How to Uninstall RKill: A Step-by-Step Removal Guide for Windows 10 & 11

RKill is a specialized utility developed by BleepingComputer to help users combat malware infections by terminating active malicious processes that prevent antivirus or anti-malware tools from running properly. It’s often used in conjunction with tools like Malwarebytes or HitmanPro to neutralize stubborn threats and restore system functionality.

However, once the malware cleanup is complete, many users seek to uninstall RKill, either to free up space or because they no longer need it. Unlike traditional applications, RKill does not install permanently — it runs as a standalone executable. This makes standard uninstallation methods ineffective unless you’re dealing with third-party wrappers or bundled installations.

This guide presents four effective ways to completely remove RKill or its residual traces from your system:

1. Standard Manual Deletion (as there is no installer)
2. Using Task Manager to Kill Active Processes Before Removal
3. Manual Cleanup of Registry and Leftover Files
4. Deep Removal Using Perfect Uninstaller (for wrapped versions)

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: Standard Manual Deletion (No Installer-Based Uninstallation)

Steps:

1. Locate the RKill Executable

• By default, RKill does not install itself on the system. It usually resides in a folder where you saved it (e.g., Downloads, Desktop, Temp folder).

1. Close Any Running Instances

• If RKill was executed recently, check Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) under the Processes tab.
• Look for rkill.exe or similar entries and end them.

1. Delete the File

• Navigate to the folder containing the rkill.exe file.
• Right-click the file and select Delete.
• Optionally, empty the Recycle Bin afterward.

Notes:

• RKill is a portable tool and typically does not create registry entries or installation folders.
• Works identically on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Fully compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Success Rate:

• ~95–100% successful removal if only the original standalone version was used.

Drawbacks:

• Not applicable if RKill was embedded in a third-party package or wrapper.
• Requires knowledge of where the file was saved.
• Does not provide confirmation or logs after deletion.

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Method 2: Using Task Manager to Terminate Processes Before Removal

If RKill was run with elevated privileges or is still active in memory (especially during malware cleanup), it may be necessary to stop its process manually before deleting the file.

Steps:

1. Open Task Manager

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

1. Look for RKill Processes

• Under the Processes tab, search for:
  • rkill.exe
  • rkill64.exe (on 64-bit systems)

1. End the Process

• Right-click the process and choose End Task.

1. Delete the Executable File

• Go to the location where rkill.exe was saved and delete it as described in Method 1.

Notes:

• Necessary when RKill is still active or locked by the system.
• Useful on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Especially important on 64-bit systems if using the rkill64.exe version.

Success Rate:

• ~85–90% successful removal when combined with manual deletion.

Drawbacks:

• Only works if you can locate the executable.
• No effect if RKill has already been deleted or never saved.

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Method 3: Manual Cleanup of Registry and Leftover Files (Rarely Needed)

While standard RKill versions do not write to the registry, some modified or bundled versions might leave behind temporary files or registry keys.

Steps:

1. Check for Temporary Files

• Open File Explorer and go to:
  C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp
• Delete any files named rkill*.tmp, rkill*.exe, or similar.

1. Search for Residual Folders

• Check:
  C:\ProgramData C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming

1. Clean the Registry (if needed)

• Open Registry Editor (regedit) as administrator.
• Search for “RKill” using the Find function (Ctrl + F).
• If found, back up the key before deleting it.

Notes:

• Rarely required for standard RKill use.
• More relevant if using third-party customized versions.
• Applies equally to 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

Success Rate:

• ~70–80% effective for custom or bundled versions.

Drawbacks:

• Time-consuming and mostly unnecessary for official RKill builds.
• Risk of accidental deletion of unrelated registry entries.
• Not recommended for novice users.

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Method 4: Deep Removal Using Perfect Uninstaller (For Wrapped Versions)

Some users may encounter RKill being distributed inside installers or bundled packages, especially those downloaded from unofficial sources. In such cases, Perfect Uninstaller can help perform a more thorough removal.

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 RKill or Bundled Program

• In the main interface, scroll through the list of installed programs.
• Find “RKill”, or look for the name of the installer/bundler it came with (e.g., “Malware Removal Toolkit”).

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:

• Effective for custom or installer-based RKill packages.
• Works seamlessly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Ideal for users who want to avoid manual file hunting and registry editing.

Success Rate:

• ~98–100% 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

RKill is a powerful yet lightweight tool designed to terminate malicious processes and assist in malware removal. Unlike most software, it does not install permanently, making traditional uninstallation unnecessary in most cases. However, for users who have downloaded custom or bundled versions, or wish to ensure complete system cleanliness, performing a deeper cleanup is advisable.

From our professional evaluation:

• Standard manual deletion is the most appropriate method for the official standalone RKill tool, with nearly 100% effectiveness.
• Task Manager termination ensures safe removal when the tool is still active in memory.
• Manual registry cleanup is rarely needed but useful for non-standard distributions.
• Perfect Uninstaller stands out as the best solution for removing wrapped or installer-based RKill versions, offering near-complete removal with minimal effort.

As a professional recommendation:

• If you used the original RKill executable, simply delete the file and close any running processes.
• If you suspect a custom or bundled version, use Perfect Uninstaller for guaranteed removal.
• Always verify the source and integrity of tools used for malware removal to avoid unintended side effects.

In summary, while RKill itself is not traditionally uninstalled, ensuring its complete removal — especially when dealing with third-party variants — is essential for maintaining system hygiene and performance.