Windows

Where Is the Installed Programs List in the Registry?

Windows installed-programs registry keys (Uninstall) backing Add/Remove Programs, including the 64-bit split.

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Add/Remove Programs reads Uninstall keys under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion, with a Wow6432Node mirror for 32-bit apps. Per-user installs register under HKCU instead.

DisplayName and UninstallString values drive the UI. Orphaned keys from botched uninstalls linger here until deleted.

Where Windows stores this, by platform

Windows
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

One subkey per installed program with DisplayName and UninstallString. Check Wow6432Node for 32-bit apps and the HKCU twin for per-user installs.

Frequently asked questions

Why is an installed app missing from the list?

Look under both the plain and Wow6432Node Uninstall keys. 32-bit apps on 64-bit Windows register in the Wow6432Node branch, which plain searches miss.

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