FAQ
TL;DR: If uTorrent freezes on the "Open with" dialog and won’t uninstall, note the 12 GB size symptom and try a clean removal: "uTorrent doesn’t install, just delete the exe file." [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #16945398]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Windows users fix a stuck uTorrent, reclaim disk space, and safely remove leftover entries.
Quick Facts
- Typical symptoms: freeze on “Open with,” Add/Remove hangs, and Task Manager can’t kill uTorrent. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945368]
- Reported environment: Windows XP with uTorrent 3.5.1 during failure. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945445]
- Disk bloat observed: entry grew to 12–14 GB during uninstall attempts. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945445]
- Startup tip: disable uTorrent in msconfig, reboot, then attempt removal. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16945438]
- Expert note: “uTorrent doesn’t install, just delete the exe file.” [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #16945398]
How do I fix uTorrent hanging on the “Open with” window?
Close all apps, reboot to clear stuck processes, then relaunch the browser and try again. If it still hangs, disable uTorrent from Startup (msconfig), reboot, and retry. This sequence stops auto-launch and frees file locks causing the freeze. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16945438]
Why does Add/Remove Programs freeze when I click Uninstall for uTorrent?
The uninstaller may be blocked by running uTorrent processes and file locks. Users reported Add/Remove hanging with an hourglass cursor while uTorrent stayed unresponsive. Disable from Startup, reboot, then remove the executable and leftover folders instead of relying on the uninstaller. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945425]
Can I truly uninstall uTorrent by deleting its folder?
Yes. An expert clarified that uTorrent is a lightweight app; deleting its executable and folder effectively removes it. After deletion, clear related data folders and remove any Control Panel entry using a maintenance tool if needed. “uTorrent doesn’t install, just delete the exe file.” [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #16945398]
What should I do if multiple uTorrent.exe processes won’t end?
A user saw four uTorrent.exe entries that ignored End Process. Reboot to clear them, disable Startup auto-launch, then delete the main uTorrent folder and data directories before opening any browser links. This prevents the processes from respawning. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945703]
How can I remove the stuck entry from Add/Remove Programs?
After deleting the program files, open CCleaner → Tools → Uninstall. Right‑click the uTorrent entry and choose Delete entry to tidy the list. This doesn’t uninstall anything; it only removes an orphaned listing. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16945615]
Where else does uTorrent store data I should delete?
Check your user profile data directories. One helper advised deleting the uTorrent-related directory under AppData (example path shown) after removing the main folder. Clear these leftovers to reclaim space and prevent relaunch. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16945615]
Is there a quick way to force-close and delete locked uTorrent files?
Use a locker‑breaking utility to close the process and delete the file. A moderator suggested an “unlocker” tool that terminates handles so you can remove stuck executables and folders safely. Reboot afterward. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #16945370]
How do I stop uTorrent from starting with Windows before uninstalling?
Open Run → msconfig → Startup. Uncheck uTorrent, apply, and reboot. This prevents auto-start, making file deletion and entry cleanup possible without the app relaunching during removal. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16945438]
Why did my uTorrent entry grow to 12–14 GB?
The listing reflected growing data and logs while uninstallers spun. The OP observed size rising to 14 GB during failed attempts. Removing the executable and data directories stops the growth and frees space. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945445]
What is FRST and when should I use it here?
FRST (Farbar Recovery Scan Tool) collects diagnostic logs to locate startup points and rogue launches. A helper requested FRST logs, ideally while uTorrent runs, to trace how it starts and remove those entries safely. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #16945725]
What is Process Explorer and how can it help with uTorrent issues?
Process Explorer is an advanced Task Manager. A helper advised checking which parent process starts uTorrent and then removing that path. It reveals file handles preventing deletion, guiding a precise cleanup. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #16945725]
Do third‑party uninstallers always help here?
Not always. A user reported IObit’s scan spinning for 15–60 minutes without finishing. If a deep scan stalls, abort, reboot, disable Startup, and manually delete program and data folders instead. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945560]
Will a simple reboot fix everything?
A reboot closes uTorrent and clears the desktop windows, but the nonworking program may remain and relaunch on next use. Combine reboot with Startup disable and manual deletion for a lasting fix. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945373]
What’s the fastest clean‑uninstall method when uTorrent is stuck?
Try this 3‑step sequence:
- Run msconfig → disable uTorrent; reboot.
- Delete the uTorrent program folder and user data folder(s).
- Remove the orphaned Control Panel entry via CCleaner.
This prevents relaunch and clears leftovers. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16945615]
Is downloading from torrent sites causing the freeze?
The freeze appears when clicking Download on a torrent site and confirming in the “Open with” dialog. The root issue is uTorrent locking or hanging, not the site itself. Remove the app, then reinstall only if needed. [Elektroda, serbinek26, post #16945425]
Expert takeaway in one line?
“uTorrent doesn’t install, just delete the exe file”—then clean leftover entries and data paths for a complete removal. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #16945398]
