This guide will instruct on uninstalling the Anaconda Python distribution and purging the computer of old configuration files which can be problematic. The instructions can be used to uninstall Miniconda/Miniforge and Mambaforge which all leave similar configuration files behind.
Right click the Start button and select Installed Apps:
Uninstall Anaconda, Miniconda, Mambaforge or Miniforge. Uninstall any standalone Spyder, Python and any other Python IDEs. This will clean up your computer and prevent any confusion:
Sometimes Installed Apps has an issue showing two entries for a program that has been updated. It is unable to remove the second entry once the first has been uninstalled. If this happens press ⊞ and r and input:
appwiz.cpl
This will launch the legacy Programs and Features which usually fares better in such a scenario:
Open up file explorer and in the address bar input:
%UserProfile%
Delete the old configuration folders:
- .conda
- .continuum
- .ipython
- .jupyter
- .matplotlib
- .spyder-py3
Delete the folder:
- jedi
Delete the file:
- .condarc
Having an old version of this file from a previous Anaconda installation and then installing Mambaforge for example without deleting this file may result in the mamba package manager using the wrong channel (conda instead of conda-forge) which can be problematic:
Open up file explorer and in the address bar input:
%AppData%
Delete the folders:
- .anaconda
- jupyter
Press alt and ↑ to go up a level and then select the Roaming subfolder:
Delete the folders:
- conda
- seaborn
- spyder
Go to the Microsoft folder, select Windows, Start Menu and Programs and delete any old Start Menu entries:
Open up file explorer and in the address bar input:
%ProgramData%This location is used if one of these programs is installed for All Users. Look for the analogous folders to those seen in the User Profile above and delete them:
Right click the Start Button and select System:
Select Advanced System Settings:
Select Environmental Variables:
Select the Path and select Edit:
Ensure there are no old entries to Anaconda, Miniconda, Mambaforge, Miniforge or Python:
This gives a clean Windows Operating System to install Mambaforge or an updated version of Anaconda.
