Uninstallability

Uninstallability is the ease with which a software application can be removed from a system, including the deletion of binaries, services, registry or equivalent entries, configuration files, and user data. It is a dimension of software maintainability and user experience, and can influence total cost of ownership and user trust.

It covers the completeness of removal, handling of shared components, and cleanup of system changes such as startup items or scheduled tasks. Uninstall methods vary by platform: Windows commonly uses uninstallers or Programs and Features; macOS often relies on drag-and-drop removal or dedicated uninstallers; Linux distributions use package managers with remove or purge options.

Challenges arise when installers install components that are hard to remove without affecting other software, when uninstallers leave traces, or when shared libraries are not deallocated. Privacy and data protection concerns can also arise if user data persists after removal.

Design practices to improve uninstallability include providing a clearly labeled uninstall option, a complete uninstall process that removes binaries, services, registry or equivalent entries, and data; decoupling components to enable selective removal; offering options to preserve user data if desired; and supplying logs and post-uninstall cleanup.

Evaluation can use metrics such as uninstall success rate, time to uninstall, and the amount of residual artifacts. User feedback and automated checks can help detect leftover files, keys, or services and assess any impact on other software.