How to Completely Remove NCH Software Suite from Your PC

1. Why Removing NCH Software Can Be Tricky

NCH Software products are known for embedding themselves deep within your system. Even after you think you've uninstalled the suite, leftover files, registry entries, and other components might still exist, potentially slowing down your computer or causing conflicts with other software.

2. Uninstalling NCH Software Using Windows Settings

The first step is the basic uninstallation through the Windows settings:

• Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
• Step 2: Navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
• Step 3: Scroll through the list until you find the NCH Software suite.
• Step 4: Click on it and select Uninstall.

Important: This only removes the main program files. To get rid of everything, you'll need to take additional steps.

3. Removing Leftover Files

Even after uninstalling, NCH Software often leaves behind files that are not immediately visible. To remove these:

• Step 1: Open File Explorer.
• Step 2: Navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) (for 64-bit systems).
• Step 3: Look for any folders named "NCH Software" or related to individual NCH applications, like "VideoPad" or "WavePad".
• Step 4: Delete these folders.

Next, search your entire system for any lingering files:

• Step 1: In the search bar next to the Start menu, type "NCH" and hit enter.
• Step 2: Right-click on any remaining NCH files and select Delete.

4. Cleaning the Registry

NCH Software can also leave behind registry entries, which can cause issues if not removed. Be careful with this step—editing the registry can be risky if you don't know what you're doing.

• Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Step 2: Use Ctrl + F to open the search bar and type "NCH".
• Step 3: Delete any related entries that come up.

Tip: Before deleting anything, it's wise to back up your registry. To do this, click on File > Export, name your backup, and save it to a safe location.

5. Using Third-Party Uninstallers

For those uncomfortable with manual removal, third-party uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can help automate the process. These tools are designed to not only remove the application but also to hunt down and delete all associated files and registry entries.

6. Dealing with Persistent Pop-Ups and Reminders

Even after uninstalling, you might still receive pop-ups or reminders from NCH Software. This is likely due to background services or scheduled tasks:

• Step 1: Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter to open the Task Scheduler.
• Step 2: Look through the Task Scheduler Library for any NCH-related tasks.
• Step 3: Right-click and select Disable or Delete.

7. Verifying Complete Removal

After following these steps, you should restart your PC. Once rebooted, check if there are any remaining signs of NCH Software:

• Step 1: Check the Programs and Features list once more.
• Step 2: Run a search for NCH files on your system.
• Step 3: If everything has been removed successfully, you're done!

Conclusion: Removing NCH Software can be a bit of a chore, but by following these detailed steps, you can ensure that it's completely eradicated from your system. Whether you choose to go the manual route or use a third-party tool, thoroughness is key to avoiding future issues.