REMOVE HIDDEN JUNK

Powerful NEW tool that cleans deeper than ever

IObit Uninstaller is one of the best free programs for removing unwanted software and reclaiming valuable PC storage space. The latest version (8) has a new feature that lists PUPS that have been smuggled in with programs you’ve downloaded, letting you uninstall them with just a few clicks. This version also lets you remove programs via its desktop shortcut, open window or system-tray icon. As well as this, you can also remove browser extensions and apps installed from the Microsoft Store.

STEP 1

To install the latest version of Iobit Uninstaller, go to www.snipca.com/28922, click the green Download Now button, then run the downloaded setup file. If you already use Iobit Uninstaller, doing this will replace your old version. Unlike earlier versions, there are no boxes to untick during installation. You can click and drag its bottom-right corner 1 to resize it. Click the Options button 2 , then click Settings to switch to a light theme 3 and increase the font size 4 (both optional).

STEP 2

The latest version has a new section called Bundleware 1 that lists all the unwanted extras that were ‘bundled’ with programs you’ve downloaded 2 . To uninstall these at this point, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid-for version ($19.99/£15.50), but there’s another way of removing them for free, as we’ll explain. First, make a note of the bundleware you want to remove.

STEP 3

Now click any of the categories on the left (All Programs, Large Programs, Recently Installed or Infrequently Used 1 ) to see a list of programs in those categories, including any bundleware 2 . Tick to select anything you want to remove 3 . You’ll see how much space you can recover 4 . Next, click Uninstall 5 , then Continue Uninstalling at the bottom.

STEP 4

The program automatically creates a system restore point on your PC, then proceeds to uninstall everything you selected. You may see pop-up windows from programs prompting you to confirm that you want to delete your data 1 and uninstall the program 2 . Unlike previous versions, this new version automatically removes all leftover junk soon after uninstallation.

STEP 5

Another new feature is the option to uninstall programs directly from their desktop shortcut. Right-click the relevant desktop shortcut 1 , click Powerful Uninstall 2 , then click Uninstall. Iobit Uninstaller will create a restore point, uninstall the program and remove any junk that came with it.

STEP 6

You can also uninstall a program via its open window or system-tray icon (useful for programs that don’t provide a desktop shortcut). Click the Tools button 1 , then the Easy Uninstall button 2 (or press Ctrl+alt+u). You’ll see a green target icon on your screen. Move this to any open window or system-tray icon to uninstall that program. Iobit Uninstaller also lets you forceuninstall stubborn programs 3 , see a list of programs you’ve uninstalled 4 , and permanently delete files beyond recovery and uninstall Windows updates 5 .

STEP 7

To remove browser extensions, click the ‘Toolbars & Plug-ins’ category 1 , select the relevant browser 2 , tick the unwanted extensions 3 , then click Remove twice 4 . To uninstall Windows apps, click that section 5 . You’ll see two options: Windows Apps and Thirdparty Apps. Select the relevant section, tick the apps you want to uninstall, then click Uninstall twice.