Deactivate the Old Version of Opera Browser [Guide]

Are you still seeing an old version of the Opera browser on your computer, even after installing the latest release? Or maybe you want to deactivate an older Opera installation because you no longer use it and want to switch to the newer version.

Before proceeding, it’s important to understand that Opera doesn’t usually have a single button called Deactivate Old Version. You need to choose the action that matches your situation.

If an older Opera version is installed separately, you can uninstall it from Windows Settings. If you simply don’t want to use it anymore, you can change your default browser. If you want to keep Opera but stop using an outdated release, check for updates or install a supported newer version.

Important: Before uninstalling Opera, save your bookmarks and make sure you know how to access any passwords or other data you need. If you have multiple Opera installations or profiles, removing one may not affect the others.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to deactivate an old version of Opera on Windows 11 and Windows 10. 

Deactivate Old Version of Opera Browser [Guide]

To deactivate an old version of Opera on Windows, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10. Find Opera in the installed apps list, select it, and choose Uninstall if you want to remove that installation. If you want to keep Opera, open the browser’s menu and check for updates instead. Back up important bookmarks and other browser data before removing an installation.

Let’s explore the steps in detail!

Step 1: Check Which Version of Opera Is Installed

Before removing anything, check whether you’re actually using an outdated version of Opera.

Open the Opera browser on your computer. Click the Opera menu in the upper-left corner of the browser window. Depending on your version, you may find an option called Update & Recovery or a similar update-related setting.

Open the update page to check the installed version and whether an update is available. If Opera reports that your browser is up to date, you may not need to deactivate it.

If you’re using Opera GX, remember that it is a separate browser edition designed primarily for gaming. Opera GX and the standard Opera browser can appear as separate applications in Windows.

Checking the version first helps you avoid uninstalling the wrong browser, especially if multiple Opera editions are installed.

Step 2: Back Up Your Opera Bookmarks and Important Data

Before uninstalling an older Opera installation, save anything you want to keep.

Open Opera and press Ctrl + Shift + B to open the bookmarks manager in versions that support this shortcut. If the shortcut doesn’t work, open the Opera menu and look for Bookmarks or Manage bookmarks.

Look for an option to export your bookmarks. If available, save the exported file to a familiar location, such as your Desktop or Documents folder. You can import this file into another browser later.

If you use Opera’s password manager, make sure you can access your important account credentials before removing the browser. Check your sync status if you use an Opera account, but don’t assume that every item has been synchronized successfully.

You should also save important open tabs and check whether you have files stored in Opera’s downloads folder.

Remember: Uninstalling a browser may remove some locally stored data, depending on the uninstall method and your settings. Backing up your important information is the safest approach.

Step 3: Uninstall the Old Opera Version in Windows 11

If you want to remove the old Opera installation completely, Windows Settings is the easiest place to start.

Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings. From the left side, select Apps, then click Installed apps.

A list of applications installed on your computer will appear. Use the search box near the top and type Opera.

Look through the results carefully. You might see Opera, Opera GX, or more than one entry if you have installed different editions.

Find the specific installation you want to remove. Click the three-dot menu beside its name and select Uninstall.

Windows may ask you to confirm your choice or open Opera’s uninstaller. Follow the instructions shown on the screen to complete the process.

If the uninstaller asks whether you also want to delete browser data, read the prompt carefully. Choose the option that matches your needs, keeping in mind that deleting local data may remove bookmarks, settings, or other information that hasn’t been backed up.

When the process finishes, restart your computer if Windows asks you to do so.

Step 4: Remove the Old Opera Version in Windows 10

If your computer runs Windows 10, the steps are slightly different, but the process is still straightforward.

Click the Start button and select Settings. Next, choose Apps, then open Apps & features.

Scroll through the installed applications or use the search box to find Opera.

Select the Opera installation you want to remove. Click Uninstall, then confirm your choice if Windows asks you to.

Follow any additional instructions provided by Opera’s uninstaller.

If more than one Opera entry appears, don’t remove every entry automatically. Check whether each one represents a browser edition you still use. For example, you may want to remove standard Opera while keeping Opera GX.

