How to uninstall a program from CMD in Windows (WMIC and WinGet)

If a program ever just hangs and there's no way to delete it from the interface Windows, the Command Prompt (CMD) can get you out of trouble with commands directIn this guide, you'll find all the methods that yield the best results, according to the experience of professionals and reference guides, from the classic WMIC to the modern WinGet, as well as alternatives when all else fails.

We've compiled step-by-step procedures for Windows 10 (and similar environments), real-life command examples, advanced options, and complementary solutions. like Microsoft's troubleshooter, the safe mode, built-in uninstallers, and, only as a last resort, the Registry Editor. You'll also see how to handle special scenarios (remote computers and multiple-select cases).

What does it mean to uninstall a program from CMD and when is it a good idea?

Uninstalling from CMD is executing the uninstallation using commands, without using graphical menus.. Well spent, It is faster and avoids interface crashes. Also allows remote operation (for example, if you are logged in with utilities like PsExec) as long as you have appropriate permissions and access.

This is especially useful when the Settings app, Programs and Features, or the software uninstaller itself are not responding., when the system is saturated or when you need to uninstall several apps and batch games for multiple applications at once.

Method 1: WMIC (Command Prompt)

WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line) was for years the most direct command to uninstall from CMDIt works on local computers and, with the appropriate credentials, can also be used against remote computers in administration scenarios.

Step 1: Open CMD as administrator. Press Windows + R, type cmd and then launch Command Prompt with elevated rights (for example, with Ctrl + Shift + Enter) so that the uninstallation does not fail due to permissions.

Step 2: Log in to WMIC. In the console, he writes wmic and press Enter. You'll see the WMIC prompt ready to accept instructions.

Step 3: List of programs recognized by WMIC. Run product get name so the system can show you the applications WMIC can identify and uninstall. Write down the exact name as it appears.

Step 4: Launch the uninstaller with the exact name. Use the command:

product where name="Nombre del programa" call uninstall

Replaces Name of the program by the exact value of the list (keep the quotes). Real-life example:

product where name="Adobe Acrobat Reader DC - Español" call uninstall

Step 5: Confirm with Y when prompted. If all goes well, You will see the message “Method execution successful” and ReturnValue=0Depending on the software, a reboot may be required to complete the removal.

Practical tips with WMIC: If you run the process on a remote computer, you must first have valid remote session and permissions (for example, using PsExec before calling WMIC in the remote session). Always verify the exact name with product get name to avoid errors caused by quotation marks or spaces.

Method 2: WinGet uninstall (Windows Package Manager)

WinGet is Microsoft's package manager for Windows that allows you to install, list and uninstall applications from the terminal. Is Flexible, fast, and works even with programs you didn't install with WinGet.

Basic syntax:

winget uninstall  <consulta>] 

The argument -q, –query It is used to indicate the search term (name, ID, moniker, etc.). If there is ambiguity, WinGet will ask you to refine your query or choose from several results..

Common usage examples:
– Uninstall a specific version by name and version:

winget uninstall --name powertoys --version 0.15.2

– Uninstall by identifier (GUID or package ID):

winget uninstall --id "{24559D0F-481C-F3BE-8DD0-D908923A38F8}"

– Uninstall multiple apps in a single command:

winget uninstall Microsoft.NuGet Microsoft.Edit

Multiple choice: If your query does not return a single match, WinGet will display several so you can filter or choose. To avoid this, use –exact when you know the exact string (case sensitivity included) or filter by –Id/–moniker.

Also uninstalls apps not installed with WinGet: similar to the behavior of the command winget list, you will be able to view more than just the apps installed with the manager itself and eliminate many of them equally.

