A program for tracking and removing programs. A guide to programs for uninstalling applications. Windows built-in tools

28.11.2020

IObit Uninstaller is a lightweight and free tool that helps you remove unwanted programs and folders without any hassle.

It detects and categorizes all installed programs, and also allows you to batch uninstall applications with just one click. With the helpful Power Scan and Force Removal features, you will never be bothered by leftover programs (files, folders, registry entries) or toolbars. IObit Uninstaller is instantly installed on the system and is easy to use and powerful in its uninstallation capabilities.

As you know, files deleted from PC can be recovered even after disk formatting. Normal file deletion only deletes the name, not touching the contents when the operation is performed. If you have important files that need to be removed, IObit Uninstaller will help you with File Shredder.

Main advantages of IObit Uninstaller

  • Removing Windows 8/10 applications
  • Removes unwanted programs and folders quickly
  • Removing annoying toolbars
  • Removing unnecessary web browser plugins
  • Removal without leftovers (files, folders, registry entries) with the "Powerful Scan" and "Force Removal" functions
  • Quick uninstall - uninstall for some programs without confirmation windows
  • Permanently delete selected files and folders with File Shredder
  • Detecting and removing Windows updates.
  • Exporting the program list
  • View restore points
  • Lightweight, easy to use and free utility

Today, under my "software microscope" I had the carelessness of a free program for permanently deleting files and folders called Alternate File Shredder.

Is it so good and reliable at spraying various computer files into atoms, without the possibility of restoring them by any means, methods and special programs, as the manufacturers claim? Let's check.

Several times on the pages of this site I described to you special recovery software accidentally deleted files. With their help, it was possible to return data even after formatting the disk.

But what if the task is to completely delete a file or folder, without a single chance of recovery (by bad uncles and evil aunts) ... so that no Recuva, Hetman Partition Recovery or PhotoDOCTOR can resurrect them? Are there really no such programs?

Launch the program and specify files or folders for safe deletion ...





The “number of iterations” is the number of passes. On ssd disks, I do not advise you to abuse this figure (one pass is enough).

Click on the "Destroy files" button and confirm complete deletion ...


(Oops, screen with another file deleted)

... we go to submit documents to any spy organization in the world ...

Checking the reliability of data deletion ...




... the Recuva program didn't even find anything similar to my deleted file, but it did find a huge heap of deleted files a couple of years ago.

I did not check the data with other resuscitators - I am sure that the result will be the same.

Download Alternate File Shredder

Alternate File Shredder, a program for permanently deleting files and folders, lives at this address - http://www.alternate-tools.com/

Its size is 1 MB. There are no viruses and installation difficulties. Has a multilingual interface (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, German, Korean, Czech ...). Works in absolutely any version of the Windows operating system.

Last but not least, don't confuse Alternate File Shredder with program removers... These are two different things. The hero of this article removes just individual files and folders, and does not uninstall programs previously installed on the computer.

P.S. I also ask you not to divorce the holivar in the comments about the fact that there are other programs with a similar function of reliable irreversible deletion - of course there is, but this article was about Alternate File Shredder.

Until new useful computer programs and do not forget to delete files after yourself.

USEFUL VIDEO

Often, after uninstalling applications through the standard Uninstall Wizard, traces of software "activity" (keys in the registry, links to unknown objects and other "garbage") may remain in the system, slowing down the computer and clogging memory.

Then programs for uninstalling programs can come to the rescue, tracking and identifying "leftovers", managing the cleaning process and disposing of even non-removable objects. We will be glad if the selection will help you choose a reliable uninstaller.

Programs Russian language License Rating

Working with the registry

Scheduler

tasks

Yes Free of charge 10 Yes Yes
Yes Trial 10 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 10 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 9 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 8 Yes No

Yes Free of charge 10 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 8 Yes No
Yes Trial 7 Yes No
Yes Free of charge 8 Yes No
No Free of charge 7 Yes No

The uninstaller removes not only unnecessary material, but also files and software resistant to deletion. The utility does an excellent job of cleaning up the registry and hard disk, restores accidentally deleted files, and also cleans programs that are not displayed in the list of installed ones or do not have their own uninstaller. For the convenience of the user, in the working window, all the material is located in a thematic sorted list for quick search. In addition to deleting an object, you can hide it from viewing, clear data about it in the registry, or see the directory in which it is located. An important advantage of IObit Aninstaller is the creation of a restore point at every start, the simultaneous deletion of several files, the portability of the software, Russian-language localization and free distribution.

