Newly released in 2024, Uninstaller 15 is the latest version of this highly rated PC uninstaller software from longstanding developers, Ashampoo. This is a tool which specialises in removing all traces of any unwanted software once it has been uninstalled whilst also providing many other useful PC cleaning tools and maintenance utilities within the same package.
When uninstalling any software from a PC there are often various traces of such applications left behind, often in the depths of the operating system itself including the Windows registry and the user’s profile folder which might contain left over settings and log files etc. Relying on the software’s own uninstaller utility often only removes the basics of the application and such traces can be left behind which, over time, can accumulate and potentially start causing issues with an otherwise healthy PC.
Featuring a newly upgraded real-time installation guard for automatically detecting the beginning and end of any such software installs, Uninstaller 15 now works up to 10x faster than previous versions when performing installation analysis ensuring it detects all traces of an installation and works as smoothly and reliably as is possible during this process.
Whilst the main focus of Uninstaller 15 is on uninstalling applications with additional deep cleaning functionality ensuring no traces are left behind, it is also a very useful PC cleaning utility in its own right. Also included are tools for performing deep cleaning of the Windows registry, web browsers and browser plugins plus secure file deletion tools, a Windows start-up analyser, several Windows optimisation tools alongside a special “undelete” tool for helping to recover any accidently deleted files.
The Uninstaller software line from Ashampoo has for many years now been my own personal “go-to” tool for helping to keep my own PCs clean of unwanted applications and running at their best. With all of this in mind, I am really looking forwards to testing out this latest version of Ashampoo Uninstaller 15 and seeing all of this new functionality in action for myself – vamos.
Key Features
New & Enhanced Features:
- Fully updated for Windows 11: Uninstaller 15 provides full support for all modern versions of Windows including Windows 11.
- Easy to navigate, animated user interface: A new and further improved user interface makes exploring Uninstaller 15 even easier and more effective.
- 10x Faster Background Guard: A highly improved background guard service provides highly effective and reliable monitoring of all install and uninstall operations.
- More powerful & efficient operation: An upgraded desktop application with significantly reduced CPU and memory usage results in a smoother experience.
- Improved system cleaning tools: Make use of highly effective and upgraded disk drive, system and registry cleaning tools.
- Improved stability: Improved stability of both the core installation guard components as well the latest versions of several included cleaning utilities.
Already Proven Features:
- Powerful software uninstaller: A powerful application utilising highly effective deep-cleaning technology to ensure all traces of uninstalled software are removed.
- Works across all applications: The powerful uninstaller guard utility can assist in the removal and deep cleaning of all software, even titles installed before Uninstaller 15.
- Windows Start-up optimisation: Easily optimise the Windows start-up process up to and including assessing and removing any processes causing delays.
- Relocate installed applications: Easily reorganise and relocate installed applications between disks thus maximising disk storage space in the process.
- Powerful web browser cleaning: Uninstaller 15 contains a suite of powerful web browsing cleaning tools idea for securely removing all browsing traces.
- Application impact monitoring: Easily monitor applications and the impact they have on a running Windows system to help decide those which should be removed.
- Secure deletion functionality: Secure file deletion tools are available alongside advanced deleted file recovery tools as well.
- Improved theming options: Easily switch between light and dark desktop application themes to suit.
Licensing & Pricing:
- One-Time Purchase Option: Pay $44 per PC for lifetime access.
- Subscription Option: From $13 per year (for use across 3x PCs).
- 30-Day Free Trial: A full 30-Day free trial of Uninstaller 15 is also available.
Uninstaller 15 Usability
In this section, I will share my hands-on experience with the latest version of Ashampoo Uninstaller 15. This begins with the download and installation of the software itself before moving on to performing a mixture of real-world installation, uninstallation and system cleaning tests upon one of my own devices.
This process begins via the official Ashampoo website where a full 30-day free trial of Uninstaller 15 is available (note that a free-to-register Ashampoo account is required for making full use of this trial).
