![]() ![]() If you don't see the ProgramData or AppData folders, launch Control Panel, go to File Explorer Options and make sure 'Show hidden files, folders and drives' is selected. You could also manually browse for files in the most likely locations: \Program Files, \Program Files (x86), \ProgramData, \Users\\AppData\Local, \Users\\AppData\Roaming. Investigate these to see what's left, and whether the folders can safely be deleted. Open the client folder you noted in the previous step, if it still exists, and search your system for folders with similar names. ![]() There are often plenty of leftovers, ranging from stray DLLs to detailed logs of all your recent VPN connections. Uninstalling a VPN won't necessarily remove all of its files. Once you've run the regular uninstaller and removed any associated TAP files, reboot your PC to make sure Windows is able to delete locked program files. If you don't find anything, search your system for the VPN name and look for an Uninstall shortcut. Remove these by right-clicking and selecting Uninstall. If the list is sorted alphabetically, scroll to the T's and look for items beginning 'TAP-' (our test system included TAP-NordVPN and TAP-ProtonVPN). The installed programs list might also include a TAP driver (a virtual network adapter) for your VPN provider. ![]() Make a note of the folder name – you'll need it later.Ĭlose the client completely (don't just minimize it), then try to uninstall it from the regular Control Panel applet (Control Panel > Programs and Features > Uninstall a Program). Open a client window, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch Task Manager, right-click the app name and select Open File Location. Start by finding where the program files are stored on your hard drive. The first step in removing a VPN is to clear away its client. (Image credit: Microsoft) Uninstall VPN clients Furthermore, some of the latter steps will only really apply to those who are extremely privacy-conscious, as you’ll see when you read through. You can be as thorough – or not – as you like.Īnd if you’re not confident with some of the more involved elements – like editing the Registry – then it’s probably best to skip these steps. Note that you don’t have to follow all these steps, at least beyond the first and primary uninstallation process. So, let’s look in detail at how to go about uninstalling your VPN software and subsequently cleaning up after that process. Be very careful, and don't wipe anything unless your system is fully backed up, and you've got the tools and experience to recover the computer if anything goes wrong. Accidentally deleting something important could cripple your PC. Deleting ancient network remnants brings benefits of its own, too, freeing up resources, simplifying your network settings and maybe reducing the chance of problems occurring with other networking software.īear in mind that there are risks involved with this kind of low-level clean-up. Whatever your circumstances, it's interesting to see what a PC might hold regarding your VPN history. We’ve also debunked 6 common myths concerning VPNs.If others have access to your PC, or maybe you're running a VPN on a work computer, maybe if it's your own system, probably not. ![]() Whether this is any kind of privacy risk depends on your situation. Most could remain on your system for years. Even uninstalling the VPN will usually leave at least some traces behind, and there are plenty more clues to your activities in Windows' various network histories. Often there's no automated way to remove this information. ![]()
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