# Software Installation - How To

## How to identify Uninstallation switches for software so that it can be used in Endpoint Central?

### Description

This document provides the steps to find the uninstallation commands/switches of software so that it can be used in Endpoint Central.

### Steps to identify uninstallation Switches or commands for software:

1. Navigate to the below registry path by **Start > Run > regedit**.

2. Go to:

   ```
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Uninstall
   ```

   Search the registry key one by one and look for **"DisplayName"** in the right pane to identify the application name under the **Data** column.

   If you are trying to uninstall a 32-bit software from a 64-bit machine, then use:

   ```
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Wow6432Node/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Uninstall
   ```

   Search the registry key one by one and look for **"DisplayName"** in the right pane to identify the application name under the **Data** column.

3. In the same right pane, you may also see a string name **"UninstallString"**. Right-click and copy its **ValueData**.

   Example:

   ```
   MsiExec.exe /I {3E171899-0175-47CC-84C4-562ACDD4C021}
   ```

4. Remove the **"I"** and replace it with **"x"**. You can either prefix or suffix the value data with:

   ```
   /qn /norestart
   ```

   (for silent uninstallation without restarting the computer)

   This silent uninstallation switch should be provided when you create a package in Endpoint Central. Under **Enter Package Details**, you can enter the silent uninstallation switch against the **"Uninstallation Command with Switches/Arguments"** field.

   **Note:** Ensure that you verify the silent uninstallation switch on one of the computers before using it in Endpoint Central. If the silent uninstallation does not work, you will not be able to uninstall the specific software using Endpoint Central.

To learn more about various other uninstallation switches, refer to the [Software Deployment Guide](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/software-deployment-guide.html).