Now if anyone wonders why I don't use Google services of any kind - at least not knowingly - those screenshots above are just a couple of examples why. Google continues to demonstrate its selfishness and untrustworthiness.
How do I remove Google from my AppData folder and registry?
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Anonymous
Greetings.
Yesterday when I was performing a backup with my backup software (Acronis) I noticed that the option to exclude Google from my AppData folder was offered:
I thought that was odd since I never installed Google Chrome on my machine (and never would). I also never gave either Google or Microsoft express permission to install Google files on my PC. But the plot thickens. When I went to my AppData folder (which I had to unhide) to delete the Google files, the Google file was conspicuously absent:
I frequently scour my PC for Google files because I'm aware of their shady privacy practices (or lack thereof) and I have previously found Google keys in my registry that I have been unable to delete:
Now, due to the lack of transparency, Microsoft owes me an explanation as to why these files are hidden, why I cannot remove them and how I can do it. I run Windows Enterprise so that should make it easy peasy.
I also want to know where else Google is hidden.
[Moved from: Windows / Windows 10 / Security & privacy]
Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
7 answers
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Anonymous
2018-02-07T18:52:11+00:00 -
Anonymous
2018-02-07T17:30:43+00:00 Microsoft can't help with this, Microsoft didn't put the files there.
I'd check if the folder is marked as system/hidden, or see if they show up at the command prompt.
Note that MANY MANY MANY programs will install Chrome for "supporting files". Slack does this, as does a great huge number of other programs.
Thanks Shawn. Still, Microsoft shouldn't hide folders (or permit programs to hide folders) or allow programs to install files users can't access or delete on their own PC's.
That's a loophole in Microsoft's operating system.
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Anonymous
2018-02-07T17:32:06+00:00 Google and Microsoft should get in bed together. Although I'd hate to see what their kids would look like. Something gooey and soft, no doubt.
Goosoft.
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Anonymous
2018-02-07T18:26:34+00:00 OR, to make things even simpler, Microsoft should give the user access to these files and the ability to delete them.
I took ownership of those registry keys, booted in safe mode and I still wasn't able to delete them.
And as far as I know, files that are hidden in the [unhidden] AppData folder are inaccessible by any other means.
Google has inconspicuously rooted and hidden itself in my operating system and I am unable to delete the registry keys I am able to locate. I consider this malware.
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@CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator2018-02-06T17:16:19+00:00 Microsoft can't help with this, Microsoft didn't put the files there.
I'd check if the folder is marked as system/hidden, or see if they show up at the command prompt.
Note that MANY MANY MANY programs will install Chrome for "supporting files". Slack does this, as does a great huge number of other programs.