Remove Opera: A Comprehensive Guide
Opera, a popular web browser, may not always meet everyone’s needs. Whether you’re experiencing performance issues, prefer a different browser, or simply don’t use it anymore, removing Opera from your device is a straightforward process. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to remove Opera effectively and ensure its complete removal from your system.
Uninstalling Opera: A Step-by-Step Approach
Uninstalling Opera is the initial step towards removing it from your device. This process varies slightly depending on your operating system. On Windows, access the Control Panel, select "Programs and Features," and locate Opera from the list of installed programs. Right-click on it and choose "Uninstall." For macOS users, drag and drop the Opera application from the Applications folder to the Trash. On Linux systems, use the apt-get or yum command line tools to remove Opera, depending on the distribution you’re using.
Ensuring Complete Removal: Deleting Residual Files
Uninstalling Opera through conventional methods removes the main application, but residual files and folders may remain scattered throughout your system. To ensure complete removal, you need to manually delete these remnants. On Windows, navigate to the "%appdata%" folder, delete the "Opera Software" folder, and empty the Recycle Bin. On macOS, delete the "~/Library/Application Support/Opera" folder and empty the Trash. For Linux users, remove the "/usr/share/opera" directory and any hidden directories that may contain Opera-related files.
Understanding Opera Web Browser
Opera is a popular web browser known for its speed, security, and customization options. It is a cross-platform browser, meaning it can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, as well as mobile devices.
Key Features
Opera offers a range of features that enhance the browsing experience, including:
- Built-in ad and tracker blocking
- Turbo mode for faster browsing on slow connections
- VPN for secure and private browsing
- Workspaces for organizing tabs and tasks
- Built-in social media and messaging apps
Customization and Extensions
Opera allows for extensive customization of its user interface, including themes, wallpapers, and toolbars. It also supports a wide range of extensions, which can add additional functionality to the browser.
Security and Privacy
Opera prioritizes user security and privacy. It features a built-in ad and tracker blocker, as well as a VPN service to protect against online threats. The browser also offers private browsing mode and cookie management tools to control the collection of personal data.
Performance
Opera is known for its speed and efficiency. It uses a proprietary rendering engine that optimizes page loading times, especially on slower internet connections. The Turbo mode further enhances browsing speed by compressing data.
History
Opera was first released in 1995 and has since become one of the most popular web browsers worldwide. It is developed by Opera Software, a Norwegian company based in Oslo.
Release Date | Version |
---|---|
1995 | 1.0 |
2005 | 8.5 |
2013 | 15 |
2019 | 60 |
Present | 94 |
Manual Removal via Control Panel
To manually remove Opera through the Control Panel, follow these steps:
1. Access the Control Panel
Begin by navigating to the “Control Panel” from your computer’s Start menu or search bar. Once the Control Panel window opens, locate the “Programs and Features” or “Uninstall a program” option.
2. Uninstall Opera
In the list of installed programs, scroll through and locate the Opera application. Once found, select it by clicking on its name and then click the “Uninstall” button towards the top of the list. You will be prompted with an uninstallation wizard that will guide you through the process.
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Locate the Opera entry in the list of installed programs. |
2 | Select Opera by clicking on its name. |
3 | Click the “Uninstall” button to launch the uninstallation wizard. |
4 | Follow the instructions provided by the wizard to complete the uninstallation process. |
3. Confirm and Restart
Once the uninstallation is complete, you may need to restart your computer to ensure that all the changes take effect. After rebooting, verify that Opera has been successfully removed from your system by checking if its shortcut is still present on your desktop or in the Start menu.
Employing Third-Party Software
If the preceding approaches fall short, resorting to third-party software specifically tailored for eliminating stubborn programs might prove efficacious. Several reputable options are available, each boasting its unique strengths and approaches.
Below is a comprehensive table outlining a few highly recommended third-party software solutions:
Software | Features |
---|---|
Revo Uninstaller | – Advanced scanning algorithms to detect and remove all remnants of Opera – Forced uninstall mode for stubborn programs – Comprehensive log file to track all uninstallation steps |
IObit Uninstaller | – Batch uninstall capability for Opera and other unwanted programs – Real-time monitoring of program installations for easy tracking – Powerful scanning engine to identify hidden registry entries |
Geek Uninstaller | – Portable version available for use without installation – Customizable cleaning options to tailor the uninstallation process – Detailed logs to provide insights into the uninstallation procedure |
To utilize these third-party software solutions, simply download and install the desired program, launch it, and initiate the uninstallation process for Opera. The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the chosen software, but generally involve selecting Opera from the list of installed programs and clicking the “Uninstall” button. Once the process is complete, Opera will be thoroughly removed from your system, including all its associated files and registry entries.
Resetting Opera to Default Settings
If you’re experiencing issues with Opera, resetting it to its default settings might help. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
1. Close Opera
Make sure to close all Opera windows before proceeding.
2. Open the Run Dialog
Press “Windows Key + R” to open the Run dialog box.
3. Type “opera –reset-preferences”
Enter the command “opera –reset-preferences” in the Run dialog box and click “OK”.
