How to Fix Windows Cannot Find Uninstall.exe Error?

The “Windows cannot find uninstall.exe” error typically occurs when Windows is unable to locate the uninstaller executable file for a particular program you are trying to uninstall. While this issue is commonly associated with a missing “uninstall.exe” file, it is important to note that uninstallers can have different names, such as “unins000.exe” or even be managed through installation packages like .msi files. This issue arises when the uninstaller file is corrupted, missing, or inaccessible. Several reasons can contribute to this, including file deletion, incomplete installation, corruption, and registry issues.

This error can prevent users from uninstalling unwanted or malfunctioning software, which can be frustrating. However, uninstalling the software using third-party tools or manually deleting the application files can resolve the issue.

As we have discussed the causes of this issue, let’s explore ways to uninstall the program without the Uninstall.exe file.

1. Reinstall the Program before Uninstalling

Since the uninstall.exe is missing, you can simply reinstall the program to restore the uninstall.exe file. After restoring it, you can use it to uninstall the program properly.

1. Locate the installer.exe file for the program you want to install. If you don’t have it, download it from the internet.
   
2. Once downloaded, double-click on it and follow the instructions to install the program.
3. After installation, try to uninstall the program that was showing the error message.

2. Use the Bulk Crap Uninstaller to Remove the Application

You can try uninstalling the program using a third-party uninstaller, which will remove all the files related to the program, including the registry entries. This approach ensures the program is fully uninstalled without the uninstaller file.

1. Download the Bulk Crap Uninstaller from the provided link.
   
2. Once downloaded, extract it using WinRar or 7zip.
   
3. Navigate to the extracted folder and open the BCUninstaller application.
   
4. Right-click the application you want to uninstall and select Uninstall.
   
5. Click Continue twice and then click Begin Uninstallation. This should allow you to uninstall the application without any error messages.
   

3. Manually Delete Files and Registry Entries (For Expert Users Only)

One effective way to uninstall a program without the uninstall.exe is by manually deleting the application files and then cleaning the registry entries related to the program you want to uninstall. This method allows you to uninstall the program thoroughly without needing the uninstall.exe.

Important Note: Manually deleting program files and editing the Windows registry can lead to system instability or malfunction if not done correctly. Before proceeding with these steps, it’s highly recommended to back up your registry and create a system restore point. This precaution will allow you to revert changes if anything goes wrong during the process.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the directory where you installed the program.
2. Programs are usually installed in the C drive under Program Files or Program Files (x86).
3. Once you find the program folder, right-click on it and select Delete.
   
4. Afterwards, press the Win key and type Regedit.
   
5. Open the registry editor and navigate to the following directory:

   For 32-bit applications on a 64-bit system, use:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
   
   For 64-bit applications or 32-bit systems, use:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

6. Under the Uninstall key, you will find many folders with randomly generated names. Click each folder and look for the software name in the right pane that you want to uninstall.
7. If you can find it, simply right-click the folder and select Delete.
   
8. Once done, close the registry editor and you should be all set.