Discord is a popular communication platform that allows users to chat, voice call, and video call with friends and communities. While it offers numerous features, there may come a time when you feel the need to uninstall it, whether due to personal preference, system performance issues, or a desire to switch to another platform. Uninstalling Discord from Windows 11 is a straightforward process, but users should follow specific steps to ensure that all components are correctly removed. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of the uninstallation process.
Why Uninstall Discord?
Before we dive into the process of uninstallation, let’s briefly explore some reasons users might consider removing Discord from their systems:
Performance Issues
: Some users may experience lagging or other performance-related issues, particularly on older machines. Uninstalling unnecessary software can help improve overall system performance.
Switching Platforms
: With many communication tools available, users may choose to switch to alternatives like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Skype for their communication needs.
Privacy Concerns
: Discord has faced criticism over its data privacy practices. Users concerned about data security may decide to uninstall the application.
Clutter Management
: Regularly reviewing and cleaning up installed software helps maintain an organized system. Discord may not be used frequently enough to justify its presence on your computer.
Account Closure
: If you’ve decided to close your Discord account, it might make sense to remove the application as well.
Preparation for Uninstallation
Before you proceed to uninstall Discord, consider the following preparations:
Backup Important Data
: If you have crucial messages, files, or data stored on Discord that you wish to keep, ensure that you save them. You can manually go through your channels or direct messages to grab important information, or you can take screenshots for reference.
Log Out of Your Account
: While unnecessary, it’s a good practice to log out of your Discord account before uninstallation. This can help prevent any issues during the uninstallation process.
Close the Application
: Ensure that Discord is fully closed before beginning the uninstallation process. Right-click the Discord icon in the system tray (near the clock) and choose “Quit Discord” to close the application completely.
Uninstalling Discord via Settings
The easiest way to uninstall Discord on Windows 11 is through the Settings app. Here’s how to do it:
Open Settings
:
- Click on the Start button on your taskbar or press the Windows key.
- Select “Settings” (the gear icon) from the Start menu.
Go to Apps
:
- In the Settings window, look for the “Apps” section in the left sidebar and click on it.
Installed Apps
:
- In the Apps & features section, you’ll see a list of all installed applications on your device. Scroll down or use the search bar to find “Discord”.
Uninstall Discord
:
- Once you locate Discord, click on the three-dot menu next to it, and select “Uninstall” from the dropdown menu.
- A confirmation window will appear. Click on “Uninstall” again to confirm your choice.
Follow the Uninstallation Wizard
:
- The Discord uninstallation wizard will open. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Uninstalling Discord via Control Panel
Alternatively, you can uninstall Discord through the Control Panel. Here’s how:
Open Control Panel
:
-
Right-click on the Start button and select “Run” or press
Windows + R
. -
Type
control
and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
Programs and Features
:
- In the Control Panel, click on “Programs” followed by “Programs and Features.”
Locate Discord
:
- In the list of installed programs, find Discord. You can use the search bar or scroll through the list.
Uninstall Discord
:
- Right-click on Discord and select “Uninstall” or click on the “Uninstall” button at the top of the window.
- Confirm your decision in the pop-up window.
Complete the Uninstallation
:
- Follow any prompts provided by the uninstallation wizard to fully remove Discord from your system.
Uninstalling Discord Using Third-Party Software
If you wish to ensure that all components (including leftover files and registry entries) are completely removed, you might opt for third-party uninstallation software like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller. Here’s how you can use Revo Uninstaller, for example:
Download Revo Uninstaller
:
- Visit the official website and download the free version of Revo Uninstaller.
Install and Launch Revo Uninstaller
:
- Once downloaded, install the software following the on-screen instructions and launch it.
Locate Discord
:
- In Revo Uninstaller, find Discord from the list of installed applications.
Uninstall Discord
:
- Select Discord and click on the “Uninstall” button. Revo will initiate the standard uninstallation process.
Scan for Leftover Files
:
- Once the uninstallation procedure is complete, Revo will prompt you to scan for leftover files and registry entries.
- Allow it to scan and follow the prompts to delete any remnants of Discord on your PC.
Cleaning Up Residual Files
Even after uninstalling Discord, some residual files may remain on your computer. Here’s how to clear those out:
Navigate to AppData
:
-
Press
Windows + R
to open the Run dialog. -
Type
%appdata%
and hit Enter. This command will lead you to the AppData folder in your user directory.
Delete Discord Folder
:
- In the AppData folder, locate the “Discord” folder and delete it. This folder typically contains settings and cache related to your Discord application.
Check Local AppData
:
-
Similarly, navigate to the local AppData directory. Press
Windows + R
again and type
%localappdata%
. - Find the Discord folder here as well and delete it.
Registry Cleanup (Optional)
:
-
For advanced users comfortable with editing the registry, you can open the Registry Editor by pressing
Windows + R
, typing
regedit
, and navigating to
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware
. -
Search for the Discord key and delete it.
Be cautious when editing the registry, as unintended changes can affect system performance.
Reboot Your Computer
After successfully uninstalling Discord, it’s a good idea to restart your computer. This ensures that all changes take effect and gives your system a fresh start without leftover processes from Discord potentially running in the background.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Discord from Windows 11 is a relatively simple process, whether you choose to do it through the Settings app, Control Panel, or a third-party uninstaller. Ensuring that you backup any important data and thoroughly clean up residual files will provide a smooth experience during the uninstallation process.
If you’ve reached this point, you should now have successfully uninstalled Discord from your Windows 11 PC. Consider what communication tool best suits your needs moving forward and explore the vast range of options available to you. Whether you reinstall Discord in the future or switch to another platform, maintaining control over your applications is a crucial aspect of efficient system management.