What’s new in Uninstaller 15?
Uninstaller 15 boasts a range of new and upgraded features compared to previous versions, some of these more notable additions include:
- Fully optimised uninstaller module – A key upgrade found in version 15 of Uninstaller is the fully upgraded and revised uninstaller guard module. This enhanced module now works up to 10x faster than in previous versions performing real-time analysis of all installation and uninstallation activity more effectively than ever before.
- Fully upgraded cleaning modules – In addition to the newly upgraded uninstaller guard module, Uninstaller 15 also contains several of Ashampoo’s latest cleaning tools which have been upgraded with the latest cleaning algorithms to provide faster and deeper cleaning available on the latest Windows operating systems.
- Enhanced web browser & privacy cleaning – Uninstaller 15 features several web browser cleaning tools with upgraded cleaning algorithms available. This includes the specialist “Internet Cleaner” module and improved privacy protection via the web-based “Privacy Traces Cleaner”.
- Upgraded user interface – The Uninstaller 15 user interface has been further streamlined and optimised for better ease of use and visual appeal via several new theming options. Additionally, the interface which becomes visible when installing and uninstalling software provides enhanced ease of use and visual clarity when in-use.
- Enhanced performance optimisation – The newly upgraded Uninstaller 15 desktop application has been further optimised to consume less CPU, memory and system resources than was the case with recent previous versions.
Installing Uninstaller 15
Installing Uninstaller 15 begins via the official Ashampoo website where a fully functional 30-day free trial of the software can be downloaded.
Once running, one of the first things asked from the installer is to provide a valid licence key for those who have already purchased the software or to provide Ashampoo account details to register for the full 30-day free trial (If you don’t yet have an Ashampoo account then one can be registered for free). With the licencing page complete, the installer is mostly automatic thereafter, taking only a few moments in my own experience to have the full desktop application installed and ready to use straight afterwards.
As can be seen in the screenshot above, after installation has completed the main Uninstaller 15 desktop application becomes visible providing an overview of any software already installed whilst also acting as a central hub for the entire set of uninstaller and system cleaning related features available.
NB – Remember, Ashampoo offer a full 30-day free trial of the Uninstaller 15 software should you wish to try things out for yourself, click to visit the official Ashampoo website for more details.
Managing Applications within Uninstaller 15
Managing any installed applications is understandably one of the key features of Uninstaller 15, this includes the removal and deep cleaning of any applications already installed on a PC plus, via the newly upgraded installation guard, the automatic monitoring of any new applications as they are installed. This constant real-time monitoring of new applications helps to ensure any software installed onto a device is logged, monitored and can subsequently be removed in its entirety (with all changes undone) at a later date.
As can be seen above, when viewing the application dashboard, we see a quick overview as to the state of the uninstall guard module alongside a brief overview as to what has already been installed and what is being monitored. Starting the logging process for a new software install (in the vast majority of cases) simply requires running the relevant installer as normal with the background monitoring guard automatically picking up this new installation by itself.
NB – Whilst the installation guard module will almost always detect any new software installs by itself, in cases where this doesn’t happen it can be set running manually via the “Install” page found within the desktop application (this will manually start the installation logging process).
As can be seen above, once the installation of any new software begins, so does the uninstallation guard module. At this point (with the monitoring module visible atop the screen) we can simply allow the original software installer to run as it normally would and install the software as per usual. In some cases, Uninstaller 15 will automatically detect when the install has completed by itself, however, if this doesn’t happen then simply clicking on the “Installation completed” button will inform Uninstaller that the process is complete.
Heading back to the main application and, as can be seen below, after the installation of any new software has completed, we will see a refreshed dashboard showing this latest application has been recognised and is logged.
Whilst this dashboard view is useful for checking any activity relating to newly installed software, we also have the option to see all installed software (including that logged by Uninstaller 15) via the main “Applications” page accessible via the main application menu.
