Uninstall SCCM Client Manually in Windows 10/11 via CMD

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a key tool for lots of businesses. It helps manage and send out software, patches, and updates across big networks. But sometimes, you might need to take off the SCCM client from a computer. Maybe you’re trying to fix something or the device doesn’t use SCCM anymore.

Getting rid of the SCCM client can be done in a few ways, but one easy method is using the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows 10 or Windows 11. We’ll show you, step by step, how to do it using command line.

Uninstall SCCM Client Manually in Windows 11 10 CMD

Preparatory steps

Before we start taking things off, we need to make sure everything’s set up right. Doing these steps first helps avoid problems later.

  1. To run the uninstallation commands, you need to be an admin on the computer. Make sure you’re logged in as one.
  2. Close any software or services related to SCCM. We want to make sure nothing SCCM-related is running.
  3. (Optional) You might want to disconnect from the network. This is just to make sure no updates or settings get sent to the SCCM client while we’re removing it.
  4. Here’s how to open Command Prompt with admin rights:
    • Click on the Windows icon (bottom left corner usually).
    • Type “Command Prompt” or “cmd” in the search bar.
    • Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results and choose “Run as administrator”.Command Prompt 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 we’re ready, let’s get to removing the SCCM client. We’ll need to use some specific commands in Command Prompt.

  1. First, we go to where the SCCM client is installed. Usually, it’s in C:\Windows\ccmsetup. Type this in Command Prompt:
    cd C:\Windows\ccmsetup

    Open SCCM folder CMDIf you can’t find the folder, SCCM might be in a different place. You’ll have to find where it’s installed.

  2. Next, to remove SCCM, type this command:
    ccmsetup.exe /uninstall

    Uninstall SCCM Client command lineWait a bit after this. It might take some time, but you’ll see a message when it’s done.

  3. To make sure SCCM is really gone, check the list of installed programs.
    • Click on the Windows icon.
    • Go to “Settings” then “Apps.”
    • Type “SCCM” or “Configuration Manager” in the search box. Make sure nothing shows up that’s related.
  4. (Optional) Sometimes, there are leftover files. To clean these up, go to C:\Windows and look for the ccmsetup folder. If it’s there, you can delete it.
  5. It’s usually a good idea to restart your computer after taking software off to make sure everything’s updated.

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

Troubleshooting tips

Removing the SCCM client with CMD usually goes smoothly, but sometimes you might run into problems. Here are some tips and extra help if you need it:

1. SCCM uninstallation command doesn’t execute:

If ccmsetup.exe /uninstall doesn’t start the removal:

  • Check you’re in the right folder in CMD.
  • Make sure SCCM isn’t doing anything else right now.
  • Try opening Command Prompt as an admin if you haven’t. Sometimes you need extra permissions.

If CMD doesn’t work, you might want to try PowerShell or Configuration Manager Console, if you have them.

2. Residual services still running:

After removing SCCM, some services related to it might still be on. Here’s how to stop them:

  • Press Win + R to open the “Run” dialog.
  • Type “services.msc” and hit Enter.
  • Look for services named “SMS” or anything with “Configuration Manager.” Right-click and choose “Stop.”Disable SCCM client services Windows 11 10

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

Summary

SCCM is super useful for lots of places, but sometimes you need to take it off, whether to fix issues or move to something else. While there are a few ways to do this, using ccmsetup.exe /uninstall through command line is straightforward and effective, especially when the usual uninstall methods don’t work.

Always be careful with changes at the system level. Back up important stuff, make sure you have the right permissions, and look for help from the community or official docs if you’re not sure.


Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.

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