Uninstall All Apps Under Specific Version

When should you use the Uninstall All Apps Under a Specific Version Worklet?

Uninstalling all apps under a specific version is essential for security, stability, performance, compatibility, access to new features, and receiving adequate technical support. Regularly updating your software ensures that you have the most reliable and up-to-date versions, offering the best possible experience and safeguarding your system from potential vulnerabilities.

The Uninstall All Apps Under a Specific Version Worklet is designed to allow an administrator to remove all instances of an application that is below a specific version number. This is especially useful when trying to remove applications that allow multiple versions to be installed simultaneously on a single device.

Note: While applications that are installed via Windows Installer (MSI) use a standard set of commands, software that uses EXE files as the installation method may require specific commands to uninstall the application silently without user intervention. Please check the software manufacturer's support documentation, app settings, apps installed, and program files for support.

How to uninstall all apps under a specific version with this PowerShell Worklet

You'll need to assign the two variables that are used in this evaluation script. These define the application name to target, as well as the version number check against:

• $appName: This is where you define the application name to be targeted. You can use a partial name, although be sure that it is unique enough to prevent accidental uninstalls of similarly named apps. Spaces are fine, however, do not use wildcards as they are already accounted for in the main script code.

• $appVersion: This is the version number that you would like to keep on the device. Any version found that is less than this one will be flagged for remediation. Versions that are equal to or above this version will be ignored.

You'll want to assign a third variable for applications installed via an EXE installer:

• $exeUnswitches: This is where you will place the command switches needed to silently uninstall an application that was installed via an EXE installer. Be sure to place the switches in the required order and surround the entire string with single quotes.

Run the Worklet to easily uninstall all versions of the targeted app that precede the version you identified in the $appVersion.

Why is it important to uninstall all applications under a specific version?

Software updates often include specific versions of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and optimizations. Older versions of software may have known vulnerabilities or security flaws that have been patched in later versions. By uninstalling all the apps under a specific version, you ensure that you use the most up-to-date and secure software, reducing the risk of potential cyberattacks or unauthorized access to your system. 

Running outdated versions or previous versions of apps can also lead to stability issues, crashes, or slower performance. Uninstalling older versions ensures you have the latest improvements and features, providing a smoother and more efficient user experience.

Additionally, newer versions of software are often designed to work seamlessly with the latest operating systems, frameworks, or dependencies. If you don't update your apps, you may encounter compatibility issues when using them with other software components or when upgrading your system. Uninstalling older versions allows you to maintain compatibility and ensure that all your apps work correctly together. When seeking technical support or assistance from app developers or online communities, it's generally expected that you are running the latest version of the software.