Can't delete uninstalled app shortcuts in installed apps section in windows 11 settings

[Banlix]

How to delete uninstalled app shortcuts in installed apps section in windows 11 settings?

I'm just worried that these unused shortcuts could be malware.

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

Hi @Banlix, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

If an app still appears in the Installed apps section of Windows 11 settings but has already been uninstalled, you can try these methods to remove the leftover shortcut:

Method 1: Refresh the Installed Apps List

1. Restart your PC – Sometimes, a simple restart can refresh the list and remove uninstalled apps.
2. Open Windows Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Apps > Installed apps and check if the entry is still there.

Method 2: Manually Remove Leftover Registry Entries

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
   • Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
   • Look for any keys related to Opera Stable 105.0.4970.21 and delete them.
2. Also check: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
   • Delete any leftover Opera-related entries.

Method 3: Remove from Windows Installer Database

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run: wmic product where name="Opera Stable 105.0.4970.21" call uninstall
3. If this doesn’t work, try using CCleaner or another uninstaller tool to remove broken entries.

Method 4: Delete Leftover Files and Folders

1. Open C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).
2. Delete any Opera Software or Opera folders.
3. Check: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\
   C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\
   
   • Delete any Opera-related folders.
      

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Banlix]

The first method obviously didn't work, as the laptop restarted repeatedly.

For other methods I will try soon.

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for response, @Banlix. 

Please keep us posted. 

Max3Aj

HP Support 
 

[Banlix]

wow, it worked🤩

I used Ccleaner Professional Edition to remove it from the registry, so the useless icon was gone completely.

I want to ask again, is it possible?

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for your response, @Banlix. 
I am glad to hear it worked! 🙂

Could you clarify what you mean by "is it possible?" Are you asking if it's possible for uninstalled app shortcuts to be malware, or if there's another way to remove them? Let me know, and I'll be happy to help! 😊

Take care and have a good day. 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Banlix]

There are 3 applications whose shortcuts are still there, 2 of which have been uninstalled and the shortcuts have been removed via Ccleaner.

There is still one, MediaTek USB, it only displays the message dpinst.exe cannot find usbvidcom.inf.

What is usbvidcom.inf is the same as a portable device such as a smartphone if connected via USB so what will happen when connected?

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for your response @Banlix 

It sounds like MediaTek USB drivers were installed previously but didn't fully uninstall, leaving behind remnants like dpinst.exe looking for usbvidcom.inf.

What is usbvidcom.inf?

• usbvidcom.inf is likely an installation file used to set up MediaTek USB drivers for communication between your PC and a MediaTek-powered device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet).
• This file is required for ADB, Fastboot, or MediaTek Preloader mode when connecting a MediaTek-based device via USB.

What happens if a smartphone is connected?

• If the required driver (usbvidcom.inf) is missing, your PC may not recognize the device properly.
• The phone might:
  • Only charge but not allow file transfer.
  • Show up as an "Unknown Device" in Device Manager.
  • Fail to be detected in SP Flash Tool, ADB, or Fastboot modes.

How to Fix This Issue

Option 1: Reinstall the MediaTek USB Drivers

1. Download MediaTek USB Drivers from a reliable source (like the official manufacturer site).
2. Install the drivers and restart your PC.
3. If you no longer need them, use Revo Uninstaller or CCleaner to remove them properly.

Option 2: Manually Delete the Leftover Entry

1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R > regedit).
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
3. Look for MediaTek USB and delete the entry.
4. Also, check: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
5. Open C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86), then delete any MediaTek folders.

Option 3: Use Device Manager

1. Press Win + X > Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers or Ports (COM & LPT).
3. If you find MediaTek USB entries, right-click and Uninstall them.

• After removing MediaTek USB, restart your PC and see if the shortcut is gone.
• If you plan to use a MediaTek device in the future, you might need to reinstall the drivers.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[Banlix]

can the .inf file be restored via Ccleaner using the repair button?

or i need to search again usbvidcom.inf & usbvcom.inf manually?