How to Delete an Executable File

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You can "Execute" a program or install a new application on your computer by using a file type called .EXE. But occasionally, you might want to remove the .EXE file because you no longer need a particular program. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy procedure that can be completed in two different ways.

Using "Add/Remove Programs" to Remove .EXE Files

  1. On your computer, click the "Start" button located at the bottom left of the screen.
  2. From the options screen for the Start button, select "Control Panel".
  3. When you’re hovering over the "Add or Remove Programs" icon in Windows XP, or the "Programs" icon in Windows Vista, click with your left mouse button. Another option is to perform a right-click over the icon and then a left-click on "Open."
  4. Look for the program that has the .EXE file in your "Add Remove or Programs" folder. For example, you will need to remove the Adaware application from the list that displays in order to access adaware.com.
  5. Once you have located the program you wish to uninstall, click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
  6. The program’s .EXE file and the entire program will be deleted if you follow the uninstall instructions.

Using the Uninstall Option in the App to Remove .EXE Files

  1. Go to the file’s program folder to locate the .EXE file. To locate the program that contains the .EXE file, for example, click "My Computer," select Program Files, and then locate the program.
  2. Press the right mouse button, then select "Delete" from the menu. When prompted, confirm that you really want to remove the file from your computer by selecting "Yes." Alternatively, you can drag the .EXE file straight to the icon for your recycle bin and select "yes" to send the file there.
  3. Navigate to your recycle bin and use your left mouse button twice to open it. Then, select the .EXE file from the bin and right-click on it with your mouse. Next, select the delete option to eliminate the .EXE file completely.

Now let’s get started with deleting an .exe file.

Deleting Registry Keys and Values

You must remove every registry key and value connected to Exe File—which are detailed in the sections on this page titled Registry Keys and Registry Values—in order to completely remove Exe File from your Windows registry.

NOTEWORTHY: It is highly advised that you create a backup of your registry before you start deleting keys and values because the registry is an essential part of your Windows system.

Follow these steps to remove every registry key mentioned in the REGISTRY KEYS section:

  1. Choose the key name (KEYNAME1 in the example above) that appears at the end of the path.
  2. DELETE can be selected from the menu by right-clicking the key name.

Take the following actions to remove every registry value mentioned in the Registry Values section:

  1. Choose the value name (VALUEC in the example above) that appears in the right pane after the path’s final comma.
  2. DELETE can be selected from the menu by right-clicking the value name.

Now let’s look at how to remove an executable file that won’t go away.

Removing an Executable File Permanently

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Let’s investigate if deleting .exe files is acceptable.

Saving disk space is one of the main reasons you might want to remove installation files after setup. You can make space for other files, programs, or updates by removing them. Eliminating installation files also helps to clear up clutter and confusion. Organizing and maintaining clean folders can be achieved by removing installation files that are no longer needed. Nevertheless, there are hazards and disadvantages associated with removing installation files. One of them is that in the event of any problems or errors, you might no longer be able to uninstall or fix the software. Removing installation files runs the risk of making you need them again in the event that you wish to update or reinstall the program.

Let’s examine how to remove a file from run permanently.

Using third-party software tools to overwrite the files and data is the most effective way to permanently delete files on Windows 10. Using Windows PowerShell, keyboard shortcuts, the right-click menu, the File Explorer Ribbon, and third-party software tools are additional ways to permanently remove files, but they might still retain traces of your data. Press SHIFT + DELETE simultaneously after selecting the file you wish to remove permanently. Windows will request your confirmation. Press YES.

The following describes how to use the right-click context menu to permanently remove files:

  1. To permanently remove a file or folder, select it, right-click on it, and select DELETE.
  2. Next, choose EMPTY RECYCLE BIN from the menu by right-clicking the RECYCLE BIN on your desktop.

Here’s how to use the File Explorer Ribbon to permanently remove files:

  1. To launch File Explorer, simultaneously press the Windows Key and E.
  2. Click the dropdown arrow at the top of the window to uncheck the MINIMIZE THE RIBBON box if the File Explorer Ribbon isn’t visible at the top.
  3. Navigate to the folder or the folder containing the file you wish to remove using the left panel.
  4. To permanently delete a file, select it and then click the DOWN ARROW under Delete (the large red X) at the top of the window.

Use software tools that can overwrite the space those files take up on your disk or even shred files entirely to safely remove Windows 10 files that you really want gone. For tech-savvy users, Windows PowerShell provides a fast file deletion process.

Here’s how to use PowerShell to permanently remove files in Windows 10:

  1. To launch the Run command window, simultaneously press the Windows key and R.
  2. After typing POWERSHELL, hit Enter.
  3. Enter REMOVE-ITEM [FILE PATH] -RECURSE, substituting the real path of the file or folder you want to remove forever for [file path]. Next, press ENTER.