How to uninstall Unknown File Handler

Unknown File Handler is our small helper application that kicks in when you try to open a file you do not have a viewer or player for. It helps you find programs that we know will open the type of file you are having trouble opening.

If you wish to uninstall Unknown File Handler entirely, you will no longer be able to get (validated) suggestions for software to open files your PC cannot open.

You uninstall Unknown File Handler through the Windows Control Panel like any other software.

Windows 10

1) Click the Start menu
2) Select "All Apps"
3) Right-click on "Unknown File Handler"
4) Select "Uninstall"

Windows 8

1) On the Start screen, type "control panel"
2) In the list that appears, select "Control Panel"
3) Under the Programs heading, click "Uninstall a program"
4) Select "Unknown File Handler" in the "Programs and Features" list
5) Click Uninstall

Windows 7 and Vista

1) Click the Start Menu
2) Select the Control Panel
3) Under the Programs heading, click "Uninstall a program"
4) Select "Unknown File Handler" in the "Programs and Features" list
5) Click Uninstall

Windows XP Users

1) Click the Start Menu
2) Select the Control Panel
3) Select the Add or Remove Programs
4) Select "Unknown File Handler" in the "Currently Installed Programs" list
5) Click Change/Remove

Uninstall entry missing

If you cannot find the uninstall entry, then something has removed it. Do you run any "system cleaner" or "system optimizer" tools that could have removed them? In that case try to re-download and install Unknown File Handler again. This will repair the uninstall option which you can run immediately after. Restart your PC before re-installing, and don't start anything before running the uninstaller. Download Unknown File Handler here.

Cannot open Add/Remove Programs

If you cannot open your Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel, then something is wrong on your PC. Likely you associated shortcuts or executable files with another program, so Windows don't try to run them, but try to open them using another program. In that case, you need to restore the settings for your .lnk files. See this article from Microsoft: kb172053 (archive).