As can be seen above, we can easily view a list of all applications installed on the current PC, this includes filters for those installed and logged by Uninstaller 15 and those defined by other criteria such as taking up a lot of disk space as well as details on applications which have since been removed. Something else to take note of is that many applications seen here will have a star rating associated with them, a rating which can be very helpful in highlighting how trusted and useful a particular application is and in alerting Windows users as to applications which should possibly be removed.
NB – Whilst it is strongly advised to install any new software with the installation guard module active, it should also be noted that any software installed before Uninstaller 15 was available can still be removed and take advantage of the same deep-cleaning technology.
Moving on and, having seen how easily new applications can be logged and existing ones managed, we can start looking at some other key features concerning the removal and deep-cleaning of existing software. Starting at the installed applications page (as seen just above) we can select one or more of the installed applications listed here to begin the uninstallation process.
Upon commencing the uninstallation process via Uninstaller 15, one of the first things which will happen is a box will pop-up asking for confirmation that we do want to uninstall the specified software and also to specify if we want to take advantage of the (optional) deep cleaning technology.
NB – In the event that software is removed via the Windows application management page, the Uninstaller 15 uninstallation guard module should still pick this up and offer its assistance. It is, however, recommended to initiate any software uninstallations from within the Uninstaller 15 application to ensure the maximum reliability of the process.
Once any uninstallation related options are confirmed (see above), the uninstallation process will proceed and, depending upon the software in question, the software’s original installer might appear and do its own work during this process. At the end of the main uninstallation process, Uninstaller 15 will then perform its deep cleaning routine if specified to do so before showing a summary screen highlighting what has been removed and how much disk space has been reclaimed.
And with this, the assisted uninstallation process is now complete. As also happens with the installation process, any uninstalled applications are logged within Uninstaller 15 with details on which files or settings were changed available via the “Uninstalled” section of the app (as can be seen below).
Having now seen Uninstaller 15 handle both the management and uninstallation of Windows applications, one of the key points to take away here is that uninstalling software applications without such a tool often results in traces of the software being left behind (including on the file system and various other areas including as the Windows registry). If the thorough and complete removal of software (plus any settings and traces which it might leave behind) is important, then software such as Uninstaller 15 for managing the uninstallation process is a must have.
Windows Start-up and Performance Management
With software installation, management and uninstallation covered, one of the next important features of Uninstaller 15 is its ability to help manage and optimise the Windows start-up process (a task which, done correctly, can lead to a faster and smoother Windows boot-up experience).
As can be seen above, Uninstaller 15 refers to this process as “hibernation” within the min Hibernation page and will show a message box highlighting the pros and cons of such optimisation upon initially loading the page. Moving past this initial message and we get to see a list of all applications which are set to automatically start-up when Windows boots alongside an “Impact” rating for each showing the slowing-down effect each entry might have.
Choosing to hibernate any of the applications which boot up automatically alongside Windows is as simple as clicking on the “Hibernate” button to the right of said entry and then confirming the action when asked to do so. Once hibernation is configured for any of the applications in question, their status will be shown as “Hibernating” on this same screen as will a “Wake up” button to the right of their entry allowing the hibernation process to be undone (meaning the application will then start-up automatically with Windows as it did before).
Moving on and another important utility found within Uninstaller 15 is that of the “Impact” module as can be seen below. This is a tool which will automatically scan for and highlight any applications which might be impacting the overall performance of the Windows system along with the provision of some visual data on how great this effect might be.
NB – This Impact screen can be useful in helping to determine which applications might be worth disabling on start-up, especially so those registering a high impact rating.
As can be seen above, each entry on the Impact page shows the software title itself alongside an orange bar highlighting how much of an impact said title is having on overall system performance. To the right of some entries, when applicable, we also see the amount of system memory being consumed by the application, the number of processes it has running and, in certain circumstances, the impact it is having on system boot-up times.
