Foxit Reader is a popular PDF viewer and editor that offers a range of features for managing and annotating PDF documents. However, if you no longer need or want to use Foxit Reader on your computer, you may be looking for ways to completely remove it. Uninstalling Foxit Reader can be a bit tricky, as it may leave behind residual files and registry entries that can take up space and potentially cause issues with your system. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to get rid of Foxit Reader and completely remove all its components from your computer.
Pre-Uninstallation Steps
Before you start the uninstallation process, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that you can completely remove Foxit Reader. First, make sure that you have closed all instances of Foxit Reader on your computer. This includes any open PDF documents, as well as the Foxit Reader application itself. You can check the system tray and the task manager to ensure that no Foxit Reader processes are running in the background.
Checking for Updates
It is also a good idea to check for any updates to Foxit Reader before uninstalling it. Sometimes, updates can resolve issues that may be causing you to want to uninstall the software in the first place. To check for updates, open Foxit Reader and click on the “Help” menu. Then, select “Check for Updates” and follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.
Backing Up Settings
If you have customized Foxit Reader with settings such as bookmarks, annotations, or security settings, you may want to back them up before uninstalling the software. Foxit Reader allows you to export your settings to a file, which you can then import into another PDF viewer or a future installation of Foxit Reader. To export your settings, open Foxit Reader and click on the “File” menu. Then, select “Preferences” and click on the “Export” button.
Uninstalling Foxit Reader
Now that you have prepared your system for uninstallation, you can start the process of removing Foxit Reader. The uninstallation process varies depending on your operating system, so we will provide separate instructions for Windows and Mac users.
Uninstalling on Windows
To uninstall Foxit Reader on Windows, follow these steps:
Go to the “Control Panel” and click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7).
Scroll down the list of installed programs and click on “Foxit Reader”.
Click the “Uninstall” button to start the uninstallation process.
Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Uninstalling on Mac
To uninstall Foxit Reader on Mac, follow these steps:
Go to the “Applications” folder and find the “Foxit Reader” application.
Drag the “Foxit Reader” application to the “Trash” can.
Right-click on the “Trash” can and select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the application.
Removing Residual Files and Registry Entries
After uninstalling Foxit Reader, you may still have residual files and registry entries left behind on your system. These can take up space and potentially cause issues with your system, so it is a good idea to remove them. To do this, you can use a third-party cleaning tool or manually delete the files and registry entries yourself.
Using a Third-Party Cleaning Tool
There are many third-party cleaning tools available that can help you remove residual files and registry entries. Some popular options include CCleaner and Glary Utilities. These tools can scan your system for residual files and registry entries and remove them with just a few clicks.
Manually Removing Residual Files and Registry Entries
If you prefer to manually remove residual files and registry entries, you can do so by following these steps:
Open the “File Explorer” (on Windows) or “Finder” (on Mac) and navigate to the “Program Files” (on Windows) or “Applications” (on Mac) folder.
Look for any folders or files related to Foxit Reader and delete them.
On Windows, press the “Windows” key + “R” to open the “Run” dialog box and type “regedit” to open the registry editor.
Navigate to the “HKEY_CURRENT_USER” and “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” keys and look for any entries related to Foxit Reader.
Right-click on any entries you find and select “Delete” to remove them.
Conclusion
Completely removing Foxit Reader from your computer can be a bit of a challenge, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to remove all its components and free up space on your system. Remember to always backup your settings before uninstalling and to use a third-party cleaning tool or manually remove residual files and registry entries to ensure that your system is completely clean. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently, and that you are no longer bothered by unwanted software.
| Operating System | Uninstallation Method |
|---|---|
| Windows | Control Panel > Programs and Features > Uninstall Foxit Reader |
| Mac | Applications folder > Drag Foxit Reader to Trash > Empty Trash |
By following the instructions in this article, you should be able to completely remove Foxit Reader from your computer and avoid any potential issues that may arise from residual files and registry entries. Remember to always be cautious when uninstalling software and to take the necessary steps to ensure that your system is completely clean.
What is Foxit Reader and why would I want to remove it?
Foxit Reader is a popular PDF viewer and editor that offers a range of features, including annotation, form filling, and document signing. However, some users may find that they no longer need or use the software, or they may prefer to use alternative PDF viewers such as Adobe Acrobat. In these cases, removing Foxit Reader can help to free up disk space and reduce clutter on their computer. Additionally, removing unused software can also help to improve system performance and reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities.
Removing Foxit Reader can be a bit more complex than uninstalling other software, as it may leave behind residual files and registry entries. However, by following a step-by-step guide, users can ensure that the software is completely removed from their system. This can involve using the built-in uninstaller, as well as manually deleting leftover files and registry entries. It’s also important to note that removing Foxit Reader will not affect other PDF viewers or editors on the system, and users can continue to view and edit PDFs using their preferred software.
How do I uninstall Foxit Reader using the built-in uninstaller?
To uninstall Foxit Reader using the built-in uninstaller, users can start by going to the Control Panel on their Windows system. From there, they can click on “Programs and Features” and then select Foxit Reader from the list of installed programs. Clicking the “Uninstall” button will launch the uninstaller, which will guide the user through the removal process. The uninstaller will remove the main program files and components, but it may not remove all residual files and registry entries.