Most useful options of winget uninstall (you can combine them as needed):

• -q, –query: consultation to search for an application by name, ID, or moniker.
• -m, –manifest: route to a local YAML manifest to run the uninstallation defined in that file.
• –Id: filter by exact identifier of the application.
• --name: limits the search to app name.
• –moniker: filter by the moniker shown for the app.
• –product-code (product code): filter using the ProductCode (for example, from MSI).
• -v, –version: specifies the exact version to uninstall; if not indicated, use the major available.
• –all, –all-versions: uninstall all versions installed.
• -s, –source: restricts to a specific origin (by repository/source name).
• -e, –exact: exact match (case sensitive); avoid partial matches.
• –scope: defines the the legal end of installed packages (user or machine).
• -i, –interactive: force interactive mode from the uninstaller.
• -h, –silent: runs on Silent mode, removing the uninstaller interface.
• –Force: executes directly and continues despite non-security incidents.
• –Purge: deletes all files and directories from the package (portable).
• –preserve: preserve the files created by the (portable) package.
• -o, –log: redirects logs to a file (make sure you have write permissions).
• -headers: adds HTTP headers for Windows Package Manager REST sources.
• –authentication-mode: preference of authentication window (silent, silent preference or interactive).
• –authentication-account: specifies the account for authentication.
• –accept-source-agreements: accepts agreements of origin and avoid warnings.
• -?, –help: shows the helps of the command.
• –wait: asks to press a key before exiting (wait).
• –logs, –open-logs: opens the default log location.
• –verbose, –verbose-logs: generates detailed log.
• –nowarn, –ignore-warnings: suppresses warnings.
• –disable-interactivity: disable messages interactive.
• –proxy: defines a proxy only for this execution.
• –no-proxy: disables the use of proxy in this execution.

Usage Notes- If the app name has spaces (e.g., Google Chrome), encloses the string in quotes. In older versions (such as 0.3) There were experimental functions (list and uninstall) that required activation via winget settingsIn current versions, they are usually already activated by default.

Other quick ways from the Windows interface

If you prefer not to use commands, Windows offers several graphical paths to uninstallThey are convenient and sometimes sufficient to solve the problem without complicating things.

Programs and Features (Control Panel): Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter. Select the program and click Uninstall (or right-click > Uninstall). Some uninstallers require you to follow specific on-screen steps.

Start menu: Open Start, locate the app in the list, right click > UninstallIt's straightforward and doesn't require navigating through hidden menus.

Search bar: type the name in the bar, locate the application, right click > Uninstall. Follow the wizard that opens.

Uninstaller of the program itself: Many softwares include their uninstaller in your folder. In Start or in the installation folder you will find files with names like uninstall, uninstaller, unins000. Run the file to delete the program.

Troubleshooting and Safe Mode Installation

When something blocks normal uninstallation, two classic allies are the Microsoft troubleshooter and Safe Mode.. They help prevent interference from third-party processes or repair faulty inputs.

Microsoft Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter: Run the tool, select the program and confirm “Yes, try uninstalling”. If it is not listed, use “Not appearing”, click Next and, if you know it, indicate the product code (ProductCode) to identify and delete it.

Safe Mode (to avoid interference): Open Run (Windows + R) and type msconfig. On the tab start, active Safe start, Apply and Accept, and restart. Only basic services load in Safe Mode, which may allow you to uninstall without crashes. Then, disable Secure Boot to return to normal.

Dedicated uninstallation tools: If even in Safe Mode the app resists, you can opt for utilities that offer forced uninstall. Solutions such as EaseUS Todo PCTrans (“Forced Uninstall” feature) o Revo Uninstaller Pro, and techniques to remove bloatware without root using ADB, are designed to deal with rogue programs, deleting core files and cleaning up leftover registry entriesUse them wisely and, if possible, create a restore point first.

Windows Registry and Cleanup (Advanced Method)

Editing the Registry is effective, but dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.Before using it, create a backup or restore point. This method is reserved for cases where the uninstaller has disappeared or is corrupted.

Step 1: Remove the uninstall key. Open Run (Windows + R), type regedit and press Enter. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

Locate the subkey corresponding to your program (by name or ProductCode), right click > Delete and confirm with Yes.

Step 2: Erase disk residue. Open Explorer (Windows + E) and make sure you can see hidden folders to locate waste in C:\Users\<Usuario>\AppData\ y C:\ProgramData\. Search by name of the app, manufacturer, or package and remove only what is clearly related.

Step 3 (optional): Delete specific files from CMD. Browse with cd to the folder and use del:

del "nombre de archivo.ext"

Warning: Files deleted this way don't go to the Recycle Bin; make sure they're the right ones.

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.