System Cleaning, Maintenance and Optimisation Tools
One of the biggest benefits of utilising Uninstaller 15 is that it also includes numerous other fully-featured system cleaning, maintenance and optimisation tools as a key part of the offering. In-fact, so good is this offering that in many cases Uninstaller 15 will be more than capable of also becoming a fully functional system cleaning and optimisation tool alongside being just an uninstaller as is its main and original purpose.
In the sections below I will be selecting just a few of these additional tools (see above) and highlighting how useful they can be for cleaning and maintaining a Windows PC. This begins with the excellent Ashampoo Drive Cleaner module, a must for any PC user wanting to get the most out of their Windows device.
Drive Cleaner:
The Drive Cleaner module included within Uninstaller 15 is very similar to the one found in Ashampoo’s leading system cleaning software, WinOptimizer (click here to read my latest WinOptimizer 27 review). This is a tool which will scan various areas of a Windows PC which are otherwise very difficult to keep clean and will help in the removal of unwanted temporary system files, unnecessary log files, error reports and even unwanted installation files amongst various other entities.
After scanning the system for any unwanted items, the Drive Cleaner tool will list all items found (as is shown above) which can be cleaned via a simple press of the “Delete now” button. Individual files and categories can easily be excluded from this cleaning process should this be required and more details on exactly what is to be removed for any given category can also be seen by simply clicking on any of the entries displayed.
Whilst Uninstaller 15 shares several highly rated cleaning and PC optimisation modules with WinOptimizer, the real advantage to using WinOptimizer (other than it having more functionality overall) is that it can be set to run such cleaning jobs automatically, on a fixed schedule or in real-time. The cleaning tools found within Uninstaller 15 however, whilst very similar in their scope and performance, must be run manually as and when they are required.
Registry Optimizer:
The Registry Optimizer module is another specialist tool which is very similar to the one found in WinOptimizer. As the name implies, the Registry Optimizer module focuses on scanning and performing a deep clean of the Windows registry database.
As can be seen above, the Registry Optimizer module will perform a deep scan of the Windows registry and identify any potential issues with unused file extensions, system objects, missing shared files, missing help files, software installation issues and Windows firewall issues amongst other related items. Cleaning, as was the case with the Drive Cleaner module mentioned just above, is as simple as selecting any entries to be included before clicking on the “Delete now” button to complete the process.
Internet Cleaner:
The Internet Cleaner module, again found under the Tools menu, is designed to scan and clean all of the commonly used web browsers which might be installed on the PC in question.
As can be seen highlighted in the image above, this special cleaner will not only clean all aspects of a web browser which could benefit from regular cleaning (including the browser cache, cookies, session data etc.), but also allows for specifying any individual elements which are to be excluded from the cleaning process when required.
With the main cleaning functionality aside, Internet Cleaner also has a feature allowing for specific cookies to be excluded from the regular cleaning process (meaning commonly used websites won’t always be logged out nor their preferences re-set every time this cleaner is run). These excluded cookies can easily be specified to the tool by clicking on the “Manage safe cookies” button found in the tool itself and then by choosing from a list of available cookies which will then be whitelisted.
Browser Plug-ins:
The Browser Plug-ins tool makes for a great way of listing all browser plugins which are installed across any of the major web browsers in a single, easy to view page.
Browser plugins can be of great benefit in many circumstances and, when provided by trusted software developers, a great way of extending the capabilities of a web browser making certain services easier to use. Browser plugins could, in certain circumstances, also lead to potential security and privacy issues meaning it is often a good idea to review regularly any plugins installed on a device and remove those which are no longer required or provided by a developer who might no longer be trusted.
Thankfully, the Browser Plugins module found within Uninstaller 15 makes this process of identifying all installed browser plugins (in a single view), seeing their developers and even seeing a community rating a simple and straightforward task. Best of all, if a plugin does need to be removed then this can be done from within this same interface with no need to open up or restart the browser in question.
