How to Completely Uninstall FontForge on Windows

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step method to completely remove FontForge from your Windows computer. While standard uninstallation removes the core executable files, FontForge often leaves behind user configuration files, cache directories, and registry keys. Following the instructions below ensures that the application, along with all of its leftover data, is thoroughly erased from your system.

Step 1: Close FontForge

Ensure FontForge is not actively running in the background. Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), look for any processes named "FontForge", select them, and click End task.

Step 2: Uninstall via Windows Settings

  1. Open the Windows Settings menu by pressing Windows Key + I.
  2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on Windows 10).
  3. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find FontForge.
  4. Click the three dots next to FontForge (or click the program name) and select Uninstall.
  5. Confirm the prompt and proceed through the uninstaller wizard until the process finishes.

Step 3: Delete Leftover Program Files

The uninstaller may leave behind empty folders or modified files.

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E).
  2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\ or C:\Program Files\.
  3. Locate the folder named FontForge.
  4. Right-click the folder and select Delete.

Step 4: Delete User Configuration and Cache Files

FontForge generates configuration settings and temporary data within your user profile directory.

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type %USERPROFILE% and press Enter.
  3. Look for hidden folders or files named .FontForge or .fontforge. If you cannot see them, enable hidden files in File Explorer under View > Show > Hidden items.
  4. Delete the .FontForge folder.
  5. Open the Run dialog again (Windows Key + R), type %APPDATA%, and press Enter.
  6. Check for any folders named FontForge or related to the application and delete them.
  7. Open the Run dialog, type %LOCALAPPDATA%, press Enter, and delete any remaining FontForge directories.

Step 5: Clean Leftover Registry Keys (Optional)

To clear remaining registry references:

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software and look for a key named FontForge. If present, right-click and delete it.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software and check for any remaining FontForge key, then delete it.
  4. Close the Registry Editor.

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer to finalize the process and clear any cached references from the operating system. FontForge is now completely removed from your Windows machine.