Word is going out among the business community that Windows users should uninstall QuickTime for Windows as soon as possible. Why is this important? After all, QuickTime is an old and trusted program.
The two important reasons to uninstall QuickTime from Windows computers are:
- Apple is no longer going to issue security updates for QuickTime on Windows computers. Security updates will still be issued for QuickTime on Mac computers, so you don’t need to uninstall it from these devices. Apple wants to focus its efforts on Apple-based computers only, which is why it’s no longer updating security features on Windows computers.
- Two important vulnerabilities relative to QuickTime for Windows have recently been discovered. Because Apple is no longer issuing security fixes on QuickTime for Windows, these vulnerabilities will not be addressed or fixed. While no security violations have been reported because of the vulnerabilities as yet, they could happen at some point. The potential vulnerabilities mean that you undergo considerable risk if you continue to use QuickTime on your Windows computer. The only solution is to uninstall it and not use it.
QuickTime is neither the first Apple-based software nor even a Microsoft-based software that the respective parent companies have stopped supporting in a Windows environment. Apple also stopped supporting Microsoft Windows XP and Oracle Java 6, so if you’re still running those programs on your Windows device, you also need to uninstall them to protect your security.
Some third-party companies have been able to patch the vulnerabilities in QuickTime; however, these patches are not foolproof, and potential hackers can conceivably find a way around them. The only sure method of protection is to use the Apple-based security updates, which will no longer be available. That’s why the only way to ensure the safety of your system is to run a complete, thorough uninstall of QuickTime. Fortunately, you can still play videos on a number of other programs that are probably already installed on your computer, and these programs are still supported with security updates by their parent companies.
How to Uninstall QuickTime
If you’re using Windows, uninstalling QuickTime is a simple matter. Just follow the following instructions:
- Go to Control Panel.
- Find the icon for the uninstallation of software; click it.
- Scroll through the list of installed software, which is in alphabetical order. Scroll until you find QuickTime.
- At the top of the menu, you will see links for various functions. Look for the “uninstall” link. First select “QuickTime; then click “uninstall.”
- You’ll see a pop-up window asking if you really want to uninstall it. Click “yes.”
- Your computer will begin to uninstall QuickTime. This may occur instantly, or it may take a few minutes, depending on your computer’s age, speed and memory capacity.
- You will receive a pop-up notice letting you know the program has been uninstalled. Check the list of software in Control Panel to make sure QuickTime is no longer there.
- Close Control Panel and go to the Recycle Bin on your desktop. Check it to ensure QuickTime wasn’t sent there. If you see it, delete it from the Recycle Bin, or use this opportunity to empty the Recycle Bin if you choose.
- QuickTime is now uninstalled, and your computer is safe.
