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Forcable purge windows apps from your system

Warning: This program modifies Windows and registry settings. Create a system restore point before use.
An automatic restore point is attempted (Windows limits 1 every 24 hours).

Disclaimer: AppExorcist is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular purpose.
Use at your own risk. The developers are not liable for any damages or data loss caused by this program.


Download Link

System Requirements

  • Supported OS: Windows 8, 10, 11 (64-bit only)

Features

  • App Removal: Removes apps and associated remnants, though not 100% of registry keys/files due to naming variations, Windows Updates, etc.
  • Database Management: Automatically updates app list database on startup. Manual update:
    • Download: apps.json
    • Place apps.json in: C:\ProgramData\ShadowWhisperer\Apps\database_new.json
  • Remnants Scan: Searches for leftover app files/keys based on Source/apps.json. Takes a long time and will show undeletable items.
  • Log: Saves uninstall details to C:\ProgramData\ShadowWhisperer\Apps\uninstall.log
  • Startup Checks: Verifies services (PcaSvc, AppXSvc, camsvc) and registry keys to prevent app re-installation.

How It Works

  • Startup: Checks for conflicts or issues, fixing them if needed. A brief GUI may appear on slower hardware.
  • Database: Builds C:\ProgramData\ShadowWhisperer\Apps\database.json on startup for installed apps, refreshing only when needed.
  • App List: Hides critical apps (e.g., Microsoft.Windows.DevicesFlowHost) to prevent system issues. See Source/apps.json for hidden apps ("hide": "yes").
  • App Removal: Searches system for files/registry keys to delete, using app-specific data from Source/apps.json (e.g., Microsoft.Print3D context menu keys).

apps.json

  • name: Publisher-given app name (e.g., SAMSUNGELECTRONICSCO.LTD.Bixby)
  • info: Display name (e.g., [App] Bixby AI)
  • issues: Problems caused by removal (e.g., Breaks Windows Store Apps)
  • hide: Hide from viewable list (yes/no)
  • native: Part of clean Windows install (yes/no)
  • bloat: Non-essential software (yes/no)

Notes

  • Desktop Icon Flicker: Caused by clearing installed app list cache during database rebuild. See rebuild_database in source code.
  • Windows 11 Reboot: Required to clear apps from list due to differences in app management compared to Windows 10.
  • Unknown Apps: Apps with ? in Info or Issues are not in the database or unverified for safe removal. Research before removing.
  • Bloat vs. Native:
    • Bloat: Non-essential, third-party software.
    • Native: Built into a clean Windows install.
  • Remnants Scan: May take a long time to run or log entries. (It has to find them first)
  • Comparison to RevoUninstaller: AppExorcist searches dynamically for remnants, unlike Revo’s predefined lists. It’s free, with no animations or PowerShell popups.

Limitations

  • Incomplete Removal: Some registry keys/files may persist due to system constraints.
  • Hidden Apps: Critical apps are hidden to avoid breaking system functionality. Remove ? apps at your own risk.
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