Introduction: Why Is It So Hard to Remove APK Installer and Launcher?
If you’ve ever tried uninstalling an APK Installer and Launcher, especially on a non-Android platform like Windows or macOS, you may have noticed that:
- The app keeps running in the background
- APK-related settings remain active
- Leftover files, shortcuts, and cache aren’t removed
- Integration with file types or emulators persists
An APK Installer and Launcher is often used to run Android apps on non-Android devices — typically through compatibility layers like ARC Welder, BlueStacks, or standalone launchers. These tools can deeply integrate with your system, making them surprisingly hard to remove completely.
In this guide, we’ll:
- Explain why APK Installer and Launcher leave behind traces
- Provide 6 professional methods to fully remove it
- Include a success rate for each method
- Help you clean your system thoroughly before switching to alternative Android app solutions
Let’s get started!
What Makes APK Installer and Launcher Difficult to Remove?
Understanding why these tools don’t uninstall cleanly helps you choose the best removal strategy:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧩 Deep System Integration | Registers itself as a default handler for .apk files |
| 🔐 Registry Entries & Preferences | Stores persistent keys and user settings |
| 💾 Cached APK Files & Runtime Data | Keeps logs, extracted APK resources, and session data |
| 📁 Hidden AppData Folders | Contains configuration and cache files |
| 🧰 Emulator Dependencies | May install additional components like BlueStacks, Nox, or ARC |
Now let’s explore how to overcome these challenges effectively.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings to Uninstall – Success Rate: ~35%
This is the most basic method users try first.
✅ Steps:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings - Go to Apps > Installed Apps
- Search for APK Installer and Launcher or related names
- Click Uninstall and follow on-screen instructions
🛠️ Why It Works:
Removes the main application interface but often fails to delete registry keys, cached APK files, or emulator integrations.
Method 2: Use Revo Uninstaller (Free/Paid) – Success Rate: ~90%
Revo Uninstaller scans for leftovers after uninstallation and removes them safely.
✅ Steps:
- Download and install Revo Uninstaller
- Launch the app and find APK Installer and Launcher
- Select Uninstall
- After uninstall completes, run an Advanced Scan to remove residual files, folders, and registry keys
🛠️ Why It Works:
Combines forced uninstall with deep scanning to eliminate stubborn remnants like registry keys and hidden plugin files.
Method 3: Manually Delete Remaining Files & Folders – Success Rate: ~70%
Some files are not deleted due to permission or lock issues.
✅ Steps:
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\APK InstallerC:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\APKInstallerC:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\APKInstaller
- Right-click folder > Delete
- If access is denied:
- Take ownership via Properties > Security
- Or boot into Safe Mode before deleting
🛠️ Why It Works:
Ensures no hidden or protected files remain after uninstallation.
Method 4: Clean the Windows Registry – Success Rate: ~60%
Leftover registry entries can cause errors or interfere with future installations.
✅ Steps:
- Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCleaner or Wise Registry Cleaner
- Run a scan and select all APK Installer and Launcher-related entries
- Backup the registry first (highly recommended)
- Delete selected entries
⚠️ Caution:
Always back up the registry before editing manually.
Method 5: Remove File Associations & Default Handlers – Success Rate: ~80%
Even after uninstalling, the launcher might still be set as the default handler for .apk files.
✅ Steps:
- Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps
- Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type
- Find
.apkand click the current app > Choose another app - Set to Not Set or use Windows Photos / Do Nothing
🛠️ Why It Works:
Resets system-wide file associations and prevents ghost behavior from the uninstalled app.
Method 6: Boot in Safe Mode and Uninstall – Success Rate: ~80%
Safe Mode disables background processes that may lock APK Installer files or services.
✅ Steps:
- Restart your PC and press
F8or holdShiftwhile clicking Restart - Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart
- Press
F4or5to enter Safe Mode - Try uninstalling APK Installer and Launcher using any previous method
🛠️ Why It Works:
Prevents the installer from locking its own files and services during uninstallation.
✅ Summary Table: APK Installer and Launcher Uninstall Methods & Success Rates
| Method | Success Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🖥️ Use Windows Settings | ~35% | Quick partial removal |
| 🔍 Use Revo Uninstaller | ~90% | Removing all traces automatically |
| 📁 Manual File Deletion | ~70% | Cleaning up leftover folders |
| 🧹 Registry Cleanup | ~60% | Fixing system errors from leftover keys |
| 📄 Reset File Associations | ~80% | Eliminating default handler issues |
| 🛡️ Safe Mode Uninstall | ~80% | Unlocking protected files |
Conclusion: Achieve a Clean APK Installer and Launcher Removal
Uninstalling an APK Installer and Launcher completely requires more than just the standard uninstaller. By combining multiple methods — especially the Revo Uninstaller and manual file cleanup — you can ensure your system is truly free of its components.
For best results:
- Start with the Revo Uninstaller
- Then manually check for remaining files or registry entries
- Optionally, use Safe Mode if files are locked
- Always reset file associations to prevent lingering behaviors
With these steps, you’ll be ready to switch to modern alternatives like BlueStacks, NoxPlayer, or native Android devices without interference or performance issues.
📌 Pro Tip: Save this article for future reference or share it with friends who are struggling with APK Installer and Launcher removal. Want a downloadable checklist or need help automating some of these steps via PowerShell scripts? Feel free to ask!