It’s worth noting that the built-in uninstaller may not completely remove all traces of Foxit Reader from the system. In some cases, leftover files and registry entries may remain, which can take up disk space and cause issues with other software. To ensure that Foxit Reader is completely removed, users may need to take additional steps, such as manually deleting leftover files and registry entries. This can be done by searching for Foxit Reader-related files and folders on the system and deleting them, as well as using a registry cleaner to remove any remaining registry entries.
What are the common locations where Foxit Reader files are stored?
Foxit Reader files are typically stored in several locations on the system, including the Program Files folder, the AppData folder, and the Registry. The Program Files folder usually contains the main program files and components, while the AppData folder may contain user-specific data, such as settings and preferences. The Registry, on the other hand, contains configuration settings and other data that is used by the software. Additionally, Foxit Reader may also store files in other locations, such as the Temp folder or the Desktop folder.
To completely remove Foxit Reader, users will need to search for and delete files in these locations. This can be done by using the File Explorer to search for Foxit Reader-related files and folders, and then deleting them. Users should be careful when deleting files, as deleting the wrong files can cause issues with other software or system stability. It’s also a good idea to backup the system before making any changes, in case something goes wrong. By thoroughly searching for and deleting Foxit Reader files, users can ensure that the software is completely removed from their system.
How do I remove Foxit Reader registry entries?
Removing Foxit Reader registry entries can be a bit more complex than deleting files, as it requires editing the Windows Registry. The Registry is a database that contains configuration settings and other data for the system and installed software. To remove Foxit Reader registry entries, users can use the Registry Editor, which is a built-in tool in Windows. They can search for Foxit Reader-related keys and values, and then delete them. However, users should be careful when editing the Registry, as deleting the wrong entries can cause issues with other software or system stability.
To remove Foxit Reader registry entries, users can start by launching the Registry Editor and then searching for Foxit Reader-related keys and values. They can do this by using the “Find” function in the Registry Editor, and then searching for keywords such as “Foxit” or “Foxit Reader”. Once they have found the relevant entries, they can delete them by right-clicking and selecting “Delete”. It’s also a good idea to backup the Registry before making any changes, in case something goes wrong. By removing Foxit Reader registry entries, users can ensure that the software is completely removed from their system and that there are no residual files or settings left behind.
What are the potential risks of not completely removing Foxit Reader?
If Foxit Reader is not completely removed from the system, there are several potential risks that users should be aware of. One of the main risks is that leftover files and registry entries can take up disk space and cause issues with other software. Additionally, residual files and settings can also pose a security risk, as they can provide a vulnerability that can be exploited by malware or other malicious software. Furthermore, not completely removing Foxit Reader can also cause issues with system performance, as leftover files and registry entries can slow down the system and cause errors.
To avoid these risks, it’s essential to completely remove Foxit Reader from the system. This can be done by following a step-by-step guide that includes using the built-in uninstaller, manually deleting leftover files and registry entries, and using a registry cleaner to remove any remaining registry entries. By taking these steps, users can ensure that Foxit Reader is completely removed from their system and that there are no residual files or settings left behind. This can help to improve system performance, reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities, and free up disk space.
Can I remove Foxit Reader using a third-party uninstaller?
Yes, it is possible to remove Foxit Reader using a third-party uninstaller. There are several third-party uninstallers available that can help to completely remove Foxit Reader from the system. These uninstallers can scan the system for leftover files and registry entries, and then delete them. Some popular third-party uninstallers include Revo Uninstaller, CCleaner, and Glary Utilities. These tools can be useful for users who are not comfortable with manually deleting files and registry entries, or who want to ensure that Foxit Reader is completely removed from their system.
Using a third-party uninstaller can be a convenient and effective way to remove Foxit Reader, but users should be careful when choosing a tool. Some third-party uninstallers may not be reputable or may contain malware, so it’s essential to choose a tool from a trusted source. Additionally, users should always read the instructions carefully and follow the prompts to ensure that the tool is used correctly. By using a third-party uninstaller, users can ensure that Foxit Reader is completely removed from their system, and that there are no residual files or settings left behind.
How do I verify that Foxit Reader has been completely removed?
To verify that Foxit Reader has been completely removed, users can take several steps. First, they can check the Program Files folder and the AppData folder to ensure that all Foxit Reader-related files and folders have been deleted. They can also check the Registry to ensure that all Foxit Reader-related keys and values have been removed. Additionally, users can search for Foxit Reader-related files and folders on the system using the File Explorer, and delete any that are found. Finally, users can restart their system to ensure that all changes have taken effect.
By taking these steps, users can verify that Foxit Reader has been completely removed from their system. If any Foxit Reader-related files or registry entries are still found, users can delete them manually or use a registry cleaner to remove them. It’s also a good idea to check for any residual files or settings that may have been left behind, such as shortcuts or file associations. By thoroughly verifying that Foxit Reader has been removed, users can ensure that their system is clean and free of any residual files or settings. This can help to improve system performance, reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities, and free up disk space.