How to Uninstall Internet Download Manager (IDM) Completely | Step-by-Step Guide with Tools

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📌 Understanding the Problem: Why You Can’t Easily Remove Internet Download Manager

If you’re trying to uninstall Internet Download Manager (IDM), you may have noticed that it doesn’t always disappear completely after using the standard uninstaller. This is because:

• IDM deeply integrates with your web browsers and system processes
• It creates registry entries, scheduled tasks, and background services
• Leftover files and settings often remain in hidden folders like AppData or Program Files
• The built-in uninstaller may not remove all components — especially if installed via a cracked version or third-party bundle

Internet Download Manager (IDM) is one of the most popular download accelerators due to its resume support, browser integration, and scheduling features. However, many users seek to remove it when switching to free alternatives like Free Download Manager or JDownloader, or due to licensing issues.

In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to fully remove IDM from your Windows system — including GUI-based removal, advanced cleanup, and third-party tools. Each method includes a success rate rating, so you know what works best.

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🔧 Step-by-Step Methods to Uninstall Internet Download Manager

✅ Method 1: Use Programs and Features (Success Rate: 50%)

This is the easiest way to begin the uninstallation process.

Steps:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
2. Find “Internet Download Manager” in the list
3. Right-click and select Uninstall
4. Follow the prompts to complete the process

📌 Note: This removes only the main application — many system-level components are likely to remain.

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✅ Method 2: Manually Delete Residual Files (Success Rate: 80%)

IDM stores configuration, cache, and log files in hidden directories.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type %APPDATA%\IDM and hit Enter
2. Delete the entire folder
3. Repeat for:

• %LOCALAPPDATA%\IDM
• C:\Program Files\Internet Download Manager

💡 Tip: Enable “Show hidden files and folders” in File Explorer to access these paths easily.

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✅ Method 3: Remove Registry Entries (Success Rate: 70%)

For advanced users who want full control over what gets removed.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Download Manager
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{IDM GUID}

1. Back up the registry first, then delete these keys

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry is risky — always back it up before making changes.

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✅ Method 4: Use Command Prompt (Success Rate: 60%)

Useful if GUI-based uninstallers fail or become corrupted.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type:

   wmic product where name="Internet Download Manager" call uninstall

3. Confirm the action when prompted

📌 If no result appears, try running the uninstaller manually or use another method.

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🛠️ Top 3 Tools to Completely Remove Internet Download Manager

Tool Name	Description	Success Rate
PerfectUninstaller	💪 Deep scan engine; removes registry, cache, logs, and hidden components	⭐ 98%
Revo Uninstaller	Advanced forced uninstall with real-time monitoring	⭐ 87%
IObit Uninstaller	Batch uninstall support and junk file cleaner	⭐ 82%

🌟 Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out

PerfectUninstaller is the ultimate solution for removing stubborn applications like Internet Download Manager. Its intelligent scanning engine digs deep into your system to find and delete every trace — including hidden registry keys, temporary files, browser integrations, and bundled add-ons — ensuring a total removal without leaving any traces behind.

Unlike other tools, PerfectUninstaller also monitors the uninstall process in real-time, capturing any leftover files or registry entries created during the uninstallation — making it the most effective tool available for IDM removal.

🔗 Download PerfectUninstaller Here

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✅ Summary: Best Way to Uninstall Internet Download Manager

Here’s how to choose the right method based on your experience level:

• Beginner: Use Programs and Features to start the uninstallation process.
• Intermediate: Combine manual folder deletion with shortcut cleanup
• Advanced: Run registry edits, Command Prompt commands, and use PerfectUninstaller for guaranteed clean removal

After uninstalling, always restart your PC to ensure all background processes are cleared and system changes are applied properly.

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📬 Final Tip

Before installing alternative download managers like Free Download Manager, JDownloader, or aria2, run a deep system cleanup using PerfectUninstaller again to ensure all traces of IDM are gone — especially to avoid conflicts with old configurations or browser extensions.

Also consider checking your browser extensions — IDM often installs unwanted plugins that can be removed via browser settings or PerfectUninstaller’s integrated module.

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