Completely Uninstall Ansys on Windows 11/10
Ansys is one of the most widely used engineering simulation software suites for structural analysis, fluid dynamics, electronics, and multiphysics simulations. Since it installs multiple applications, services, licensing components, and shared files, simply removing it from Settings or Control Panel may leave behind folders, registry entries, and temporary data.
Let’s learn every step required to completely uninstall Ansys from Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Completely Uninstall Ansys on Windows 11/10
Unlike many regular applications, Ansys installs several products and background components. Depending on the version you installed, you may also have licensing software, student edition files, shared libraries, documentation, and cached installation files.
To completely remove Ansys, you should uninstall the software, stop and remove licensing services, delete leftover folders, clear temporary files, and restart your computer.
Following every step below will help ensure nothing important is left behind.
Step 1: Close Every Running Ansys Application
Before uninstalling Ansys, make sure none of its programs are currently running.
If any Ansys application remains open, Windows may prevent certain files from being removed during the uninstall process. This can result in leftover components or uninstall errors.
Save any ongoing projects before continuing.
Close every Ansys window, including Ansys Mechanical, Fluent, Workbench, SpaceClaim, Discovery, Electronics Desktop, or any other Ansys application you have open.
Next, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Select the Processes tab and carefully look for any process that contains Ansys, Workbench, Fluent, SpaceClaim, AEDT, or similar names.
If any are still running, select the process and click End Task.
Once all Ansys-related processes have been closed, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Uninstall Ansys from Windows Settings
The easiest way to remove Ansys is through the Windows uninstall feature.
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
On Windows 11, select Apps, then open Installed Apps.
On Windows 10, select Apps, then open Apps & Features.
Scroll through the installed applications until you locate every Ansys component.
You may notice several separate entries because Ansys installs different modules independently.
Select the first Ansys component.
Click Uninstall.
When the uninstall wizard appears, follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Allow the removal process to finish before uninstalling the next component.
Repeat the same process until every Ansys application has been removed.
Depending on your installation, this process may take several minutes.
Step 3: Remove Ansys Licensing Components
Many Ansys installations include a licensing system that continues running even after the main software has been removed.
If you no longer plan to use Ansys on the computer, removing the licensing software is recommended.
Return to Installed Apps or Apps & Features.
Look for entries such as Ansys License Manager, Ansys Licensing, or similarly named licensing software.
Open the uninstall option.
Follow the prompts until Windows confirms the licensing software has been removed.
If you are using a shared network license managed by your organization, check with your system administrator before uninstalling the licensing components.
Removing them could affect future access to licensed Ansys products.
Step 4: Delete Leftover Ansys Installation Folders
Even after uninstalling the software, some folders usually remain on the computer.
Removing these folders helps recover storage space and prepares Windows for a clean installation if you decide to reinstall Ansys later.
Open File Explorer.
Navigate to the C:\Program Files folder. If an Ansys Inc folder still exists, delete it. Next, open C:\Program Files (x86).
Delete any remaining Ansys folders if they are present. Now open C:\ProgramData. This folder is hidden by default.
If you cannot see it, enable Hidden items from the View menu in File Explorer. Delete any remaining Ansys folders located there.
Next, open your user profile folder by navigating to: C:\Users\YourUsername
Open the AppData folder. If the folder is hidden, enable hidden items first.
Check the following folders for remaining Ansys data:
- Local
- LocalLow
- Roaming
Delete any folders related to Ansys if they still exist.
Be careful not to delete folders belonging to other applications.
Step 5: Remove Temporary Installation Files
Temporary files created during installation or software updates may continue occupying storage after Ansys has been removed.
Cleaning these files helps free disk space.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type %temp% and press Enter.
- Delete the temporary files that are related to Ansys.
Some files currently being used by Windows may not be deleted.
If Windows displays a warning, simply choose Skip.
Next, repeat the process by typing temp in the Run dialog.
Delete any remaining temporary files that belong to Ansys.
You can also empty the Recycle Bin afterward to permanently free the storage space.
Step 6: Remove Remaining Environment Variables if Necessary
Some advanced installations create environment variables that Windows uses to locate Ansys executables and libraries.
Most home users will not need to remove these manually, but if you are planning a clean reinstall, checking them can be helpful.
- Press Windows + S.
- Search for Edit the system environment variables.
- Open the result.
- Click Environment Variables.
- Review both the User variables and System variables sections.
If you find variables that clearly reference your old Ansys installation path, remove them carefully.
Avoid deleting variables unless you are certain they belong to Ansys.
Removing unrelated variables can cause other software to stop working correctly.
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
The final step is restarting Windows.
A restart allows Windows to remove any files that were scheduled for deletion during the uninstall process.
- Click Start.
- Select Power.
- Choose Restart.
Once Windows starts again, open File Explorer and verify that the Ansys installation folders no longer exist.
You can also search for Ansys from the Start menu.
If no applications appear, the uninstall process was successful.
If you plan to install a newer version, your computer is now ready for a clean installation.
Additional Tips
If you are upgrading to a newer release, always remove the older version completely before installing the new one unless the installation guide specifically supports multiple versions.
Keep a backup of your simulation projects before uninstalling the software. Removing Ansys does not normally delete project files, but maintaining a backup is always recommended.
If Windows reports that some files cannot be removed because they are in use, restart the computer and try deleting the remaining folders again.
If Ansys still appears in the Start menu after uninstalling, restart Windows and allow the search index to refresh.
If you encounter uninstall errors, running the uninstall process with an administrator account may resolve permission-related issues.
FAQs
Can I uninstall Ansys without deleting my project files?
Yes. Your simulation projects are typically stored separately from the software installation. However, creating a backup before uninstalling is always a good idea.
Why are multiple Ansys programs listed in Installed Apps?
Ansys installs different modules, tools, documentation, and licensing components separately. Each one must be removed individually for a complete uninstall.
Do I need to remove the Ansys License Manager?
If you no longer intend to use Ansys on the computer, removing the Ansys License Manager is recommended. If your organization manages licenses centrally, consult your IT administrator before removing them.
Can I reinstall Ansys after uninstalling it?
Yes. In fact, performing a complete uninstall often resolves installation problems and provides a cleaner environment for reinstalling the software.
Is deleting leftover folders safe?
Yes, provided the folders belong to Ansys and the software has already been uninstalled. Removing these folders helps eliminate leftover files and recover storage space.
Why does Ansys still appear in Windows Search?
Windows Search may temporarily display cached results. Restarting the computer usually refreshes the search index and removes outdated shortcuts.