These 8 programs can remove persistent files and handle viruses effectively.

Not all programs are easily removed from a computer.

Apart from the folder containing the main files, applications can write temporary data to another location and store error reports elsewhere.

Thoughtful developers offer an option during uninstallation: to save or delete temporary files and program settings data. However, malicious or negligent authors may leave some files on the computer when uninstalling.

Over time, such 'remnants' accumulate, cluttering the system. This document discusses utilities for Windows, macOS, and Linux that help remove unnecessary programs and files, leaving no superfluous items on the disc.

Tools to Remove Persistent Files

• Safe Mode Windows
• Ashampoo Uninstaller
• Soft Organizer
• Bulk Crap Uninstaller
• AppCleaner
• CleanMyMac
• Stacer
• Czkawka

The Necessity of Forced File Deletion

For modern computers, especially those running macOS and Linux, external cleaning utilities are mostly unnecessary: the system manages everything independently. Hence, I only recommend using additional programs if nothing else works.

Besides cleaning up unnecessary files from the removed software, uninstallers - as these program-removing tools are known - serve two more crucial functions.

Deleting Undeletable Files. In rare instances, the system may prevent the deletion of certain files. Here are some reasons why:

1. The file is being used by another program. For instance, a photo can't be deleted from a disk if it's open in a photo editor.
2. The file has already been deleted. Occasionally, the system might lag and not register the deletion immediately - you can try deleting it again, but this won't yield any results.
3. You don't have sufficient permissions to delete the file. For example, if you are using a work or school PC without admin rights, you can open files, but you can't delete them.
4. The program has frozen.
5. The file resides in a protected folder, and the system deems it important for the computer's operation.

Even a uninstaller can't delete a file if it's open in the download manager.

Typically, opening a file as an administrator will solve the problem, and you won't need to have a face-to-face conversation with anyone.

Each program on the list can handle any locked files, except for system files. Sometimes, even these need to be deleted; for example, if a driver was installed incorrectly and it's sabotaging the system.

Program Installation Control. Utilities are easier to delete if you know exactly where their files are stored. For this, the uninstaller keeps track of which folders appear and get filled when new programs are installed. When the program is uninstalled, the uninstaller checks the list and clears all the folders at once. 

Safe Mode

Convenience: 😄😄😄😄😄

Effectiveness: 💪💪💪

Operating System: Windows

Cost: Free

You may not need a separate program to uninstall software. If a file is inaccessible due to admin permissions or is in use by another program, booting in Safe Mode might be sufficient.

Safe Mode is a specific way of starting Windows, where only the bare minimum of necessary programs and services are activated. It's ideal for a system infected with viruses. Particularly persistent viruses may block admin access to files, which can't be unlocked even through the command line, but Safe Mode bypasses these restrictions.

Access the recovery settings or use the link ms-settings:recovery by pressing Win + R.

In Safe Mode, just delete the file as usual. Your computer will only run the necessary processes for operation, so nothing should conflict with the deletion.

If this method doesn't work, you'll have to resort to third-party programs.

All programs below are unofficial

I've carefully checked them on my computer and studied reviews. However, you should still use these software with caution, especially during the downloading and installation stages.

Download programs only from official sources. Be sure the website address matches the program's name, and don't follow links from anonymous forum users.

Complete removal isn't guaranteed. Even advanced uninstallers can't track 100% of processes on a computer and fully delete the most complex programs.

For advanced removal, you can use two programs instead of one - the second one will clean up any residual 'tails' left by the first.

 

Ashampoo Uninstaller

Convenience: 😄😄😄😄 Effectiveness: 💪💪💪💪 Operating System: Windows Cost: $40 per year (with a need for VPN and foreign bank card), free trial version available

Ashampoo Uninstaller, a product from a renowned utility software manufacturer, provides a free trial version that is sufficient for basic uninstallation of programs and circumvention of system constraints.

Furthermore, it offers a program rating system. If it identifies any malicious or unreliable software among the installed ones, the Uninstaller will alert you.

The paid version unlocks a set of advanced features:

1. Installation Control: By dragging the installer into the utility, the program installs within Ashampoo, enabling easy removal later.
2. Removal of Pre-installed Windows Programs: This feature allows you to uninstall built-in Microsoft messenger, defender, game client, and other non-essential utilities. However, they might reappear after a system update.
3. Process Monitoring: By clicking on any running process, you can trace which program controls it. This is handy when a file is used by multiple programs, and you need to identify them.
4. Browser Plugin Removal: Though this can be handled without the program, it's an added convenience.

The software performs its functions effectively, removing all files, registry entries, and temporary folders. However, some users complain about the incorrect operation of the built-in installer, which poorly tracks programs if the computer needs to be restarted at the end of installation.

Registry Cleaning Has Minimal Impact on System Performance

Sometimes, the ability to clean registry data is used as a criterion to evaluate the program. However, registry entries do not heavily burden the computer, and it's generally not necessary to tamper with them.