4. Advanced Reset Options
If the above doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try a more thorough reset by following these additional steps:
Setting | Command |
---|---|
Reset to factory defaults | opera –reset-config –hard |
Reset only browsing data | opera –reset-config –browser-data |
Reset only user data | opera –reset-config –user-data |
Enter the desired command in the Run dialog box and click “OK”.
Disabling Extensions and Plugins
Extensions and plugins can enhance Opera’s functionality, but they can also impact its performance. Disabling unnecessary extensions and plugins can help improve your browsing experience. To disable extensions, follow these steps:
Steps to Disable Extensions:
- Open the Opera settings by clicking the “Menu” button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner and selecting “Settings”.
- In the left-hand menu, click on “Extensions”.
- Toggle the switch next to each extension you want to disable to the “Off” position.
Steps to Disable Plugins:
- Open the Opera settings by clicking the “Menu” button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner and selecting “Settings”.
- In the left-hand menu, click on “Privacy & Security”.
- Scroll down to the “Plugins” section and click on the “Manage plugins” button.
- Toggle the switch next to each plugin you want to disable to the “Off” position.
Plugin Name | Description |
---|---|
Adobe Flash Player | Enables playback of Flash content. |
Microsoft Silverlight | Enables playback of Silverlight content. |
Java | Enables Java applets to run within the browser. |
Clearing Browser History and Cache
To ensure privacy and maintain optimal performance, regularly clearing your browser history and cache is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do so in Opera:
Clearing Browsing Data
1. Open the Opera browser and click on the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Privacy & security” from the left-hand menu.
3. Under the “Privacy” section, click on “Clear browsing data.”
4. Select the time range for which you want to delete the data (e.g., last hour, last week).
5. Check the boxes next to “Browsing history,” “Cookies and other site data,” and “Cached images and files.”
6. Advanced settings: By clicking on “Advanced,” you can further customize the clearing process to include additional data types such as passwords, autofill data, site preferences, and more.
| Data Type | Options | Description |
|—|—|—|
| Passwords | Remove | Deletes saved website passwords |
| Autofill data | Remove | Clears auto-filled information like addresses, credit card numbers |
| Site preferences | Remove | Resets website permissions, notifications, and other settings |
| Hosted app data | Remove | Deletes data from installed web apps
Clearing Cache
1. Open the Opera browser and click on the “Opera” logo in the top-left corner.
2. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
3. Switch to the “Advanced” tab and click on “Privacy & security.”
4. Under the “Privacy” section, click on “Content settings.”
5. Locate the “Cached images and files” option and click on “Clear data.”
Running a Malware or Virus Scan
If you suspect that Opera may be infected with malware or a virus, it is crucial to run a thorough scan of your system. Here are the steps to do so:
1. Choose a Reputable Anti-Malware Program
Select a reputable and updated anti-malware program such as Malwarebytes, AVG or Avast.
2. Download and Install the Program
Visit the official website of the chosen program, download the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Update the Program’s Definitions
Before running the scan, ensure that the program’s virus definitions are up-to-date. This will guarantee that it can detect the latest threats.
4. Initiate a Full System Scan
Select the option for a full system scan, which will scan all files, folders, and drives on your computer. This process may take a considerable amount of time.
5. Analyze Scan Results
Once the scan is complete, carefully review the results. The program should list any detected malware or virus threats.
6. Remove Infected Files
Follow the program’s instructions to quarantine or delete any infected files. It is important to note that some files may be falsely flagged as malicious, so proceed with caution.
7. Specific Actions for Opera Browser Removal
In addition to the general scan, you may need to take specific actions to remove Opera from your system. Here are detailed steps:
Step | Description |
---|---|
Uninstall Opera | Open the Control Panel, navigate to “Programs and Features,” and select Opera to uninstall it. |
Delete Opera Files | Navigate to the following directories and delete any remaining Opera folders or files:
|
Clear Registry Entries | Open the Registry Editor (regedit), navigate to “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Opera” and delete any related entries. Do the same for “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Opera.” |
Reset Browser Settings | In your current browser, go to “Settings” and choose the option to reset browser settings. This will remove any traces of Opera extensions, cookies, and other configurations. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any problems while removing Opera, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Check if Opera is still running
Ensure that Opera is completely closed before trying to remove it. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.” In the Task Manager window, locate Opera and end any running processes.
2. Use the Opera uninstaller
Navigate to the Control Panel and select “Uninstall a program.” Locate Opera in the list of installed programs and click “Uninstall.”
3. Manually delete Opera files
If the Opera uninstaller doesn’t work, you can manually delete the Opera files. Navigate to the following folders and delete any Opera-related files and folders:
Folder | Path |
---|---|
Program Files | C:\Program Files\Opera |
ProgramData | C:\ProgramData\Opera |
AppData\Local | C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local\Opera |
AppData\Roaming | C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Roaming\Opera |
4. Clean up the registry
Search for “regedit” in the Windows Start menu and open the Registry Editor. Navigate to the following registry key and delete any Opera-related subkeys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Opera
5. Reinstall Opera
If you’re unable to remove Opera completely, you can try reinstalling it and then uninstalling it again.
