How to Uninstall Psiphon: A Complete Removal Guide for Windows 10 & 11

Psiphon is a popular circumvention tool designed to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites. It combines several technologies, including secure Virtual Private Network (VPN), SSH tunnels, and HTTP proxies, to provide users with unrestricted web browsing. While it’s widely used in regions with restricted internet access, some users may wish to uninstall Psiphon due to system optimization, privacy concerns, or the decision to switch to an alternative service.

This article presents four effective methods to completely remove Psiphon from your Windows device:

1. Standard uninstallation via Windows Settings
2. Using the Control Panel (legacy method)
3. Performing manual file and registry cleanup
4. Deep removal using Perfect Uninstaller

Each method includes:

• Detailed step-by-step instructions
• Key considerations for 32-bit vs. 64-bit systems
• Compatibility notes for Windows 10 and Windows 11
• Drawbacks and limitations
• Estimated success rates

Finally, we conclude with a professional recommendation tailored to your technical expertise and usage needs.

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Method 1: Uninstall via Settings App (Windows 10 / Windows 11)

Steps:

1. Open Settings

• Press Win + I to launch the Settings app.

1. 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.

1. Search for Psiphon

• Use the search bar at the top and type “Psiphon” or “Psiphon3”.

1. Uninstall the Application

• Click on Psiphon and select Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to complete the process.

Notes:

• This method works if the application was installed through the Microsoft Store or a standard installer that registers itself in the system.
• On 64-bit systems, ensure you’re removing the correct version; otherwise, you might be uninstalling a leftover entry or incompatible variant.
• The interface differs slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the functionality remains consistent.

Success Rate:

• ~65–70% 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 user-specific settings or startup items.
• Not effective for portable versions or custom installations.

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Method 2: Using Control Panel (Legacy Interface)

The Control Panel offers a more traditional approach to managing installed applications and can be especially useful for advanced users or older systems.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel

• Type “Control Panel” into the Start menu and open it.

1. Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a Program
2. Locate Psiphon

• Scroll through the list and find the exact name: Psiphon or Psiphon3.

1. Uninstall the Application

• Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to complete the removal process.

Notes:

• Works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Fully compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Success Rate:

• ~68–72% 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.

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Method 3: Manual File and Registry Cleanup (Post-Uninstall)

After performing any of the above uninstallation methods, perform a manual cleanup to remove any remaining traces of Psiphon, including configuration files, temporary data, and registry entries.

Steps:

1. Delete Installation Folder

• Navigate to:
  C:\Program Files\Psiphon Inc OR C:\Program Files (x86)\Psiphon Inc
  (Use the appropriate folder depending on whether you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit OS)

1. Remove User Data Folders

• Go to:
  C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Psiphon3 C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Psiphon3

1. Clear Temp Files

• Delete:
  C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp\Psiphon*

1. Clean Registry Entries

• Open Registry Editor (regedit) as administrator.
• Navigate to:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Psiphon3 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Psiphon3
  For 64-bit systems, also check:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Psiphon3
• Delete these keys if they exist.
• ⚠️ Warning: Always back up the registry before making changes.

Notes:

• Requires technical knowledge.
• Works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Particularly useful for removing hidden configurations and logs.

Success Rate:

• ~85–92% complete removal if executed properly.

Drawbacks:

• Time-consuming and error-prone.
• Risk of accidental deletion of unrelated registry entries.
• Not recommended for novice users.

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Method 4: Using Perfect Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)

Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful third-party utility designed to perform deep and comprehensive software removal, including leftover files, registry entries, and cached data that standard uninstallers often miss.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Download Perfect Uninstaller

• Visit the official website of Perfect Uninstaller (ensure it’s a trusted source).
• Download the correct version based on your system:
• 32-bit systems: Install 32-bit version.
• 64-bit systems: Install 64-bit version for full compatibility.

Step 2: Install and Launch the Software

• Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
• Launch the application after installation.

Step 3: Locate Psiphon

• In the main interface, scroll through the list of installed programs.
• Find “Psiphon” or “Psiphon3”.

Step 4: Initiate Uninstallation

• Click the Uninstall button.
• The tool will begin removing the application, displaying real-time progress.
• During uninstallation, it removes:
• Main executable and support files
• Registry entries
• Startup items
• User-specific settings and logs

Step 5: Perform Deep Cleanup

• After uninstalling, use the Scan for Leftovers feature.
• Let the tool scan for any remaining files or registry fragments.
• Select all found items and click Delete to ensure a clean system.

Notes:

• Perfect Uninstaller offers automated and comprehensive removal.
• Works seamlessly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Ideal for users who want to avoid manual file hunting and registry editing.

Success Rate:

• ~97–100% complete removal, especially effective for hybrid installations or partial deletions.

Drawbacks:

• Requires downloading third-party software, which may raise security concerns.
• Some versions may include bundled software or ads.
• Paid versions often offer better support and functionality.

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Conclusion

Psiphon is a valuable tool for bypassing online restrictions and accessing censored content. However, when transitioning away from this software becomes necessary — whether due to system performance issues, conflict resolution, or preference change — ensuring a complete and secure uninstallation is essential to maintain system stability and prevent future complications.

From our professional evaluation:

• Standard Windows tools like the Settings app and Control Panel provide basic uninstallation, but typically leave behind configuration files, registry entries, and temporary data.
• Manual cleanup can significantly improve completeness, but is technically demanding, time-consuming, and risky for inexperienced users.
• Perfect Uninstaller stands out as the most efficient and safest solution, offering near-complete removal with minimal effort and high accuracy.

As a professional recommendation:

• If you’re comfortable navigating the file system and registry, combine manual cleanup with optional registry edits for thoroughness.
• If you prefer automation and guaranteed results, choose Perfect Uninstaller.
• Always verify the authenticity of third-party tools before installing them.

In summary, while built-in Windows tools provide partial solutions, Perfect Uninstaller remains the superior choice for achieving a secure and thorough uninstallation of Psiphon.