Completely Uninstall AnyDesk on Windows 11/10

AnyDesk is one of the most popular remote desktop applications available for Windows. It allows users to remotely access another computer, provide technical support, transfer files, and collaborate from virtually anywhere. While it is lightweight and easy to use, there are many situations where you may want to completely remove it from your Windows PC.

For example, you may no longer need remote access software, you might be switching to another remote desktop solution, or you may simply want to free up storage space and remove unused programs. In some cases, AnyDesk may not be working properly, causing connection issues, startup errors, or installation problems. Performing a complete uninstall can often resolve these issues before reinstalling the latest version.

Simply uninstalling the application from Settings removes the main program, but it may leave behind configuration files, temporary data, logs, and registry entries. If your goal is to completely erase AnyDesk from your computer, you should remove these leftover files as well.

Let’s learn the steps to completely uninstall AnyDesk from both Windows 11 and Windows 10 without leaving unnecessary files behind.

Completely Uninstall AnyDesk on Windows 11/10

Removing AnyDesk completely involves more than clicking the Uninstall button. The process includes closing the application, uninstalling it from Windows, deleting leftover folders, removing temporary files, and restarting your computer to ensure all changes are applied properly.

The exact appearance of some windows may differ slightly between Windows 11 and Windows 10, but the overall process remains nearly identical.

Step 1: Close AnyDesk Completely Before Uninstalling

Before uninstalling AnyDesk, make sure it is no longer running.

Many applications continue running in the background even after you close their main window. If AnyDesk is active, Windows may prevent certain files from being removed during the uninstall process.

Start by looking at the system tray located in the bottom right corner of your taskbar. If you do not immediately see the AnyDesk icon, click the small upward-pointing arrow to display hidden icons.

If the AnyDesk icon appears, right-click it and select Exit or Quit.

Next, verify that the application is no longer running.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

If Task Manager opens in its simplified view, click More details.

Look under the Processes tab for AnyDesk.

If you find it running, select it and click End Task.

Closing the program first helps ensure that Windows can remove every installed component during the uninstall process.

Step 2: Uninstall AnyDesk Using Windows Settings

Now you can remove the main application.

• Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• In Windows 11, select Apps, then choose Installed apps.
• In Windows 10, select Apps, then open Apps & features.
• Use the search box to type AnyDesk.

When the application appears, click the three-dot menu beside AnyDesk in Windows 11, or select the application in Windows 10.

• Click Uninstall.
• Windows will ask you to confirm your decision.
• Select Uninstall again.
• The AnyDesk uninstall wizard may appear.

Follow the on-screen instructions until the process finishes.

Depending on your version, you may see an option asking whether you want to remove configuration files. If this option is available, choose to remove them if you want a complete uninstall.

Wait until Windows reports that the application has been successfully removed.

For most users, this completes the standard uninstall process. However, several files may remain on your computer.

Step 3: Delete any remaining AnyDesk Folders

After uninstalling the application, it is a good idea to remove leftover folders.

These folders may contain cached data, logs, connection history, configuration settings, or temporary files.

• Press Windows + R.
• Type: %AppData%
• Press Enter.
• The Roaming folder will open.
• Look for a folder named AnyDesk.
• If it exists, right-click it and choose Delete.
• Next, click the AppData folder shown in the address bar.
• Open the Local folder.
• Again, look for an AnyDesk folder.
• Delete it if you find one.
• After that, press Windows + R once more.
• Type: %ProgramData%
• Press Enter.
• If an AnyDesk folder exists here, delete it.
• Finally, open File Explorer.
• Navigate to the location where AnyDesk was originally installed.
• Usually this is: C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)

If an AnyDesk folder is still present, delete it.

Removing these folders ensures that previous settings and cached files do not remain on your computer.

Step 4: Remove Temporary Files

Windows stores temporary files for many applications.

Although these files are generally harmless, deleting them helps clean your computer and removes unnecessary leftovers.

• Press Windows + R.
• Type: %Temp%
• Press Enter.
• A folder containing temporary files will appear.
• Locate any files or folders related to AnyDesk.
• Delete them if they exist.
• Next, press Windows + R again.
• Type: Temp
• Press Enter.

