like on android, so you should not need to anyway. Sure, there are some leftovers, but you would have to mess up permissions to get rid of them breaking store in the process.