How to Completely Uninstall Python from Windows: Step-by-Step Guide

Usually when software stops working we try reinstalling, but sometimes you need to remove Python completely. This guide shows three methods to uninstall Python on Windows.

Method 1: Uninstall via the Installer

When you first installed Python you downloaded an executable installer. Double‑click the installer and choose Uninstall to remove Python.

Method 2: Uninstall through Windows Settings

Open Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps , search for “Python”, and click Uninstall for each entry.

Method 3: Manual removal

Locate the installation directory (you can see it during uninstall or run

where python

in Command Prompt) and delete the folder (e.g.,

C:\Python38

) including subfolders such as

Scripts

and

Lib

. If you chose a custom path, delete that as well.

Clear the environment variable

Path

entries that point to Python and its Scripts folder via Advanced system settings → Environment Variables .

Delete the hidden folder

%AppData%\Local\Programs\Python

and its contents.

Optionally, clear the pip cache by deleting

%AppData%\Local\pip\Cache

if it exists.

Conclusion

After completing these steps Python is completely removed. If you only need to upgrade, you may keep the pip cache so that third‑party packages do not need to be reinstalled.