7-Zip is a popular free file archiver, but you might need to uninstall it to free up space, resolve conflicts, or switch to alternatives like WinRAR or PeaZip. Below are proven methods to completely remove 7-Zip from your Windows PC.
Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Standard)
Easiest for most users
- Open Settings
- Press
Win + I
→ Go to Apps → Apps & Features.
- Locate 7-Zip
- Scroll or search for 7-Zip in the list.
- Uninstall
- Click 7-Zip → Select Uninstall → Confirm.
- Restart Your PC (Optional but recommended).
Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel (Windows 7/8)
For older OS versions
- Open Control Panel:
- Press
Win + R
→ Typecontrol
→ Enter.
- Navigate to Programs and Features → Uninstall a program.
- Right-click 7-Zip → Uninstall.
- Follow prompts and restart.
Method 3: Manual Uninstallation (Advanced)
For leftover files or corrupted installs
Step 1: Standard Uninstall
Use Method 1 or 2 first.
Step 2: Delete Residual Files
- Press
Win + R
→ Type: %programfiles%\
→ Delete the 7-Zip folder.%appdata%\
→ Delete 7-Zip folders (if present).%localappdata%\
→ Repeat deletion.
Step 3: Clean the Registry
⚠️ Backup your registry first!
- Press
Win + R
→ Typeregedit
→ Enter. - Delete these keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\7-Zip
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\7-Zip
- Caution: Deleting wrong keys may crash your system.
Step 4: Restart Your PC
Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller (For Stubborn Traces)
Best for broken installs or deep cleaning
Steps:
- Download Perfect Uninstaller (Official Site).
- Install & Run as Administrator (Right-click → Run as admin).
- Find 7-Zip in the software list.
- Click Uninstall → Follow prompts to run 7-Zip’s default uninstaller.
- Scan for Leftovers:
- Perfect Uninstaller auto-detects residual files/registry entries.
- Click Complete Uninstall → Delete all traces.
- Restart your computer.
Why Perfect Uninstaller?
✔️ Removes corrupted installations that won’t uninstall normally.
✔️ Erases hidden registry keys and leftover folders.
✔️ Prevents software conflicts from orphaned files.
✔️ 100% thorough vs. manual methods.
Final Tips
- For quick removal: Use Method 1 (Windows Settings).
- For broken installs: Method 4 (Perfect Uninstaller) is foolproof.
- Alternatives to 7-Zip: Try PeaZip, Bandizip, or WinRAR.
🔍 Need help choosing a 7-Zip alternative? Ask for recommendations!