How does installing and uninstalling work?
29th August 2025
Discover how adding or removing software could impact your device.
We install new software all the time, and we don’t really think about it: when we download apps, games, or updates, we introduce additional software on to our devices. But how does it work, why might you do it and how can you remove it if you have a problem?
You might install software when you’re setting up a new device, adding new tools or applications or updating to a newer version of something (i.e. the important update from Windows 10 to Windows 11). Sometimes you’ll already have an installer capable of setting the new software up on your device; other times you might need to use a different installer – ensure that it is from a trusted source.
When the new software is installed, the program files are placed somewhere locally, and it may create shortcuts on your desktop or in menus for ease of use. Make sure that you have enough space and the required frameworks before you attempt installation. Installing new software can help to improve security, performance and system health.
However, there are instances where you might want to uninstall software instead. You may want to remove outdated programs, or programs that conflict with other applications, or you might just want to free up disk space. It may even be that the installed software poses a previously unknown security risk and needs to be removed.
Uninstalling software will delete the programs’ files and folders, clearing user data (though sometimes that is optional) and unlinking system integrations. Before doing so, ensure there is nothing you need with the application that you don’t have backed up – otherwise, even if you reinstall the software again at a later point, the file may be lost.
So, for overall system health it is good to know that installing and uninstalling does: next time your PC has an issue, consider if adding or taking away software could be the solution.
If you’d like to know more about installing and uninstalling software, please contact Interfuture Systems.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/gdU5zwxn6iM