The utility cleans the PC of unnecessary files, eliminates crashes and freezes in the OS, optimizes the registry and efficiently manages startup. The built-in scheduler will allow you to customize the system optimization schedule, indicating the frequency and choosing the necessary actions. The functions of detecting and fixing errors will help get rid of identified problems, useful tools to clean up accumulated broken shortcuts, old keys, browsing history, temporary Internet files and other "junk" that slows down loading and operation.

"Cleaner" optimizes Windows, easily and quickly detects and removes outdated or little-used files, as well as temporary data in the web browser and other software that works through the Network. The functionality includes clearing the cache, buffer, history, recycle bin, temporary and recent files, startup commands and cookies, which speeds up the machine's performance, its response to commands, and also increases free space. In additional options, you can search for files with the wrong extension without the threat of affecting important and confidential information.

The utility carries out a complete removal of the installed software and its components to optimize the system and accelerate work. The functionality includes additional methods for cleaning the registry, browser history, registry keys and folders, additional files, disks and startup manager. The principle of operation of Revo Aninstaller is to monitor and analyze the operating system before "cleaning" programs, determining the location of the latter and reporting outdated components. The mode of "hunting" for a shortcut will help you by dragging it into the floating window to reveal all the actions attached to it.

The utility removes non-removable and outdated software, finds and cleans traces of programs, and also creates backup copies of the material. Advanced functionality allows an experienced user to penetrate and control software processes. Software Organizer is able to simultaneously remove several components, display the rating of installed applications, analyzing the number of uninstallations by users. In the quick search, it is easy to find the requested objects, sorted by different parameters. In addition, you can check for updates to utilities to keep them up to date, reduce errors and problems.

The software checks, cleans and optimizes the system registry for efficient and faster operation of the operating system. Easily removes unnecessary entries, optimizes the registry by identifying the number of errors, the date of the last improvement and the state of the disks. It also implements disk cleaning, uninstalling programs, changing the system registry, searching for entries in it, compressing and defragmenting. Has a Russian-language intuitive interface. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the 30-day trial version and the lack of a verification function in it.

The functionality of the application includes cleaning autorun, uninstalling installed software, removing non-removable programs and configuring them. It has a convenient menu, a clear layout and additional functions. With Aninstal Tool, the user can view hidden and recently installed software, sort and configure startup utilities, and find updates. The "forced removal" option is available to clean unsupported software and two modes of operation. The free version is only active for 30 days.

A high-quality utility increases PC responsiveness, cleans the device from irrelevant registry entries and system areas, and also fixes various types of errors. The functionality is aimed at a comprehensive increase in computer performance, eliminating temporary cache, cleaning the "tails" of the web browser, removing unnecessary registry keys and duplicate objects. Karambis Cleaner includes tools for complete cleaning of files, folders and installed software, as well as an autorun manager. The trial version is limited in functionality and only allows scanning.

Users often face the problem of refusal to delete a file due to its use by another application, blocking by malware or some process. "Unlockers" will help to solve this problem, removing all prohibitions from the file.

In this regard, in the review we decided to consider programs for deleting non-removable files, the functionality of which will help to "free" objects and allow access to them for performing the necessary actions. Such utilities can not only "clean", but also optimize the OS.

Programs

Russian language

License

Rating

Unlocking

files

Unlocking

folders

Yes Free of charge 9 Yes Yes
No Trial 10 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 10 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 8 Yes No
Yes Free of charge 10 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 10 Yes Yes
Yes Free of charge 8 Yes No
No Free of charge 7 Yes No

The utility stops or removes files occupied by an application or some process. Unlocks a file, after which it can be copied, renamed or deleted. In addition, the functionality is available for outputting data about the interfering process, stopping it and removing it from the hard drive. If the information was accidentally deleted, then you can find it in the basket. LockHunter runs on 32 and 64 bit OS.

A quality application to unlock files and folders that have been locked by programs or system processes. Finds blocked files, processes, stops their work and opens access to the resource without affecting the operation of the system. Available "manual mode" to close "inhibiting" actions, stopping the "activity" of viruses, spyware and trojans, unblocking encrypted files and DLLs, as well as integration with Windows Explorer.