Delete any AnyDesk-related files found there.

If Windows reports that a file is currently in use, simply choose Skip.

Do not worry if some temporary files cannot be deleted.

This is completely normal because Windows or another application may still be using them.

Step 5: Remove the AnyDesk Desktop Shortcut

Sometimes the desktop shortcut remains even after the application has been removed.

Go to your desktop.

If you see an AnyDesk shortcut, right-click it.

Select Delete.

You should also check the Start menu.

Open the Start menu and search for AnyDesk.

If you find a shortcut that no longer works, right-click it and choose Remove from Start, or delete the shortcut if Windows allows it.

This helps keep your desktop and Start menu organized.

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

The final step is restarting Windows.

Although the uninstall process may appear complete, restarting ensures that Windows unloads any remaining background services and finishes removing files that were previously in use.

• Click the Start button.
• Select Power.
• Choose Restart.
• After Windows starts again, search for AnyDesk from the Start menu.

If nothing appears, the application has been successfully removed.

You can also open Settings > Apps and verify that AnyDesk no longer appears in the list of installed applications.

At this point, AnyDesk has been completely removed from your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer.

Additional Tips

If you plan to reinstall AnyDesk later, always download the latest version instead of using an old installer saved on your computer. Installing the newest release gives you the latest security updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

After uninstalling AnyDesk, consider checking your Startup apps list. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then select the Startup apps tab. If you notice an old AnyDesk entry that is still listed, disable it or remove it if Windows allows. This helps prevent unnecessary startup items from slowing down your computer.

If you cannot uninstall AnyDesk because you receive an error message, restart your computer and try again before attempting more advanced troubleshooting. A restart often closes background processes that may be preventing the uninstall from completing.

If the application was installed by your workplace or school, it may be managed by an IT administrator. In this case, some settings or uninstall options may be restricted. Contact your organization’s IT department if you are unable to remove the software yourself.

If you frequently install and remove applications, periodically using Storage Sense or the Disk Cleanup utility can help remove temporary files and recover disk space. This keeps your Windows installation cleaner over time.

After completing the uninstall, use the Windows Search feature to search for AnyDesk. If no application, folder, or shortcut appears in the search results, it is a good indication that the software has been successfully removed.

If you previously allowed AnyDesk through Windows Firewall, you can review your firewall settings to ensure there are no unnecessary rules left behind. While Windows typically removes these automatically during the uninstall process, checking them can help keep your security settings organized.

Finally, if you are replacing AnyDesk with another remote desktop application, install the new software only after confirming that AnyDesk has been completely removed. This helps avoid conflicts between remote access programs and ensures a smoother installation experience.

FAQs

Will uninstalling AnyDesk remove my personal files?

No. Uninstalling AnyDesk only removes the application and its related data. Your personal documents, pictures, videos, and other files stored on your computer remain unchanged.

Why is AnyDesk still showing after uninstalling?

This usually happens because a shortcut, leftover folder, or cached file still exists. Removing the remaining folders and restarting your computer usually resolves the issue.

Can I reinstall AnyDesk later?

Yes. You can download and install the latest version whenever you need it. A complete uninstall does not prevent future installations.

Do I need administrator permissions to uninstall AnyDesk?

Yes. Most Windows applications require administrator privileges for installation and removal. If prompted, enter the administrator password or approve the permission request.

Is it safe to delete AnyDesk leftover folders?

Yes. Once the application has been uninstalled, deleting its remaining folders is generally safe. These folders usually contain cached files, logs, and saved settings.

Will removing AnyDesk improve computer performance?

If AnyDesk is running automatically in the background, uninstalling it may reduce startup processes and free a small amount of system resources. However, the overall performance improvement will usually be minor unless your computer has many unnecessary startup applications.

What should I do if Windows says AnyDesk is still running?

Open Task Manager, end every AnyDesk process, and then try uninstalling the application again. If the problem continues, restart your computer and repeat the uninstall process.