Windows - Software - Uninstall TightVNC

What the TightVNC uninstaller does

This Automox Worklet™ executes targeted removal of TightVNC software from Windows endpoints. It scans the Windows registry across both standard and 32-bit compatibility locations to detect all versions of the application.

The Worklet handles both 32-bit and 64-bit installations through a native PowerShell execution environment. It automatically detects the correct uninstall method for each installation, whether the application uses an executable uninstaller or Windows Installer (MSI) technology.

During the uninstall process, the Worklet monitors exit codes to confirm successful removal and logs the results to your Activity Log for verification and compliance tracking.

Why remove TightVNC from your network

Legacy remote access tools left installed after migrations create backdoor vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. When TightVNC remains on endpoints after transitioning to modern remote access solutions, you create multiple attack vectors where authentication weaknesses or configuration errors in the unused software provide unauthorized entry points. Compliance frameworks and security audits flag unauthorized remote access software as high-risk findings that must be remediated.

Organizations that deployed TightVNC years ago for legitimate remote support often forget it's still running on endpoints scattered across their network. These installations lack the security controls, audit logging, and access management features found in modern remote access solutions. They represent unmonitored entry points that security teams cannot see or control.

Compliance auditors flag unauthorized remote access software as a critical finding. Standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SOC 2 require you to inventory and control all software that can access cardholder data, protected health information, or customer records. Legacy TightVNC installations that predate your current policies create compliance violations and audit failures.

Modern alternatives like Automox Remote Access or Microsoft Remote Desktop provide authenticated access with centralized logging, role-based permissions, and integration with your identity provider. Removing TightVNC eliminates security gaps while you migrate to solutions that match your current security requirements.

How TightVNC removal works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet checks the Windows registry in two standard uninstall locations (HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall and HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall) to detect whether TightVNC is installed on the endpoint. If found, the endpoint is flagged for remediation.

2. Remediation phase: The Worklet executes the uninstall routine for each detected instance of TightVNC. It automatically handles both MSI-based uninstallers and executable uninstallers, passing the appropriate parameters to deliver silent, unattended removal without requiring endpoint user interaction or system restart.

TightVNC removal requirements

• Windows 7 and later (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, Server 2008 R2 and above)

• Administrator privileges on the endpoint to access registry and execute uninstall routines

• No special PowerShell modules required

• FixNow compatible for immediate execution on selected endpoints

Expected state after TightVNC removal

TightVNC is completely removed from the endpoint. The application no longer appears in Programs and Features, the Start menu, or the system tray. The Windows registry entries for both 32-bit and 64-bit installations are deleted, including all uninstall strings and application metadata.

The TightVNC server service stops running and is removed from the system. The endpoint no longer listens on TCP ports 5900 or 5800 for VNC connections. Any remote access sessions that were active when the Worklet ran are immediately terminated.

All TightVNC configuration files, including password files, display settings, and access control lists, are deleted from the endpoint. Users cannot launch TightVNC because the executable files no longer exist in the file system.

Verification: Check the Automox Activity Log for success messages indicating TightVNC removal. Verify removal by opening Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Settings > Apps) and confirming TightVNC no longer appears in the installed applications list. Run Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Where-Object {$_.DisplayName -like "*TightVNC*"} in PowerShell to confirm no registry entries remain. Test port closure with Test-NetConnection -ComputerName localhost -Port 5900 which should fail. If the application was not detected, the Worklet reports compliance without taking action.

How to validate uninstall tightvnc changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot Windows endpoint and review evaluation output for uninstall tightvnc.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as Get-ChildItem, Get-ItemProperty, Where-Object.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as Get-ChildItem, Get-ItemProperty, Where-Object, then rerun evaluation for compliance.