After uninstalling the old version, open the Start menu and search for Opera to check whether another installation remains available.

Step 5: Change Your Default Browser Instead of Uninstalling Opera

You don’t have to uninstall Opera if your goal is simply to stop using it.

Windows lets you choose another browser as your default. This means links opened from emails, documents, and other applications will generally open in your selected browser instead of Opera.

In Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Default apps. Search for the browser you want to use, such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Firefox. Select it and follow the available prompts to make it your default browser.

In Windows 10, open Settings > Apps > Default apps. Under Web browser, select the current browser and choose the one you want to use.

Once you’ve changed the default, you can leave Opera installed for occasional use or uninstall it later.

This option is useful if you’re unsure whether you need to remove the old version or simply want Windows to stop opening links in it.

Step 6: Update Opera Instead of Deactivating It

If you want to keep using Opera but need to replace an outdated release, try updating it first.

Open Opera and click the menu in the upper-left corner. Look for Update & Recovery or the update option available in your version.

Open the page and allow Opera to check for an available update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

Once the update is complete, Opera may ask you to relaunch the browser. Save your work in open tabs before restarting it.

If Opera cannot update itself, visit the official Opera website and download the appropriate installer for your operating system. Run the installer and follow its instructions.

Use the official website rather than unfamiliar download sites, which may distribute outdated or modified installers.

If you are using an old Opera release that no longer receives updates, installing a currently supported version is generally safer than continuing to browse with outdated software.

Step 7: Check for Multiple Opera Installations

Sometimes, the problem isn’t that Opera failed to update. You may have two separate installations on your computer.

For example, you might have installed Opera GX after using standard Opera, or an older installation may remain alongside a newer one.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11 or Apps & features in Windows 10. Search for Opera and review the names of the entries that appear.

Next, open the Start menu and search for Opera. If multiple shortcuts appear, check their names and open each one if necessary to determine which browser you are using.

Don’t delete folders manually just because their names contain Opera. Some folders may contain profiles, bookmarks, or other data you still need.

Once you’ve identified the old installation, uninstall it through Windows Settings using the earlier steps.

Step 8: Restart Your Computer and Verify the Changes

After uninstalling an old Opera version or installing a newer release, restart your computer if necessary.

Once Windows starts again, open the Start menu and search for Opera. If you removed the intended installation, its shortcut may no longer appear. Another Opera edition may still be available if you chose to keep it.

If you installed or updated Opera, open the browser and check its version again through the update settings.

You can also test your default browser by clicking a web link from another application. If you changed your default browser successfully, the link should open in the browser you selected.

If the old version still appears in the installed-apps list, check whether you removed the correct entry. If its uninstaller failed, use Windows’ available troubleshooting options rather than deleting program files manually.

FAQs

Can I deactivate an old Opera version without uninstalling it?

Yes. You can stop using it by changing your default browser in Windows Settings. However, if you want to remove the old installation from your computer, you should uninstall it.

Will uninstalling Opera delete my bookmarks?

It may remove locally stored browser data, depending on the installation and uninstall options. Export your bookmarks and back up important information before uninstalling Opera.

Why do I see two Opera browsers on my computer?

You may have installed standard Opera and Opera GX, or you may have separate installations. Check the installed apps list before removing anything.

How do I stop Opera from opening automatically?

Check Settings > Apps > Startup in Windows 11 or the Startup settings in Windows 10. If Opera is listed and enabled, turn it off. Also check Opera’s startup settings if the browser continues reopening automatically.

Is it safe to keep using an old version of Opera?

Using an outdated browser can expose you to security risks because it may lack important security fixes. Update Opera to a supported release or switch to another maintained browser.

Summary

Deactivating an old version of Opera depends on what you want to accomplish. If you want to remove it, use Windows Settings to uninstall the correct installation. If you only want to stop using Opera, change your default browser. If you want to keep Opera, check for updates or install a supported version from the official website.

Before making changes, back up your bookmarks and other important data. If multiple Opera editions are installed, identify the old one carefully so you don’t remove a browser you still need.

Following these steps will help you clean up an outdated Opera installation and keep your Windows computer organized and secure.