Uninstaller 15 Security
With the core uninstallation, logging, monitoring and cleaning tools now covered, this section will focus on the security and privacy related aspects of Ashampoo Uninstaller 15.
As can be seen above, one of the most important security related tools included within Uninstaller 15 is that of the secure file wiping tool, File Wiper. This tool allows for any files, folders as well as the free space found on a hard disk to be securely wiped (meaning such data, once removed, will be virtually impossible to recover).
NB – As can be seen above, Uninstaller 15 offers the choice of various different methods for performing the secure deletion of data. These deletion methods include a fast one-pass method which is ideal for USB flash drives in addition to a highly secure option meeting DoD 5220.22-M standards.
Other security related services available within Uninstaller 15 include the Service Manager tool which provides comprehensive ratings for any installed services (with low ratings potentially identifying a security or privacy related issue) alongside the Browser Plug-ins tool for identifying potentially problematic plug-ins was mentioned earlier in this review.
Software Support from Ashampoo
Ashampoo provide a highly useful help and support portal available via their official website which features detailed product documentation for Uninstaller 15.
Alongside this core product documentation is a comprehensive FAQ section which should be capable of handling most problems which might be encountered whilst using uninstaller. Should you still need to get in touch with a support representative from Ashampoo at any point, customers can also submit support tickets directly to Ashampoo via this same online portal.
Uninstaller 15 Pricing
Ashampoo Uninstaller 15 is priced at a one-off cost of $44 for a single, perpetual licence or from just $13 per year on a subscription basis which includes free upgrades to any newer versions (whilst the subscription remains active) and allows for use on up to 3 PCs.
Users of previous editions of Ashampoo Uninstaller can also upgrade to this latest version (Uninstaller 15) for a single payment of just $22. Check out the official Ashampoo software store for more details on either purchase option.
NB: Also be sure to also check out the official Ashampoo deals page to find regular special offers across all Ashampoo software including Uninstaller 15.
Uninstaller 15 FAQs
Uninstaller 15 is a specialist software uninstallation tool with a focus on ensuring all software installations are logged and, upon uninstallation, all traces of any installed software are removed. This uninstallation process goes much further than is typically available when using the default uninstaller often bundled with such software packages and helps to ensure the system is completely clean of any leftover junk upon completion.
Yes, Uninstaller 15 is fully compatible with Windows 11.
Yes, Uninstaller 15 provides a solid suite of system cleaning tools which not only provide powerful cleaning and performance optimisation, but can also function to help enhance privacy, security and general system performance as well.
Whilst Uninstaller 15 does feature a useful set of system cleaning and maintenance tools, it should be noted these tools form a subset of the full set of tools available within the Ashampoo WinOptimizer line of software which is still recommended for anyone wanting to focus more on maximising Windows system performance.
Yes, Uninstaller 15 provides full use of the specialist File Wiper module, a tool specifically designed for securely deleting files, folders and the Windows recycle bin contents to one of several highly secure standards (including DoD 5220.22-M amongst several others).
Yes, Uninstaller 15 can provide a deep cleaning of browser history, cookies and various other browser related privacy issues (including managing potentially unwanted browser extensions).
Ashampoo Uninstaller 15 Alternatives
In this section of my review, I will be looking at some good alternatives to Uninstaller 15. This will be focused on system utilities which focus on or contain strong software uninstaller modules as well as other closely related system cleaning and maintenance tools as might be applicable.
Remember, any ratings, reviews and opinions given below reflect my own opinions and these should be treated only as a guide. When purchasing any form of system maintenance software, always be sure to check the details of the offering out for yourself and try and to make use of any free trials, whenever possible, to help ensure the solution is right before committing to a purchase.
