Every software that is installed using an installation routine will be added to the Add or Remove Programs Windows menu and can be uninstalled by any user who has access to this window. I’m going to explain a trick that removes the entry from the Add or Remove Programs window without removing the software itself.
This could prevent that some family members start to uninstall a software that you do not want uninstalled. It is still possible to uninstall it though but not in this menu. All applications listed in this dialog are taken from the Registry. Navigate to the Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Uninstall and take a look around.
It does list a lot of applications including all Windows Updates. Selecting an entry reveals more information about this such as location on the hard drive, the display name in the Add or Remove Programs window and version of the software.
The important String in the left menu is DisplayName. If you rename (by marking it and pressing F2) that entry to QuietDisplayName it will have the consequence, that this entry will no longer be shown in the Add or Remove Programs window. Changes take effect immediately.
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If you’re reading this article, then you must be interested in this subject. If you are interesting in using Add/Remove Programs or how to remove stuck entries, you MUST install a program called Safarp (no affiliation, just a happy user).
It runs MUCH faster than Add/Remove Programs and it includes an option to remove listings without removing the program. Or, maybe you removed the program, but it’s still showing up in the list – both the original registry and Safarp can take care of this.
Get Safarp – you will love it – period.