Removing NI Software Hidden Packages and Folders Through NI Package Manager

Issue Details

I uninstalled my NI software/driver using NI Package Manager (NIPM) but the uninstalled software folders are still appearing on my PC and occupy gigabytes of space. Typically at the following locations depending on their bitness:

• 64-bit NI Software location: C:\Program Files\National Instruments
• 32-bit NI Software location: C:\Program Files (x86)\National Instruments

How can I fully uninstall my entire NI software/driver and all its components? 
The driver recently installed was corrupted, how can I fully remove it?
I recently installed a driver incompatible with my NI hardware, how can I remove it and install the correct one?

Solution

To completely remove all NI Software or Driver components, please follow these steps:

1. Run NI Package Manager as an administrator.
   • This can be done by searching for "NI Package Manager" in the Windows start menu and then right-clicking and selecting Run as administrator.
2. Select the INSTALLED tab.
3. Uncheck the Products Only option.
4. Above the Search bar, there is a cog button. Click it and a drop-down menu will appear. Select the Show full version numbers and hidden packages option. 
5. Place a checkmark in all drivers or software options that you wish to uninstall, or select all instances if needed. 
6. Click the Remove button, and run through the uninstallation prompts.
7. Reboot your PC.

Additional Information

When reinstalling NI software, the following points should be considered:

• Check the hardware and software compatibility: Confirm the appropriate version, by referring to the NI Hardware and Software Operating System Compatibility link.
• Installation order: If you have multiple NI software products, follow the recommended installation order shown in the Installation Order for Multiple NI Software Products article.
• Installation steps: Review the steps required for installing NI software. Detailed instructions are shown in the Installing, Updating, Repairing, and Removing NI Software manual.

Important: do not delete files manually from the hard disk as it could result in issues with software usability, or future uninstallations and repairs.