1) Iolo System Mechanic
System Mechanic is the highly rated system cleaning, maintenance and security tool from Iolo. This is a tool which, amongst many other great system maintenance related features, includes a strong software uninstaller module comparable to the one found here in Ashampoo Uninstaller 15.
What helps System Mechanic stand out as a top-rated system maintenance utility is the sheer number of system cleaning and maintenance modules found within a single, easy to manage application. As is relevant to this comparison, this range of tools includes both an advanced software uninstaller module alongside a secondary tool provided to help identify any potentially deceptive or otherwise unsafe applications which should also be uninstalled.
Numerous other tools including a drive cleaning module, an antivirus suite, secure drive wiping tools, a privacy guardian module and a Windows start-up optimiser are also available across the various editions of the System Mechanic suite.
- Uninstaller module
- Real-time PC optimisation
- Antivirus & antimalware
- All-in-one PC cleaner
- Data recovery tools
- Secure data erasure
- 30-Day free trial
- From $39.95 / year
- Subscription only pricing
2) Revo Uninstaller Pro
Uninstaller Pro is the highly focused and easy-to-use software uninstaller from system cleaning developers, Revo.
As a comprehensive uninstaller utility, Revo Uninstaller Pro will not only carefully monitor and log any new software as it is installed upon a Windows device (so as to assist with a clean uninstall when required), but it can also assist in removing and deep cleaning any existing software already installed. This advanced uninstallation functionality across both newly installed and existing software is thanks to a specialist set of tools provided by Revo which can also assist directly with any software which wasn’t removed cleanly.
In much the same way as Uninstaller 15 does, Revo Uninstaller Pro also backup their core offering with various additional software tools to increase the utility of this offering including a junk cleaner, a browser extensions manager and secure file wiping tools amongst other entities.
- Easy to use app
- Great uninstaller
- Drive junk cleaner
- Secure data erasure
- Real-time monitoring
- Browser plugin removal
- Pro edition from $24.95
Revo Uninstaller Pro is priced from just $24.95 per year for a single PC licence with discounts available when buying on a multi-year or multi-device licence (A limited free version of the tool also exists). More information on all editions of Revo Uninstaller along with details on the free trial can found via the official Revo website.
3) Ashampoo Uninstaller FREE
Another great alternative to Uninstaller 15 which is worthy of consideration is, of course, Ashampoo’s own free edition of this same tool, Uninstaller FREE.
Whilst Uninstaller FREE does contain a good amount of the core uninstaller functionality also found in the full version, it does somewhat understandably lack some of the more advanced features so as to remain viable as a free solution. Missing modules which are available in the premium version of Uninstaller 15 but not in this free edition include the Drive Cleaner module, the Browser Plug-in manager and the Registry Optimiser amongst several other limitations including a slimmed-down dashboard and limited reporting functionality.
- Real-time monitoring
- Start-up tuning
- Web browser cleaning
- App ratings
- Few additional tools
- Requires registration
- 100% Free to use
Ashampoo Uninstaller 15 Review Summary
With Uninstaller 15, Ashampoo continue to develop, optimise and refine what has become a very powerful software uninstaller, system cleaning and PC maintenance utility. One of the core features of version 15 being the newly upgraded installation guard module which, as well as running more smoothly and consuming less system resources than ever before, also now works up to 10x faster to ensure uninstalling software is as though and as efficient a process as is possible.
Additional modules built in to Uninstaller 15 include the excellent Ashampoo Drive Cleaner module, the Browser Plug-ins monitor, the secure File Wiper module plus the Registry Cleaner tool amongst several other popular Ashampoo tools. All of this additional functionality adds up to help provide a lot of additional value to Uninstaller 15 users and help to make it a stand-out tool in the Windows PC cleaning and maintenance world.
Overall, Uninstaller 15 is an excellent tool providing a lot of highly effective PC cleaning, application management and system maintenance functionality for a very reasonable cost thus making it a must have utility for all Windows PCs – Great work Ashampoo.
