How to Completely Remove or Uninstall Opera Browser From Windows 11 [Tutorial]

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How to Completely Remove or Uninstall Opera Browser From Windows 11 [Tutorial]

Removing a software application from your computer can sometimes feel like a hassle, especially if you are not entirely certain about the steps involved. In this tutorial, we will take you through the process of uninstalling the Opera browser from your Windows 11 system. We will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure that not only is the application removed, but any associated files or settings are also deleted, allowing for a clean slate.

Why Uninstall Opera Browser?

There are numerous reasons you might consider uninstalling the Opera browser, such as:

  1. Performance Issues: If Opera is sluggish or not functioning as expected, it might be time for a fresh start.
  2. Switching Browsers: You may simply want to try another browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, which may better suit your needs.
  3. Storage Management: Removing applications you no longer use can help free up valuable disk space on your computer.
  4. Privacy Concerns: If you have concerns about a specific browser’s privacy policies or data handling practices, uninstalling it is a reasonable response.

Whatever your reason, this article will provide a step-by-step guide to uninstalling Opera from Windows 11.

Step 1: Backing Up Your Data

Before uninstalling Opera, it’s wise to back up any important data, bookmarks, and settings that you may wish to keep. Here’s how:

Exporting Bookmarks

  1. Open Opera: Launch the Opera browser.
  2. Go to Bookmarks: Click on the heart icon in the sidebar or press Ctrl + Shift + B to open the bookmarks page.
  3. Export Bookmarks: Click the three horizontal dots (More) at the top right corner, choose Export Bookmarks, and save the file to a safe location.

Sync Data

If you have Opera sync enabled, your bookmarks, settings, and history might already be saved in your Opera account. To check:

  1. Open Opera: Launch the Opera browser.
  2. Access Settings: Click on the "O" menu in the top left and select Settings.
  3. Sync: Ensure that your data is synced. Sign in if necessary.

Step 2: Uninstalling Opera Through Windows Settings

The next step is to uninstall Opera using the built-in settings in Windows 11.

  1. Click Start Button: Locate and click the Start button on your taskbar (the Windows icon).
  2. Open Settings: Select Settings (the gear icon) from the start menu.
  3. Apps: In the left sidebar, choose Apps.
  4. Apps & Features: Click on Apps & features to see a list of all the applications installed on your computer.
  5. Locate Opera: Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to search for "Opera".
  6. Uninstall: Click on Opera in the list, and you will see an Uninstall button appear. Click this button.
  7. Confirm Uninstallation: A pop-up window will appear asking if you are sure you want to uninstall Opera. Click Uninstall to confirm.

This will initiate the uninstall process, and you should see a progress indicator.

Step 3: Uninstalling Opera Using Control Panel

If you prefer, you can also use the traditional Control Panel method to uninstall Opera:

  1. Open Run Command: Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
  2. Open Control Panel: Type control and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
  3. Programs: Click on Programs, and then select Programs and Features.
  4. Find Opera: Navigate through the list or use the search bar to locate the Opera browser.
  5. Uninstall: Right-click on Opera and select Uninstall from the context menu.
  6. Follow the Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Step 4: Removing Residual Files

After uninstalling Opera, some residual files may remain. These files can take up space on your hard drive or may cause confusion if you decide to reinstall the browser later. To clean these up:

Deleting Opera Folders

  1. Open File Explorer: Click on the folder icon in your taskbar or press Windows + E.
  2. Go to AppData:
    • In the address bar, type %appdata% and hit Enter. This will take you to the AppData/Roaming folder.
    • Look for a folder named Opera Software. If found, delete this folder.
  3. Check Local Folder:
    • Navigate back to the AppData folder and open the Local subfolder.
    • Again, look for Opera Software and delete if it exists.

Registry Cleanup (Advanced Users)

For those who are comfortable with editing the Windows Registry:

  1. Open Run Command: Press Windows + R.
  2. Open Registry Editor: Type regedit and hit Enter.
  3. Back Up Registry: Before making changes, click on File > Export to back up your current registry settings.
  4. Navigate to Opera Keys: Use the following paths to locate and delete Opera related entries:
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareOpera Software
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREOpera Software
  5. Delete Keys: Right-click on any keys related to Opera and select Delete.

Warning: Mistakes in the registry can cause substantial issues with your system. Proceed with caution and consider backing up your registry beforehand or seeking assistance.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

After uninstalling and cleaning up residual files, it’s a good practice to restart your computer. This ensures that any changes take effect and any remaining processes are terminated.

Step 6: Optional – Use a Third-party Uninstaller

If you’d prefer a more automated approach, various third-party uninstaller programs can efficiently remove applications, along with any residual files or settings. Some popular options include:

  1. Revo Uninstaller: This powerful tool scans your system for leftover files after an uninstallation.
  2. IOBit Uninstaller: Provides a simple interface and can remove bundles, stubborn programs, and leftovers.
  3. Ashampoo Uninstaller: Another excellent choice that monitors installations in real-time.

To use a third-party uninstaller, download and install the program, search for Opera in its interface, and follow the instructions for uninstallation.

Conclusion

Uninstalling the Opera browser from Windows 11 is a straightforward process that involves backing up important data, utilizing either the Settings or Control Panel methods, and cleaning up any leftover files. Whether you are switching browsers, improving system performance, or for other reasons, the steps outlined in this guide will help you achieve a clean uninstallation.

Remember, should you ever wish to return to Opera or try it anew, the process of installation is usually just as simple. With the information provided, you now have everything you need to confidently remove Opera from your Windows 11 system. Enjoy a fresh and organized digital workspace!

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