The functional program removes the prohibition on moving and deleting files or folders, displays the status of each object and provides access to them for further manipulations. IObit Unlocker processes data with high quality and error-free and removes prohibitions when OS treatment is necessary. In a clear and accessible menu, by moving it is easy to transfer an entire folder or a separate file to unlock.

The compact software unlocks files "occupied" by applications or processes for their further deletion, movement or renaming. An unlocker finds a blocking process, and the user decides whether to stop or close it. The utility is integrated into the context menu, and with the built-in assistant it will be easy for beginners to familiarize and work with.

The software uninstalls installed utilities, cleans up the autorun of the operating system, configures and eliminates "non-removable" programs. Acting as an analogue of the standard Add / Remove Programs option, Aninstall Tulle monitors hidden or recently installed software, removes busy objects, searches for utility updates, and configures programs for startup and classifies them by parameters. It is possible to note the functions "forced removal" and "uninstall", convenient for a complete irreversible cleaning of the material. The only drawback is that the free version will run for 30 days.

The program carries out a complete removal of software and its components, clears the history in the browser and registry, cleans additional folders and files that clog the system. Revo Aninstaller analyzes the operating system, determines the software to be removed, determines its location and provides a report with information about unnecessary components. In hunting mode, you can drag a shortcut to the floating window to define all options bound to it. In addition, the product cleans office applications, disks and startup manager data. Users note the optimization and accelerated operation of the system after the functioning of the utility we are considering.

As you know, timely cleaning of Windows will guarantee high performance of your computer and multifunctionality of its software resources. We have reviewed the best programs that can fully clean the system. Which of the above utilities should you choose?

The undisputed leader among programs for cleaning the computer system is Computer Accelerator. This program has amazing capabilities that are only partially available for other analogues. Manage the cleaning process, optimize the Windows registry as efficiently as possible, and permanently get rid of any software glitches and problems that have been bothering your computer for a long time. Computer Accelerator is able to quickly raise the performance of all computer resources, ensuring reliable stability and versatility of all important system resources!

System Mechanic can be recommended for both beginners and professionals, however, specialists will like the product more. Its reliability and quality conquer, only the English language in the menu interferes slightly. In the West, the package of utilities is widespread and popular, development has been going on for over 20 years, so all functions have been honed to perfection.

An inexpensive alternative is Wise Care 365. The software is distinguished by the most convenient controls in comparison with analogues, powerful means of getting rid of the system from computer garbage, as well as the optimal ratio of the license cost and the high quality of the productivity tools offered by the developer.

CCleaner is one of the most widely used computer junk and junk cleaning tools in the world. The utility has gained its popularity due to its user-friendly interface and rich built-in capabilities. Owners of CCleaner receive virtually the entire list of most paid modern counterparts among the "cleaners" and "optimizers" of the operating system. Using Advanced SystemCare Free will help you not only clean up the platform, but also seriously overclock your computer's power readings. Thanks to the presence of a whole range of specialized tools, the program can increase the level of RAM and processor performance, which will have an excellent effect on the performance of the entire OS.

In addition to the common functions for cleaning the system from unnecessary and damaged files, Glary Utilities will provide you with proper protection of all sensitive data, increasing not only the performance, but also the level of security of the operating system. The program is able to correct even incorrectly entered links, as well as find any errors in the registry and correct them correctly. If you have to share your computer with several other users, Comodo System Cleaner will help get rid of even the slightest suspicion of stealing your information, the utility can delete any confidential data without the possibility of its subsequent recovery. Komodo System Cleaner has a simple interface and quickly removes all unnecessary files, in addition, analyzes the system for duplicate files.

Wise Registry Cleaner is one of the leading registry cleaning utilities. The program does not have such extensive functionality against the background of its main competitors, but it will perfectly cope with its direct responsibility. The application will empower you with both manual and automatic control modes. There is no need to worry that Weiss Register Cleaner will clean anything important in automatic mode, because the developer has implemented a convenient option to create a backup copy of the registry. With Wise Care 365 Free, you can quickly clear cache and cookies within web browsers. The utility features a convenient customization (already simple interface) to your preference. Weiss Keir 365, will protect user personal data, defragment the required disks and clean the system of unnecessary garbage.