antiuninstall

Antiuninstall is a term used to describe software techniques that resist or impede the removal of a program from a device. It encompasses self-protection measures intended to keep the software installed and functional even when a user or administrator attempts to uninstall it.

Common approaches include embedding a protected uninstall entry in the installer, restarting or reinstalling itself after an uninstall is launched, running as a background service, or requesting elevated privileges to intercept uninstall attempts. Some implementations hide or disable the uninstaller in the user interface, add checks that force reinstallation, or repeatedly recreate program files after deletion. Some use hooks or self-modifying code to complicate removal, while others rely on licensing or activation checks to deter removal.

Applications range from enterprise security or licensing-enforcement products to potentially unwanted programs. In legitimate contexts, antiuninstall features may be justified to prevent tampering, but they can also degrade user autonomy, complicate system maintenance, and pose security risks if misused. Critics argue that antiuninstall practices conflict with consumer rights and software transparency.

Removal and remediation: Users facing antiuninstall protections may need to rely on official uninstall tools, safe mode, system restore, or, in some cases, manual removal of components. Security products may detect and report antiuninstall behavior; in enterprise environments, IT policies may be used to manage or disable such protections.