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Common Issues

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Installation Problems

BCUninstaller requires the appropriate .NET runtime for your version:BCUninstaller v6:BCUninstaller v5:
  • Requires .NET 6 desktop runtime (not needed for portable version)
  • Download from Microsoft .NET Downloads
  • Try running Windows Update if you get a framework error
BCUninstaller v1-v4:
  • Requires .NET Framework 4.5 with all available updates
  • Not installed on Windows XP by default
The Portable version includes the runtime, so you don’t need to install it separately.
If you encounter a DLL error when starting BCUninstaller:
  1. Run Windows Update to ensure your system has the latest patches
  2. Install the required .NET runtime for your BCU version (see above)
  3. For BCU v5 on Windows 7, ensure you have:
    • Service Pack 1 installed
    • Platform Updates (KB2670838, KB2533623)
If the issue persists, try downloading the portable version which includes all dependencies.
For Windows 7 users running BCUninstaller v5:Required updates:
  • Windows 7 Service Pack 1
  • Platform Update KB2670838
  • Platform Update KB2533623
Install these updates through Windows Update, then try running BCU again.
Windows 7 support may be limited in newer versions. Consider using BCU v5.9 or earlier for best compatibility.

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Runtime Errors

If BCUninstaller crashes or becomes unresponsive:
  1. Check system requirements - Ensure your OS meets the minimum requirements
  2. Run as Administrator - Right-click BCU and select “Run as administrator”
  3. Check for conflicts - Close other uninstaller or system optimization tools
  4. Review error logs - Check the BCU installation folder for log files
  5. Try portable version - Use the standalone portable version to rule out installation issues
If crashes persist, please report the issue on GitHub with:
  • Your Windows version
  • BCU version
  • Steps to reproduce the crash
  • Any error messages or log files
When an uninstall operation fails:Common causes:
  • Application is currently running (close all instances)
  • Insufficient permissions (run BCU as administrator)
  • Corrupted uninstaller (may need manual removal)
  • Protected system component
Solutions:
  1. Close the application you’re trying to uninstall
  2. Run BCU with administrator privileges
  3. Try using the “Force uninstall” option for stubborn applications
  4. Check the detailed error message in BCU’s log
Be careful when force-uninstalling applications, as this may leave some files or registry entries behind.
If Windows Store apps aren’t showing up in BCU:
  1. Ensure you’re running BCU as Administrator
  2. Check that Windows Store app support is enabled in BCU settings
  3. Refresh the application list (F5)
  4. Verify that the apps are actually installed (check Windows Settings)
BCU is fully compatible with Windows Store Apps, but may need elevated permissions to detect them.

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Performance Issues

If BCU takes a long time to start or load the application list:Optimization tips:
  • Disable automatic orphan detection if you don’t need it
  • Exclude certain application types from scanning (e.g., Windows components)
  • Close other resource-intensive applications
  • Ensure your antivirus isn’t scanning BCU excessively
The initial scan can take longer on systems with many installed applications. Subsequent launches should be faster.
BCU may use significant resources when:
  • Scanning for installed applications
  • Detecting orphaned entries
  • Processing bulk uninstall operations
This is normal behavior. If usage remains high when idle:
  1. Restart BCU
  2. Disable background scanning features
  3. Check for malware or other system issues

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Debugging

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Enable Detailed Logging

To help diagnose issues:
  1. Check the BCU installation directory for log files
  2. Look for error messages in the application’s status bar
  3. Note any error codes or specific error messages
  4. Check Windows Event Viewer for related errors

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Reporting Bugs

Found a bug? Help improve BCU by reporting it:

Report an Issue

Open a new issue on GitHub with details about the problem
Include in your report:
  • BCU version number
  • Windows version and edition
  • Steps to reproduce the issue
  • Expected vs. actual behavior
  • Any error messages or screenshots
  • Log files (if available)

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Getting Help

If you didn’t find a solution here:

Read the Manual

Check the comprehensive online documentation

GitHub Issues

Search existing issues or ask a question

Discussions

Join community discussions

FAQ

Check frequently asked questions
BCUninstaller is an open-source project. Response times may vary depending on maintainer availability.

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