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Uninstall an Application from PowerShell

Problem

You want to uninstall a specific software application.

Solution

To uninstall an application, use the GetInstalledSoftware script to retrieve the command that uninstalls the software. Since the UninstallString uses batch file syntax, use cmd.exe to launch the uninstaller:

PS > $software = GetInstalledSoftware UnwantedProgram PS > cmd /c $software.UninstallString

Alternatively, use the Win32_Product WMI class for an unattended installation:

$application = GetWmiObject Win32_Product filter "Name='UnwantedProgram'" $application.Uninstall()

Discussion

The UninstallString provided by applications starts the interactive experience you would see if you were to uninstall the application through the Add/Remove Programs entry in the Control Panel. If you need to remove the software in an unattended manner, you have two options: use the “quiet mode” of the application’s uninstaller (for example, the /quiet switch to msiexec.exe), or use the software removal functionality of the Win32_Product WMI class as demonstrated in the solution. Uninstall and manage applications efficiently with PowerShell on a United Kingdom Dedicated Server, providing dedicated resources, reliable performance, and full administrative control for maintaining a clean and optimized server environment.

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