Splashtop Streamer is a popular remote desktop software that allows users to access and control their computers from anywhere. However, there may come a time when you need to remove it from your system. Whether you’re experiencing technical issues, no longer need the software, or want to switch to a different remote desktop solution, uninstalling Splashtop Streamer can be a bit tricky. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of removing Splashtop Streamer from your Windows or Mac computer.
Pre-Uninstallation Checklist
Before you start the uninstallation process, make sure you’ve completed the following tasks:
Stop the Splashtop Streamer Service
To prevent any potential conflicts or errors during the uninstallation process, it’s essential to stop the Splashtop Streamer service. Here’s how:
- On Windows:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
- In the Services window, scroll down and find the “Splashtop Streamer” service.
- Right-click on it and select “Stop.”
- On Mac:
- Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Users & Groups.”
- Select the “Login Items” tab.
- Find the “Splashtop Streamer” entry and click the “-” button to remove it.
Close All Splashtop Streamer Processes
To ensure a smooth uninstallation process, close all Splashtop Streamer processes running in the background. Here’s how:
- On Windows:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, click on the “Processes” tab.
- Find the “Splashtop Streamer” process and click on it.
- Click the “End Task” button to close the process.
- On Mac:
- Press the Command + Option + Esc keys to open the Force Quit Applications window.
- Find the “Splashtop Streamer” entry and select it.
- Click the “Force Quit” button to close the process.
Uninstalling Splashtop Streamer on Windows
Uninstalling Splashtop Streamer on Windows is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how:
Method 1: Uninstalling via the Control Panel
- Click on the Start button and select “Control Panel.”
- Click on “Programs and Features” (in Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (in Windows 7).
- In the Programs and Features window, scroll down and find the “Splashtop Streamer” entry.
- Click on it and select “Uninstall.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 2: Uninstalling via the Settings App
- Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
- Click on “Apps” (in Windows 10) or “Programs and Features” (in Windows 8).
- In the Apps window, scroll down and find the “Splashtop Streamer” entry.
- Click on it and select “Uninstall.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Method 3: Uninstalling via the Splashtop Streamer Uninstaller
- Go to the Splashtop Streamer installation directory (usually located in C:\Program Files\Splashtop).
- Find the “uninstall.exe” file and double-click on it.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Uninstalling Splashtop Streamer on Mac
Uninstalling Splashtop Streamer on Mac is a bit different from Windows. Here’s how:
Method 1: Uninstalling via the Applications Folder
- Go to the Applications folder.
- Find the “Splashtop Streamer” application and drag it to the Trash.
- Right-click on the Trash and select “Empty Trash.”
Method 2: Uninstalling via the Splashtop Streamer Uninstaller
- Go to the Splashtop Streamer installation directory (usually located in /Applications/Splashtop).
- Find the “Uninstall Splashtop Streamer” application and double-click on it.
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Removing Residual Files and Folders
After uninstalling Splashtop Streamer, you may still have some residual files and folders left on your system. Here’s how to remove them:
On Windows:
- Go to the C:\Program Files directory and find the “Splashtop” folder.
- Delete the entire folder.
- Go to the C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming directory and find the “Splashtop” folder.
- Delete the entire folder.
On Mac:
- Go to the /Applications directory and find the “Splashtop” folder.
- Delete the entire folder.
- Go to the ~/Library/Application Support directory and find the “Splashtop” folder.
- Delete the entire folder.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the uninstallation process, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Issue 1: Unable to Uninstall Splashtop Streamer
- Try stopping the Splashtop Streamer service and closing all Splashtop Streamer processes before attempting to uninstall.
- Try using a third-party uninstaller tool to remove Splashtop Streamer.
Issue 2: Residual Files and Folders Remain
- Try deleting the residual files and folders manually.
- Try using a third-party cleaning tool to remove residual files and folders.
Conclusion
Removing Splashtop Streamer from your system can be a bit tricky, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to uninstall it successfully. Remember to stop the Splashtop Streamer service, close all Splashtop Streamer processes, and remove residual files and folders to ensure a clean uninstallation. If you encounter any issues, try troubleshooting or seeking help from the Splashtop support team.
What is Splashtop Streamer and why would I want to remove it?
Splashtop Streamer is a software component that enables remote access to computers. It is often pre-installed on devices by manufacturers or installed by users who need to access their computers remotely. However, some users may not need or use this feature, and removing it can help free up system resources and improve overall performance.
Additionally, removing Splashtop Streamer can also help resolve issues related to the software, such as high CPU usage, crashes, or conflicts with other programs. If you’re experiencing problems with Splashtop Streamer or no longer need its functionality, removing it can be a good solution.
How do I know if Splashtop Streamer is installed on my computer?
To check if Splashtop Streamer is installed on your computer, you can follow these steps: Open the Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac), and look for “Splashtop Streamer” or “Splashtop Remote” in the list of installed programs. You can also check the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to see if the Splashtop Streamer process is running in the background.
If you’re still unsure, you can also check your computer’s manufacturer website or documentation to see if Splashtop Streamer is pre-installed on your device. Some manufacturers may also provide a list of pre-installed software on their website.
What are the different methods to remove Splashtop Streamer?
There are several methods to remove Splashtop Streamer, depending on your operating system and the version of the software installed. For Windows users, you can uninstall Splashtop Streamer through the Control Panel or Settings app. For Mac users, you can uninstall the software through the Applications folder or the Launchpad.
Additionally, you can also use third-party uninstaller software or manually delete the Splashtop Streamer files and folders from your computer. However, be cautious when using these methods, as they may require technical expertise and can potentially cause system instability if not done correctly.
How do I uninstall Splashtop Streamer through the Control Panel (Windows)?
To uninstall Splashtop Streamer through the Control Panel on Windows, follow these steps: Open the Control Panel, click on “Programs and Features” (Windows 10/8) or “Add or Remove Programs” (Windows 7), and look for “Splashtop Streamer” in the list of installed programs. Click on the program and select “Uninstall” or “Remove” to begin the uninstallation process.
Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. You may be asked to restart your computer to complete the removal. Once the uninstallation is complete, you can verify that the software has been removed by checking the list of installed programs or the Task Manager.
How do I remove Splashtop Streamer files and folders manually?
To remove Splashtop Streamer files and folders manually, you’ll need to locate the installation directory and delete the relevant files and folders. The default installation directory for Splashtop Streamer is usually located in the “Program Files” (Windows) or “Applications” (Mac) folder.
Be cautious when deleting files and folders, as this method can potentially cause system instability if not done correctly. Make sure to only delete files and folders related to Splashtop Streamer, and avoid deleting system files or folders. It’s also recommended to create a system restore point before attempting to remove files and folders manually.
What are the potential risks of removing Splashtop Streamer?
Removing Splashtop Streamer can potentially cause system instability or conflicts with other programs, especially if the software is integrated with other system components. Additionally, removing the software may also affect other programs or features that rely on Splashtop Streamer’s functionality.
However, if you’re experiencing issues with Splashtop Streamer or no longer need its functionality, the benefits of removing the software may outweigh the potential risks. To minimize risks, make sure to follow the recommended uninstallation methods and create a system restore point before attempting to remove the software.
How do I troubleshoot issues after removing Splashtop Streamer?
If you experience issues after removing Splashtop Streamer, such as system crashes or conflicts with other programs, you can try troubleshooting the problem by restarting your computer, reinstalling the software, or seeking support from the manufacturer or a technical expert.
Additionally, you can also check the Event Viewer (Windows) or System Logs (Mac) to see if there are any error messages related to the removal of Splashtop Streamer. This can help you identify the cause of the issue and take corrective action to resolve the problem.