This time, I would like to introduce where in the registry the programs displayed in "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features" in Windows 10 are registered.
When installing a typical application, it writes values to the registry so that it can be uninstalled using "Programs and Features" or "Apps and Features."
When uninstalling, the uninstallation begins by reading the registry value and executing the command written in the value.
Registry value to add app information to "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features"
If you operate the registry incorrectly, it may cause problems such as the system being unable to start. Please make a backup in advance using system restore or similar, and proceed at your own risk.
- How to create and restore a system restore point
- How to open and back up the Registry Editor
- Windows 11/10 Registry Basics: Concept, How to Open, and Internal Structure
- How to Take Ownership and Change Permissions in Windows 11 Registry
Pochip
Program uninstall information is generally stored in three locations:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Uninstall
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ WOW6432Node \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Uninstall
Add a registry value to make the program appear in "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features"
This time, for testing purposes, we will add a registry value to make the program appear in "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features."
1. Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "regedit" and press Enter.
2. The Registry Editor will open, so open the first key.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall3. Right-click on the "Uninstall" key > New > "Key".
4. Rename "New Key #1" to "test".
5. Right-click on the "test" key > New > "String Value".
6. Rename "New Value #1" to "DisplayName".
7. Right-click on "DisplayName" and click "Modify".
8.Here, type "Test - I tried adding a registry value" and press Enter.
9. Create two more string values using the steps above and change their values as follows:
- Value Name = "Publisher"
Value data = "Inc. Test" - Value Name = "UninstallString"
Value data = "test"
The program "Test - Adding a Registry Value" has now been added to "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features".
Delete Registry Value
By deleting the registry value, you can remove items you don't want to display in "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features" (preventing application uninstallation).
above 3 locations (keys)Open it, click each key under the "Uninstall" key, and check the value on the right.
The values to check are "DisplayName" and "Publisher".
If there is a key with the same name as that displayed in "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features", right-click on the selected key on the left and click "Delete".
A confirmation screen for deleting the key will appear, so click "Yes".
Repeat this process until you have deleted everything, then close "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features" and reopen them.
There are suspicious items in "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features"
There has been information that in some environments, there are suspicious items in "Programs and Features" and "Apps and Features."
The cause may be a virus infection, a malicious application that you have installed, or a third party intentionally adding a registry value.
We recommend removing these suspicious items from the registry rather than from Programs and Features and Apps and Features.
The reason we recommend deleting the registry value is that if you are able to uninstall it from "Programs and Features" or "Apps and Features," serious problems may occur if you do not check the contents of the "UninstallString" value.
If an invalid value is entered in the "UninstallString" value, important files may be deleted.
Be careful when using applications from unknown sources and take proper security measures.