The only scenario where registry editing is indeed required is when you want to remove a virus or malicious program from it.

 

Soft Organizer

User-friendliness: 😄😄😄😄😄

Effectiveness: 💪💪💪💪

Operating System: Windows

Cost: Free, with a Pro version available for $40 (needs VPN and a foreign bank card for purchase)

Soft Organizer, even in its free version, efficiently removes residual files of programs, rids your system of default Windows utilities, and creates backup copies in case the removed software turns out to be crucially important.

Here's what the paid version offers additionally:

1. It allows you to search for remnants of previously removed programs, ensuring a thorough cleaning of your computer.
2. It lets you install programs with tracking, facilitating more effective removal later.
3. It updates programs, a function whose necessity in a deinstaller is debatable.

Some users complain that the program struggles with forgotten registry entries and recommend pairing it with an additional utility for their removal.

The main window of the program features a process monitoring tool akin to the external task manager.

 

Bulk Crap Uninstaller

Convenience: 😄😄😄😄😄

Effectiveness: 💪💪💪💪💪

Operating System: Windows

Cost: Free

Bulk Crap Uninstaller is a free, open-source program that doesn't require installation. The developers earn through donations, ensuring that the program remains free without any hidden costs.

Despite its name, Bulk Crap Uninstaller is a sophisticated uninstaller. While it doesn't manage the installation of applications, it offers the following features:

1. It assigns a user rating to each program. The reliability of a program can be seen directly in the list, represented by stars. These ratings are trustworthy as the developers don't receive payments for high-rated programs.
2. It can hide system files and those not intended for deletion. Hence, the program offers an advanced 'foolproof' system. If you're unsure about uninstalling, checkboxes help determine how crucial a program is to the system.
3. It clears registry entries. An individual button is responsible for this - mentions of the utility in the registry can be removed with a single click.

Users occasionally complain about the program's occasional misses in file removal and missed registry entries. However, the utility handles its tasks better than some paid counterparts.

While BCU may not have the friendliest interface, it is free from advertisements and doesn't push other developer products.

 

AppCleaner

Convenience: 😄😄😄

Effectiveness: 💪💪💪

Operating System: macOS

Cost: Free

AppCleaner is a minimalist, user-friendly, and free utility tool. The application is funded by donations, ensuring user data privacy.

To delete a file, simply drag it into the AppCleaner program, and it will automatically secure all required permissions for its deletion. In recent versions, a file search function and a list of all programs have been added for increased efficiency.

Besides deletion, AppCleaner can search for associated files to ensure comprehensive removal of all residual files after uninstallation.

AppCleaner is often lauded as the best free uninstallation tool in reviews and user feedback.

 

This encompasses the entire program interface.

 

CleanMyMac

Convenience: 😀😀😀😀😀 Effectiveness: 💪💪💪 Operating System: macOS Cost: $35 per year, free version available

CleanMyMac, a software solution from developers specializing in Mac cleanup tools, provides multifunctional features, although some users have critiqued it for creating an illusion of work. It appears to clean everything possible on your computer, including:

1. App cache.
2. Old images.
3. Service files from deleted programs.
4. Trash bin.
5. Temporary iTunes files.

The software also includes a detailed uninstaller that removes software from the disk and searches for related files, ensuring 100% removal of unnecessary components. Advanced installation is not available.

Some users consider CleanMyMac to be an unnecessary program, mainly because macOS is well-organized by default and usually doesn't require an additional multitool.

However, it's worth noting that the uninstaller in CleanMyMac thoroughly removes programs, files, and all their records, including duplicates and related files, which implies that the software performs its tasks effectively.

 

 

Stacer

Convenience: 😄😄 Effectiveness: 💪💪💪💪💪 Operating System: Linux Cost: Free

Stacer is an open-source application for Linux. You can install it without even clicking the above link, by simply typing the following three commands in the command line:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:oguzhaninan/stacersudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install stacer

The uninstaller within Stacer is incredibly straightforward: you can select the desired package or group of packages and remove them with ease.

Users generally express satisfaction with the program, praising its speedy operation and user-friendly interface. The only word of caution is that it can potentially remove important system files, so careful use is advised.

Stacer sports a minimalist design.

 

Czkawka

Convenience: 😄😄😄😄

Effectiveness: 💪💪💪💪

Operating System: Linux, Windows, macOS

Cost: Free

Czkawka is an open-source application designed for Linux, aimed at managing files, disks, and indexing. It is also available for Windows and macOS but there are compelling alternatives available for these platforms. Here's what the utility can do:

1. Search and delete duplicate, empty, temporary, and large files.
2. Seek similar images, videos, and music.
3. Detect incorrect file names and permissions.

Essentially, the entire application functions as a comprehensive uninstaller with various options. According to user reviews, the software operates flawlessly and is frequently updated.

 

The interface may not be particularly user-friendly, but it benefits from being contained within a single window.