SoftEther VPN Client is a powerful and versatile open-source software developed by the University of Tsukuba, Japan. It enables users to securely connect to remote Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) using various protocols such as SSL-VPN, L2TP, and OpenVPN. The client is widely used in corporate environments, educational institutions, and by individuals seeking secure remote access to internal networks.
Despite its robust features, some users may choose to uninstall SoftEther VPN Client due to switching to alternative solutions like OpenVPN GUI, WireGuard, or built-in Windows 10/11 VPN tools, or simply because they no longer need the functionality it provides. While SoftEther does not deeply integrate with the operating system like some proprietary software, standard uninstallation methods may leave behind configuration files, registry entries, or virtual network adapters that can cause conflicts or clutter your system.
This guide presents several methods to completely remove SoftEther VPN Client from your system. We will highlight important distinctions between 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Each method includes detailed step-by-step instructions, key points, precautions, success rate estimates, and an analysis of its drawbacks. The final method introduces Perfect Uninstaller, a third-party tool designed for deep and comprehensive software removal. In the conclusion, we provide a professional perspective to help you make an informed decision about which uninstallation method suits your needs best.
Method 1: Uninstall via Settings App (Windows 10 / Windows 11)
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Press
Win + Ito open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps
- On Windows 10, navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
- On Windows 11, go directly to Installed apps under the Apps section.
- Search for SoftEther
- Use the search bar at the top and type “SoftEther”.
- Uninstall the Application
- Click on SoftEther VPN Client and then click Uninstall.
- Confirm when prompted and wait for the process to complete.
Notes:
- This method works only if SoftEther was installed using the official installer that registers itself in the system.
- Works identically on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, but ensure you’re uninstalling the correct version based on your installation.
- On Windows 11, some legacy drivers or services might require manual cleanup after uninstallation.
Success Rate:
- ~75–80% successful removal of the main program files.
Drawbacks:
- Does not remove residual configuration files, cached logs, or registry entries unless manually deleted.
- May leave behind virtual network adapters created by SoftEther.
- Cannot uninstall deeply embedded services or startup items.
Method 2: Using Control Panel (Legacy Interface)
The Control Panel remains a reliable option for managing installed applications, especially for advanced users or those who prefer a more traditional interface.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Type “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.
- Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a Program
- Locate SoftEther VPN Client
- Scroll through the list and select SoftEther VPN Client.
- Uninstall the Application
- Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to complete the process.
Notes:
- Compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the layout may differ slightly.
Success Rate:
- ~77–82% successful removal of the main program files.
Drawbacks:
- May not fully clean up user profiles, shared system folders, or plugin directories.
- Less intuitive than the modern Settings interface.
- Still leaves behind some configuration and cache files.
Method 3: Manual File and Registry Cleanup (Post-Uninstall)
After uninstalling via any of the above methods, you can perform manual cleanup to remove any remaining files or registry entries left behind by SoftEther VPN Client.
Steps:
- Delete App Data Folders
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\SoftEther C:\Program Files (x86)\SoftEther C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\SoftEther C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\SoftEther
- Clear Temp Files
- Delete:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp\SoftEther*
- Remove Virtual Network Adapters (Critical Step)
- Go to Device Manager (
devmgmt.msc) - Expand Network Adapters
- Look for devices named “Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter” or similar entries related to SoftEther.
- Right-click and Uninstall device, ensuring the box “Delete the driver software for this device” is checked.
- Clean Registry Entries
- Open Registry Editor (
regedit) as admin. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SoftEther HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SoftEther
For 64-bit systems, also check:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\SoftEther - Delete these keys if they exist.
- ⚠️ Warning: Always back up the registry before making changes.
Notes:
- This method requires technical