How to Completely Uninstall VirtualBox in Windows

If you’re trying to remove Oracle VirtualBox from your Windows PC and want it gone for good, you’re in the right place. Just using the default uninstaller doesn’t always wipe everything. Leftover files and registry entries can stick around and cause problems—especially if you’re reinstalling or switching to a different virtualization tool.

Here’s how to completely uninstall VirtualBox in Windows, step by step.

Step 1: Use the Built-In Uninstaller

1. Open the Start Menu and type Apps & Features or go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Scroll down to find Oracle VM VirtualBox.
3. Click it, then hit Uninstall.

This removes the core program—but not everything else.

Step 2: Delete Leftover Files and Folders

Even after uninstalling, VirtualBox can leave behind support files.

Delete these folders (if they exist):

• C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox
• C:\Users\YourUsername\.VirtualBox
• C:\Users\YourUsername\VirtualBox VMs

To clean these:

1. Press Win + R, type explorer, hit Enter.
2. Manually navigate to each folder.
3. Delete them. Empty your Recycle Bin afterward.

Step 3: Clean the Registry (Carefully)

Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can break things if done wrong. Back it up first.

To remove VirtualBox-related registry entries:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Oracle\VirtualBox
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Oracle\VirtualBox
3. Right-click and delete any VirtualBox folders.

Optional but safer: Use a tool like CCleaner to clean up leftover registry keys automatically.

Step 4: Remove Network Interfaces

VirtualBox installs virtual network adapters that may stick around after uninstalling.

Remove them manually:

1. Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, hit Enter.
2. Look for adapters like VirtualBox Host-Only Network.
3. Right-click > Delete.

Step 5: Reboot Your PC

Don’t skip this. Reboot to flush any pending changes and release locked files.

Done

You’ve now completely removed VirtualBox from your Windows machine. No loose ends, no junk files, no ghost network interfaces.

If you’re planning to reinstall or switch to VMware, you might also want to check out this guide on how to enlarge a virtual machine’s disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Need help choosing your next virtualization setup? Drop a comment or check out more of our tutorials.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!