Internet Download Manager (IDM) is a popular tool for downloading files efficiently. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall it—whether due to software conflicts, the desire to switch to another download manager, or because you no longer use it. Simply deleting the program may leave residual files, registry entries, or settings on your computer. This article provides a step-by-step guide to completely uninstall IDM from your system.
Step 1: Exit Internet Download Manager
Before you begin the uninstallation process, make sure IDM is not running in the background:
1. Close the application:
– Right-click the IDM icon in the system tray (near the clock on the taskbar).
– Click Exit to close the application.
2. End processes via Task Manager:
– Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open the Task Manager.
– Look for any IDM-related processes, such as `IDMan.exe`.
– Right-click and select End Task to terminate them.
Step 2: Uninstall IDM Using Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel:
– Press `Win + R`, type `control`, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Programs and Features:
– In the Control Panel, go to Programs > Programs and Features (or Add or Remove Programs in older Windows versions).
3. Find Internet Download Manager:
– Locate Internet Download Manager in the list of installed programs.
4. Uninstall IDM:
– Right-click on IDM and select Uninstall/Change.
– Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program.
Step 3: Remove Residual Files
Even after uninstalling IDM, residual files may remain on your computer. To delete them:
1. Check the installation folder:
– By default, IDM is installed in:
“`plaintext
C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Download Manager
“`
– Navigate to this folder and delete it if it still exists.
2. Clear AppData folders:
– Press `Win + R`, type `%appdata%`, and press Enter.
– Look for any IDM-related folders and delete them.
3. Check ProgramData:
– Press `Win + R`, type `%programdata%`, and press Enter.
– Delete any IDM-related folders.
Step 4: Clean the Registry
Residual registry entries can also affect your system. To remove them:
1. Open the Registry Editor:
– Press `Win + R`, type `regedit`, and press Enter.
2. Back up your registry:
– Before making changes, back up the registry by clicking File > Export and saving the backup to a secure location.
3. Delete IDM-related entries:
– Use `Ctrl + F` to search for terms like `Internet Download Manager` or `IDM`.
– Carefully delete any keys or values related to IDM.
4. Navigate manually:
– Check these locations for IDM entries:
– `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software`
– `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software`
– `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\WOW6432Node`
Step 5: Clear Temporary Files
1. Run Disk Cleanup:
– Press `Win + S`, type Disk Cleanup, and select it.
– Choose your system drive (usually `C:`) and let the tool scan for unnecessary files.
– Check Temporary Files and other categories, then click OK to delete them.
2. Use third-party cleaners (optional):
– Tools like CCleaner can help remove leftover files and clean the registry.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After completing the steps above, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Completely uninstalling Internet Download Manager requires more than just removing it through the Control Panel. By thoroughly deleting residual files and registry entries, you can ensure no traces of IDM remain on your system. Following this guide will leave your computer clean and ready for new software installations.
