Uncover the Hidden Secrets of Opera Browser Uninstallation

Opera Browser: A Comprehensive Guide to Uninstallation

If you’ve decided to switch from the Opera browser to another web browser, or if you’re encountering issues that require a fresh start, knowing how to properly uninstall the Opera browser is essential. Uninstalling Opera can seem straightforward, but there are hidden steps and settings that might leave remnants of the browser behind. This guide will walk you through the entire process and ensure a clean and complete uninstallation of Opera.

Introduction

The Opera browser has grown into one of the more popular alternatives to mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With its unique features, such as a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and customizable sidebar, it appeals to a variety of users. However, if you’re encountering issues like performance lag, bugs, or simply prefer a different browser, uninstalling Opera may be the best solution.

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to note that simply deleting the Opera app from your system doesn’t always remove all its files and data. Incomplete uninstallation can lead to storage bloat and possibly interfere with a new browser installation. Let’s explore how to fully remove Opera from your device.

Why Uninstall Opera Browser?

There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall the Opera browser:

• Performance Issues: Slowdowns and unresponsiveness can occur due to corrupted data or misconfigured settings.
• Switching Browsers: Many users choose to uninstall Opera when they decide to switch to a different browser like Chrome or Firefox.
• Security Concerns: Sometimes, outdated versions of the Opera browser might not receive critical security updates, prompting users to move to more secure browsers.
• Freeing Up Space: Browser data and settings accumulate over time, consuming unnecessary disk space.

Regardless of the reason, this guide will ensure that Opera is fully removed from your system without leaving behind unnecessary data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstall Opera Browser

1. Uninstall Opera Browser on Windows

Uninstalling the Opera browser on Windows involves a few simple steps. Follow this guide to ensure a thorough removal:

1. Open the Control Panel: Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
2. Navigate to ‘Programs and Features’: In the Control Panel, click on “Programs,” and then select “Programs and Features.”
3. Locate Opera Browser: Scroll through the list of installed applications and find “Opera” in the list.
4. Uninstall Opera: Right-click on “Opera” and select “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to confirm the removal of the Opera browser.
5. Delete Remaining Files: After uninstallation, open your File Explorer and navigate to the following folders to manually delete Opera-related files:
   • C:Program FilesOpera (or C:Program Files (x86)Opera for 32-bit systems)
   • C:Users[YourName]AppDataRoamingOpera Software
   • C:Users[YourName]AppDataLocalOpera Software
6. Empty the Recycle Bin: Don’t forget to empty the Recycle Bin to ensure all Opera-related files are permanently deleted.

2. Uninstall Opera Browser on macOS

For Mac users, the process is slightly different but equally easy. Here’s how to completely uninstall Opera on macOS:

1. Quit Opera Browser: Make sure the Opera browser is closed before proceeding.
2. Go to the Applications Folder: Open Finder and go to the “Applications” folder.
3. Drag Opera to the Trash: Find the Opera app in the Applications folder and drag it to the Trash. Alternatively, you can right-click and select “Move to Trash.”
4. Remove Opera Residual Files: To ensure that no Opera data is left behind, delete the following folders:
   • /Users/[YourName]/Library/Application Support/com.operasoftware.Opera
   • /Users/[YourName]/Library/Preferences/com.operasoftware.Opera.plist
5. Empty the Trash: Finally, empty the Trash to fully delete Opera from your Mac.

3. Uninstall Opera Browser on Linux

On Linux, the Opera browser can be removed using your system’s package manager. Here’s how to uninstall Opera on a typical Linux system:

1. Open Terminal: Use the shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal window.
2. Uninstall Opera: If you installed Opera using a package manager (like apt for Ubuntu or yum for Fedora), use the appropriate command:
   • For Ubuntu/Debian-based systems: sudo apt-get remove opera-stable
   • For Fedora/CentOS-based systems: sudo yum remove opera-stable
3. Remove Opera Data: To clear all remaining data, delete the Opera-related folders from the home directory:
   • ~/.opera
   • ~/.config/opera

Troubleshooting Opera Browser Uninstallation

Sometimes, you may encounter problems when uninstalling the Opera browser. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

1. Opera Browser Not Appearing in Control Panel or Applications Folder

If Opera is not showing up in your list of installed programs or applications, you can try:

• Running the Opera uninstaller directly. Navigate to the Opera installation folder and locate the uninstaller file (typically named “uninstall.exe” for Windows or “Opera Uninstaller.app” for macOS).
• Using third-party uninstaller tools to remove the Opera browser and its data completely.

2. Leftover Files After Uninstallation

Even after uninstalling Opera, remnants of the browser may remain. If you find leftover files:

• Manually search for Opera-related files in your user profile folders (e.g., AppData in Windows or Library in macOS).
• Use disk cleanup utilities to scan for and remove residual files.

3. Opera Browser Keeps Reinstalling Automatically

If you’ve uninstalled Opera, but it keeps reinstalling itself, it might be due to a setting in your system or another program. To fix this:

• Check your system’s automatic updates or app installation settings.
• Ensure that Opera’s installation folder is completely deleted, including temporary files and configuration settings.
• Disable any app restoration tools or cloud backups that might be restoring Opera automatically.

Additional Tips and Resources

If you’re having trouble removing Opera or are considering a fresh start, you can visit the official Opera support page for more guidance.

Additionally, there are other tools that can assist in fully removing applications and cleaning up your system, such as CCleaner, which can help clear out leftover files and optimize your system’s performance.

Conclusion

Uninstalling the Opera browser might seem simple, but to ensure a complete removal, it’s crucial to follow the right steps. By following this guide, you can avoid leaving behind residual files that can clutter your system or interfere with other installations. Whether you’re upgrading to a new browser or simply resolving issues, a thorough uninstallation will ensure your computer runs smoothly and efficiently.

Remember to check your system’s folders for leftover files and clean up any residual data. If you encounter issues or need additional support, visit the official Opera website or use specialized uninstallation tools to help. Once done, you can enjoy a browser-free system and the flexibility to choose a browser that best meets your needs.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by BrowserMaster Team