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Uninstall applications from Server Core

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There is no add/remove programs or programs and features dialogue, so how do you remove applications?

Start by opening regedit and expanding to the section where all applications should publish their installation data (according to the Windows Application Compatibility Guidelines).  If the application does not store data here, you will need to seek out additional support from the vendor.

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

In this case I’ll use the C++ Redistributable as an example but it could be any application.  See the value “UninstallString”.  Double click and copy the contents to the command line.  This funny looking string of characters is the GUID for the application.  Windows Installer will associate the value with the application and initiate the uninstall process.

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Comments

  • Anonymous
    January 05, 2009
    Thanks. I couldn't find the program I wanted to download but with a search in the HKLM after the name of the program, I managed to find it, and made the unistall via CLI Thanks! Bary. www.windowseven.net

  • Anonymous
    April 28, 2010
    Nice post!  Very useful and problem solved in 3 minutes. Thanks

  • Anonymous
    October 25, 2010
    Great post! Another trick to throw in my bag. Thank you!

  • Anonymous
    April 15, 2011
    Than you!  This was helpful.  I also had look elsewhere to find the 'UninstallString' key for my application: HLKMSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionInstallerUserData

  • Anonymous
    November 29, 2012
    For anyone who can't find their application in HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall you need to also look into: HKLMSOFTWAREWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall

  • Anonymous
    January 18, 2013
    Hi What can be done is there is no "uninstall string" how can you remove the software?

  • Anonymous
    July 08, 2015
    The comment has been removed