Uninstall SCCM Client Manually in Windows 10/11 via CMD

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is an integral tool for many enterprises, providing a comprehensive solution for managing and deploying software, patches, and updates across large networks. However, there may come a time when you need to remove the SCCM client from a machine, whether it’s due to troubleshooting needs or the device no longer being managed under SCCM.

Although there are various methods to uninstall the SCCM client, utilizing the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows 10 or Windows 11 provides a straightforward and efficient way to get the job done. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to manually uninstall the SCCM client from a Windows 10 or 11 machine using command line.

Uninstall SCCM Client Manually in Windows 11 10 CMD

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Preparatory steps

Before jumping into the manual uninstallation process, it’s crucial to ensure that the system is properly prepared. Following these preparatory steps will help mitigate potential issues during the uninstallation.

Ensure administrative privileges: To execute the uninstallation commands, you’ll need to have administrative rights on the machine. Make sure you’re logged in with an account that has these privileges.
Close all related applications: Ensure that any software or services related to SCCM are completely closed. This ensures that no file or process related to SCCM is running when you try to uninstall it.
Disconnect from the network (optional): While not strictly necessary, it might be beneficial to disconnect the machine from the network during the uninstallation. This ensures that no updates or configurations are being pushed to the SCCM client during the uninstallation process.
Open Command Prompt with admin rights: To open CMD with administrative rights:
- Click on the Windows icon (usually located in the bottom left corner of the screen).
- In the search bar, type “Command Prompt” or “cmd”.
- Right-click on the “Command Prompt” from the search results and select “Run as administrator”.

Also see: How to Run CMD or PowerShell as SYSTEM or TrustedInstaller in Windows 11/10

How to uninstall SCCM client using command line

Now that the system is prepared, we can begin the actual uninstallation process. This process requires executing specific commands in the Command Prompt.

Navigate to the SCCM installation directory: Typically, the SCCM client is installed in the C:\Windows\ccmsetup directory. To navigate to this directory, enter the following command in the Command Prompt:
```
cd C:\Windows\ccmsetup
```
If you get an error stating that the path is not found, it’s possible that SCCM was installed in a different directory. In such a case, you’ll need to locate the correct path and navigate to it.
Execute the uninstallation command: With the correct directory in focus, enter the following command to initiate the uninstallation:
```
ccmsetup.exe /uninstall
```
After executing this command, the uninstallation process will begin. It might take a few minutes, so be patient. Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation in the Command Prompt.
Verify uninstallation: To ensure the SCCM client has been successfully uninstalled, you can check the list of installed programs.
- Click on the Windows icon.
- Navigate to “Settings” and then “Apps.”
- In the “Search this list” box, type “SCCM” or “Configuration Manager” and verify that no related applications are listed.
Remove residual files (optional): Sometimes, even after uninstallation, some residual files might remain. To remove these, navigate to C:\Windows and look for the ccmsetup folder. If found, you can safely delete it.
Restart the computer: It’s a good practice to restart the machine after uninstalling software to ensure all changes take effect.

Relevant guide: How to Force Delete a File in Use by Another Program on Windows 11/10

Troubleshooting tips

Manually uninstalling SCCM client using CMD usually works smoothly, but there are instances when complications arise. Here are some troubleshooting steps and additional resources you can consider if you run into issues:

1. SCCM uninstallation command doesn’t execute:

If the ccmsetup.exe /uninstall command fails to initiate the uninstallation:

Double-check your current directory in CMD to ensure you’re in the correct path.
Ensure that the SCCM client is not actively processing any tasks.
Try running the Command Prompt as administrator, as lack of elevated permissions can sometimes prevent the command from executing.

If CMD doesn’t work for you, consider using PowerShell or Configuration Manager Console, if available, for uninstallation.

2. Residual services still running:

Even after uninstallation, you might notice some SCCM-related services still running. You can manually stop them using these steps:

Open the “Run” dialog by pressing Win + R.
Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
In the Services window, look for any services starting with “SMS” or related to “Configuration Manager.” Right-click on each and select “Stop.”

Related resource: How to Install Telnet via CMD or PowerShell in Windows 11

Summary

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is an invaluable tool for many organizations. Yet, there are situations when uninstalling the SCCM client becomes necessary, whether for troubleshooting, system cleanup, or transition to another management tool. Although there are multiple methods for removal, using the ccmsetup.exe /uninstall command line offers a direct and effective approach, especially when the standard uninstallation methods might not be available or effective.

As with any manual process that involves system-level changes, caution is paramount. Always back up essential data, ensure you’re equipped with the necessary permissions, and when in doubt, refer to the community and official documentation for guidance.