Have you ever downloaded an app, used it a handful of times, and then never touched it again? Of course you have; we’ve all been there. But if you do that on a regular basis, you lose valuable real estate on your PC’s hard drive. Revo Uninstaller is a useful tool that helps you quickly delete applications when you decide it’s time to clear some space. The free utility uninstalls applications, as well as the trace elements that can gunk up your PC—bits that a regular uninstall via Windows can often leave behind.

Revo Uninstaller has a very simple interface that places uninstall icons in a menu bar above a main content area. If, like me, you have dozens upon dozens of programs installed, you know that Windows’ Programs and Features section requires you to do lots of scrolling to see everything. Revo Uninstaller, on the other hand, has no such issue. The app’s interface displays row after row of smaller icons, which makes it easier to locate apps. In addition, a handy search tool returns application results on the fly as you key in letters. Still, I prefer IObit Uninstaller’s more tightly organized, tabbed interface. The IObit interface also just has a slicker, more modern design throughout.

Uninstalling apps is a breeze with Revo Uninstaller. The utility doesn’t let you queue up multiple programs to uninstall as you can with Revo Uninstaller Pro, but you can delete them one at a time. As mentioned earlier, when you uninstall an application, the removed software may leave junk files on your PC that may affect system performance. Fortunately, Revo automatically deletes those leftovers. You can even use it to remove any detritus from software you uninstalled before you got Revo. You can remove programs by launching the full app or by activating its Hunter mode. You access then latter via a desktop widget, and you can use it to kill processes, stop auto-starting apps, or uninstall programs. It’s an incredibly useful addition that I would like to see other uninstallers adopt.

Revo Uninstaller removed Norton Utilities , Steam, and other applications without a hitch, but it lacks a cool feature found in IObit Uninstaller—the ability to uninstall browser toolbars and plug-ins. For example, I used Revo to search for the Alexa plug-in for Chrome, but the application didn’t recognize it as being installed on my PC. On the other hand, when I used IObit Uninstaller, it quickly located and removed the Alexa plug-in. Unfortunately, Revo Uninstaller also lacks real-time software monitoring, a feature found in both Comodo Programs Manager and IObit Uninstaller. This can identify potential future leftover files at the time of installation. As a result of this omission, Revo takes a bit longer to complete the uninstall process. On the upside, this free version now performs clean uninstalls of 64-bit apps—something that was once a feature reserved for Revo Uninstaller Pro.

Revo Uninstaller functions as a very lightweight PC tune-up utility, too. Not only does Revo Uninstaller delete programs, but its Junk Files Cleaner removes temporary files and can clear your browser cache and history. The useful AutoRun Manager aids the tune-up process by letting you determine which programs load when you start your computer, thereby improving the PC’s boot time. Finally, Backup Manager lets you recover deleted registry entries in case something goes wrong with an uninstall. These tools are atypical of uninstall software, and they make Revo Uninstaller an attractive offering.

Revo Uninstaller lets you uninstall programs with ease, it performs light PC cleanup, and it’s free. But IObit Uninstaller retains the crown as our top pick for uninstall utilities, thanks to its real-time software monitoring and browser toolbar and plug-in removal features. Still, the free Revo Uninstaller is a solid tool that can aid in uninstalling and permanently deleting programs. It’s well worth a download.