6. Reset your PC
If all else fails, you can reset your PC to its factory settings. This will remove all your files and programs, so be sure to back up your important data before proceeding.
7. Contact Opera support
If you’re still experiencing problems removing Opera, you can contact Opera support for assistance.
8. Additional Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some additional troubleshooting tips if you’re encountering specific issues:
- Error message: The file is in use
Close any open Opera processes using the Task Manager and try again. - Error message: Access denied
Make sure you have administrator privileges and try again. - Opera won’t uninstall completely
Manually delete the Opera files and folders as described in step 3, and then clean up the registry as described in step 4.
Tips for Preventing Opera Reinstallation
To prevent Opera from reinstalling, you can take the following steps:
1. Uninstall Opera and Delete Its Folders
Make sure to remove all Opera-related folders from your computer, including:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera
- C:\ProgramData\Opera
- C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Opera
- C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\Opera
2. Clear Your Registry
Manually remove any Opera-related registry keys from the following locations:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Opera
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Opera
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Opera (if present)
3. Disable Opera Auto-Update
To prevent Opera from automatically reinstalling, disable the auto-update feature by following these steps:
- Open Opera and go to “Settings.”
- Click “Advanced” and then “Updates.”
- Uncheck the “Check for updates on startup” option.
4. Prevent Opera from Loading on Startup
Remove Opera from the list of programs that launch on startup:
- For Windows, use the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to disable the “Opera” entry in the “Startup” tab.
- For Mac, open “System Preferences” and go to “Users & Groups.” Select your user and click “Login Items.” Remove any Opera-related items.
5. Use a Registry Cleaner
Third-party registry cleaners can help you thoroughly remove Opera-related registry keys and values.
6. Reset Your Browser
Resetting your browser to its default settings can remove any lingering Opera files or settings.
7. Scan for Malware
Some malware may reinstall Opera as part of its infection. Run a full system scan using a reputable antivirus program.
8. Prevent Automatic Software Installation
Disable automatic software installation in your Windows or Mac settings to prevent Opera from being installed without your knowledge.
9. Additional Prevention Measures
Consider the following additional measures to enhance the effectiveness of the above steps:
- Block Opera-related URLs in your firewall.
- Use a host file to redirect Opera-related domain names to a non-existent IP address.
- Enable Windows Defender’s “Protected Folders” feature to prevent unauthorized modifications to Opera-related files.
By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively prevent the unwanted reinstallation of Opera on your system.
Uninstall Opera
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on “Programs and Features”.
3. Select “Opera” from the list of programs.
4. Click on “Uninstall”.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Alternative Browsers to Consider
If you are looking for a new browser, there are many great options available. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Google Chrome: Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, and for good reason. It is fast, reliable, and easy to use. It also has a wide variety of extensions and themes available.
- Mozilla Firefox: Firefox is another great option for a browser. It is also fast and reliable, and it has a strong focus on privacy and security. Firefox also has a wide variety of extensions and themes available.
- Microsoft Edge: Edge is the built-in browser for Windows 10. It is a fast and lightweight browser that has a clean and modern design. Edge also has a number of features that are unique to Windows 10, such as the ability to annotate web pages and share them with others.
- Safari: Safari is the built-in browser for macOS. It is a fast and efficient browser that is designed to work seamlessly with Apple products. Safari also has a number of features that are unique to macOS, such as the ability to use Touch ID to log in to websites.
- Opera: Opera is a fast and feature-rich browser that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Opera has a number of unique features, such as a built-in ad blocker and a VPN. Opera also has a wide variety of extensions and themes available.
Additional Factors to Consider
In addition to the browsers listed above, there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing a new browser. These factors include:
- Privacy: Some browsers, such as Firefox and Opera, have a strong focus on privacy and security. These browsers offer features such as private browsing and tracking protection.
- Extensions: Extensions are small programs that can be added to browsers to add new features and functionality. All of the browsers listed above support extensions, but some browsers have a wider selection of extensions available.
- Themes: Themes are used to change the look and feel of a browser. All of the browsers listed above support themes, but some browsers have a wider selection of themes available.
How To Remove Opera
Opera is a web browser that is developed by the Opera Software ASA. It is a cross-platform browser that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Opera is known for its fast browsing speed and its customizable interface. However, some users may want to remove Opera from their computer for various reasons.
If you want to remove Opera from your computer, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on “Programs and Features”.
- Select Opera from the list of programs.
- Click on “Uninstall”.
Once you have followed these steps, Opera will be removed from your computer.
People Also Ask
How do I remove Opera from my Mac?
To remove Opera from your Mac, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Finder.
- Click on “Applications”.
- Drag and drop the Opera app to the Trash.
Do I need to remove all the Opera files from my computer?
No, you do not need to remove all the Opera files from your computer. However, if you want to completely remove Opera from your computer, you can delete the following files:
- /Applications/Opera.app
- /Library/Application Support/Opera
- /Library/Preferences/com.operasoftware.Opera