Glary Utilities is a popular software suite designed to help users optimize their system performance by cleaning up files, fixing registry issues, protecting privacy, and managing startup programs. While the software is known for its excellent features, there are situations where you might want to uninstall it from your computer. This could be due to personal preference, switching to a different system optimization tool, or simply needing to free up space on your hard drive.
Uninstalling Glary Utilities is generally a straightforward process, but there are several ways to go about it, depending on your preferences and the version of Windows you are using. In this guide, we will walk you through the different methods of uninstalling Glary Utilities, the precautions to take during the process, and what to do if you encounter any issues.
There are several reasons you might want to uninstall Glary Utilities from your computer. Some of the most common reasons include:
System performance issues: Although Glary Utilities is designed to optimize your system, it may, in rare cases, cause system slowdowns or interfere with other software, leading to a decision to remove it.
Switching to alternative software: If you decide to try out a different system optimization tool, you might want to uninstall Glary Utilities to make room for new software.
Free up space: Glary Utilities is a comprehensive suite, and while it doesn't take up much space, you may choose to uninstall it if you're trying to free up storage on your computer.
Unwanted features: The premium version may not offer all the features you expected, or you may no longer need some of the functionalities it offers, making it a candidate for removal.
The first method we’ll cover is using the Windows Settings application to uninstall Glary Utilities. This is the most straightforward method for users of modern Windows versions such as Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 10 & Windows 11
Open Windows Settings:
Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) located in the lower-left corner of your screen.
Type Settings in the search bar and select the Settings app from the results.
Go to Apps:
In the Settings window, click on the Apps category. This will open the Apps & Features menu where you can manage all the applications installed on your system.
Locate Glary Utilities:
In the Apps & Features section, you will see a list of all installed programs. Scroll down the list or use the search bar to find Glary Utilities.
Uninstall the Program:
Once you’ve found Glary Utilities, click on it to reveal the Uninstall button. Click the Uninstall button to begin the removal process.
A confirmation message may pop up asking if you are sure you want to uninstall the program. Click Uninstall again to confirm.
Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:
Glary Utilities will now launch its uninstallation wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the uninstallation.
The wizard may prompt you to confirm that you want to remove all components of the software. It is recommended to agree to this to ensure a full removal.
Complete the Uninstallation:
After the process finishes, Glary Utilities will be removed from your computer. You may need to restart your PC to fully complete the uninstallation.
If you are using an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows Vista, you will need to use the Control Panel to uninstall Glary Utilities. While this method is less commonly used in modern Windows versions, it remains relevant for users of older systems.
Step-by-Step Guide for Windows 7/Vista
Open the Control Panel:
Click on the Start button (Windows icon) located in the lower-left corner.
Type Control Panel into the search bar and click the Control Panel result.
Navigate to Programs and Features:
In the Control Panel window, click on the Programs category, and then click Programs and Features. This will display a list of all installed programs on your computer.
Find Glary Utilities:
Scroll through the list of installed programs or use the search box to locate Glary Utilities.
Uninstall the Program:
Click on Glary Utilities and then click the Uninstall button at the top of the list.
A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you are sure you want to remove Glary Utilities. Click Yes to confirm.
Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:
The Glary Utilities uninstallation wizard will launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal of the software.
Finish the Uninstallation:
Once the uninstallation process is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer to finalize the process.
If you're looking for a more thorough way to uninstall Glary Utilities and remove all associated files and registry entries, you can use third-party uninstaller software. These programs are designed to remove not just the software but also any leftover files, folders, or registry entries that may remain after using the standard uninstallation methods.
Some of the best third-party uninstaller tools include:
Revo Uninstaller
IObit Uninstaller
GeekUninstaller
Here’s how to use one of these tools:
Download and Install the Uninstaller: Download and install a third-party uninstaller tool of your choice.
Launch the Uninstaller: Open the uninstaller program and look for Glary Utilities in the list of installed programs.
Uninstall the Program: Select Glary Utilities and click Uninstall. The third-party uninstaller will guide you through the process and may also scan for leftover files or registry entries after the uninstallation is complete.
Remove Leftover Files: Once the main software is removed, these tools often perform an additional scan for leftover files and registry entries. You can review and delete these residual items for a clean uninstallation.
Even after you’ve used Windows Settings or the Control Panel to uninstall Glary Utilities, some residual files and folders may remain on your system. These leftovers could include temporary files, logs, or registry entries associated with the software.
To manually remove leftover files:
Delete Glary Utilities Folders: Open File Explorer and navigate to the following locations to check for any remaining Glary Utilities folders:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Glary Utilities
C:\Program Files\Glary Utilities
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\GlarySoft
Clear Temporary Files: You can also clear your temporary files by opening the Run dialog (press Windows + R), typing %temp%, and deleting the files in the temporary folder.
Clean the Registry: Using a registry cleaner like Glary Utilities itself (before uninstallation) or a third-party tool can help remove leftover registry entries associated with the program.
While the process of uninstalling Glary Utilities is usually smooth, you may run into problems. Here are a few issues users commonly face and how to fix them:
Problem 1: Glary Utilities Won’t Uninstall
Solution: If you are unable to uninstall Glary Utilities using the standard methods, try using a third-party uninstaller. These tools often help remove stubborn programs that don’t uninstall properly.
Problem 2: Glary Utilities Leaves Behind Files or Folders
Solution: After uninstalling, manually check the directories mentioned earlier to remove any leftover files. You can also use a tool like CCleaner to scan for leftover files and clean your system.
Problem 3: Error Message During Uninstallation
Solution: If you receive an error message while attempting to uninstall, try restarting your computer and running the uninstallation again. Ensure that no other processes related to Glary Utilities are running in the background. If the issue persists, using a third-party uninstaller may resolve the problem.
Uninstalling Glary Utilities is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the right steps to ensure that the software is removed completely from your computer. Whether you’re using Windows Settings, the Control Panel, or a third-party uninstaller, the process should be straightforward and quick.
In the event that you encounter any issues, such as leftover files or error messages, there are troubleshooting steps and additional tools available to help you perform a thorough removal. If you plan to reinstall or switch to another optimization tool, following these instructions will help ensure a smooth transition.