RealPlayer is a multimedia player developed by RealNetworks that has been around since the late 1990s. It supports various audio and video formats, including RMVB, MP3, WMA, AVI, and even streaming media content from the web. Despite its legacy, many users today find it outdated or bloated due to bundled software and intrusive ads, prompting them to uninstall RealPlayer.
Whether you’re switching to a modern media player like VLC or PotPlayer, or simply no longer need RealPlayer on your system, this guide will walk you through several methods to completely remove RealPlayer from your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC — supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
The final method uses Perfect Uninstaller, a powerful third-party tool that ensures thorough removal of stubborn applications. Each method includes detailed steps, limitations, success rates, and compatibility notes for 2025.
🧰 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Modern UI)
✅ Steps:
- Open Settings
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - On Windows 10, go to Apps > Apps & features.
- On Windows 11, go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for RealPlayer
- Use the search bar to locate RealPlayer in the list of installed applications.
- Uninstall the App
- Click on RealPlayer.
- Select Uninstall.
- Follow the prompts to complete the removal process.
⚠️ Notes:
- This method works only if RealPlayer was installed using an installer that registered itself in the system.
- Some older versions may not appear here.
- Does not remove leftover files, registry entries, or browser extensions.
🔍 Limitations:
- May leave behind residual data and configuration files.
- Success rate: ~70% for basic uninstallation.
🧰 Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel
✅ Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Press
Win + S, type Control Panel, and open it. - Set the view mode to Category or Large icons for easier navigation.
- Go to Programs and Features
- Click on Programs > Programs and Features.
- Find and Uninstall RealPlayer
- Scroll through the list until you find RealPlayer.
- Right-click and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
⚠️ Notes:
- This method works best for traditional installations made via
.exesetup files. - For Windows 10/11 64-bit systems, ensure you’re viewing all programs — sometimes 32-bit apps are listed separately under “RealPlayer (x86)”.
🔍 Limitations:
- Leaves behind registry entries, temporary files, and cache folders.
- Success rate: ~75% for full removal.
🧰 Method 3: Manual Removal (Advanced Users Only)
✅ Steps:
- Stop Related Processes
- Open Task Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc). - Look for any running RealPlayer-related processes and end them.
- Delete Program Files
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer(for 64-bit systems)C:\Program Files (x86)\Real\RealPlayer(for 32-bit apps on 64-bit OS)
- Delete the folder if present.
- Clear Registry Entries (Use Caution!)
- Press
Win + R, typeregedit, and press Enter. - Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall - Find any entries related to RealPlayer and delete them.
- Remove App Data
- Press
Win + R, type%appdata%, and delete any RealPlayer folders. - Repeat with
%localappdata%.
⚠️ Notes:
- Risky for inexperienced users; incorrect registry edits can cause system instability.
- Time-consuming but thorough if done correctly.
🔍 Limitations:
- High risk of accidental damage to the system.
- Success rate: ~85% if performed carefully.
🧰 Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller (Recommended for Complete Removal)
Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful third-party utility designed to safely and thoroughly remove stubborn software, including leftover files, registry entries, and cached data.
✅ Steps:
- Download and Install Perfect Uninstaller
- Visit the official website or trusted download site.
- Download the version compatible with your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.
- Launch the Application
- Open Perfect Uninstaller from the Start menu.
- Select RealPlayer
- From the list of installed programs, find RealPlayer.
- Click on it to highlight.
- Start the Uninstallation
- Click the Uninstall button.
- The program will scan and begin removing RealPlayer along with all associated files and registry entries.
- Scan for Leftovers (Optional)
- After uninstallation, use the Leftover Scanner feature to ensure no remnants remain.
- Restart Your PC
- Reboot your computer to finalize the cleanup.
⚠️ Notes:
- Automatically detects and removes all traces of RealPlayer.
- Compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
🔍 Limitations:
- Requires downloading third-party software (ensure you get it from a verified source).
- Free trial may have limited features unless upgraded to Pro.
- Success rate: ~97% for total removal.
📊 Comparison Table of Uninstallation Methods
| Method | Ease of Use | Residual Cleanup | Safety | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Settings | ✅ Easy | ❌ Poor | ✅ Safe | ~70% |
| Control Panel | ✅ Easy | ❌ Moderate | ✅ Safe | ~75% |
| Manual Removal | ❌ Difficult | ✅ Thorough | ❌ Risky | ~85% |
| Perfect Uninstaller | ✅ Easy | ✅ Complete | ✅ Safe | ~97% |
🧾 Final Thoughts & Professional Recommendation
While there are multiple ways to uninstall RealPlayer, most built-in tools such as Windows Settings and Control Panel only perform partial removal, leaving behind unnecessary files, registry keys, and potentially even browser extensions or background services.
For a truly clean uninstall, especially if you’re preparing to install a new media player or just want a cleaner system, we highly recommend using Perfect Uninstaller. It ensures complete removal without the risks associated with manual deletion.
💡 Pro Tip: Always back up your registry before performing any manual uninstallation steps. When in doubt, stick with a reputable third-party uninstaller like Perfect Uninstaller to avoid future performance issues or software conflicts.
If you’re unsure which method to choose, start with Method 4 — it’s the most effective, safest, and easiest way to completely remove RealPlayer from your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system in 2025.
Let me know if you need help finding a safe download link for Perfect Uninstaller or assistance with any of the steps!