Uninstall applications from Server Core

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There is no add/remove programs or programs and features dialogue, so how do you remove applications?

Start by opening regedit and expanding to the section where all applications should publish their installation data (according to the Windows Application Compatibility Guidelines).  If the application does not store data here, you will need to seek out additional support from the vendor.

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

In this case I’ll use the C++ Redistributable as an example but it could be any application.  See the value “UninstallString”.  Double click and copy the contents to the command line.  This funny looking string of characters is the GUID for the application.  Windows Installer will associate the value with the application and initiate the uninstall process.

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