> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.1kosmos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.1kosmos.com/authentication/windows-workstation-mfa/uninstall/uninstall-exe.md).

# Uninstall EXE

***

### Prerequisites

| Requirement                       | Detail                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Privileges                        | Local Administrator or Domain Administrator rights on the target machine                                                                                                                                                               |
| Original installer or uninstaller | The EXE-based uninstall can be triggered via the original installer (run in uninstall mode), via Windows Apps / Control Panel, or via the uninstaller registered at `C:\Program Files\1Kosmos\1KosmosCredentialProvider\uninstall.exe` |
| Active sessions                   | Ensure no users are actively logged in to the workstation before uninstalling                                                                                                                                                          |
| Reboot window                     | Plan for a reboot immediately after uninstall, the 1Kosmos tile will remain on the login screen until the machine is restarted                                                                                                         |

{% hint style="warning" %}
Uninstalling the Credential Provider removes all 1Kosmos MFA enforcement from the workstation. Users will revert to standard Windows authentication immediately after reboot. Ensure this is intentional and that any compliance or access control requirements are addressed before proceeding.
{% endhint %}

***

### Silent Uninstall

Silent uninstall is the recommended method for managed environments. It runs without user interaction and suppresses the reboot prompt, schedule the reboot separately.

#### Using the Registered Uninstaller

The EXE installer registers a dedicated uninstaller in the installation directory. Run the following from an elevated command prompt or deployment tool:

```bash
"C:\Program Files\1Kosmos\1KosmosCredentialProvider\uninstall.exe" /S
```

| Flag | Description                      |
| ---- | -------------------------------- |
| `/S` | Silent mode ,  no UI, no prompts |

{% hint style="info" %}
The `/S` flag is case-sensitive. Using `/s` (lowercase) may not produce silent behaviour on all installer versions.
{% endhint %}

#### Using the Original EXE Installer in Uninstall Mode

If the registered uninstaller is not available, the original EXE installer can be run in uninstall mode:

```bash
"C:\Path\To\1KosmosInstaller.exe" /S /uninstall
```

Replace `C:\Path\To\1KosmosInstaller.exe` with the full path to the installer file. The installer version must match the installed version - using a different version may produce unpredictable results.

#### Silent Uninstall with Log Output

To capture uninstall activity for troubleshooting or audit purposes, redirect output to a log file:

```bash
"C:\Program Files\1Kosmos\1KosmosCredentialProvider\uninstall.exe" /S > "C:\Logs\1kosmos_uninstall.log" 2>&1
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Ensure the log directory exists before running the command.
{% endhint %}

#### Reboot After Silent Uninstall

After the uninstall command completes, restart the workstation:

```bash
shutdown /r /t 0
```

Or trigger a managed reboot via your deployment tool at an appropriate time within your maintenance window.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do not leave the workstation in a post-uninstall, pre-reboot state for longer than necessary. The 1Kosmos tile will still appear on the login screen in this state, and attempting to authenticate through it may produce errors.
{% endhint %}

***

### UI Uninstall

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Via Windows Settings

1. Open **Settings > Apps > Installed Apps** (Windows 11) or **Settings > Apps & Features** (Windows 10).
2. Search for **1Kosmos Credential Provider** (or **BlockID Credential Provider** on versions prior to v2.4.0.0).
3. Click the entry and select **Uninstall**.
4. Confirm the uninstall prompt.
5. The uninstall wizard runs and completes.
6. When prompted, click **Restart Now** to reboot the workstation, or restart manually at the next available opportunity.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Via Control Panel

1. Open **Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features**.
2. Locate **1Kosmos Credential Provider** in the list.
3. Right-click the entry and select **Uninstall**.
4. Follow the uninstall wizard to completion.
5. Reboot the workstation when prompted.
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
After reboot, verify the 1Kosmos tile no longer appears on the Windows login screen. If it persists, see [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting).
{% endhint %}

***

### Post-Uninstall Verification

After rebooting, confirm the uninstall is complete:

1. At the Windows login screen, verify the **1Kosmos** tile is no longer present.
2. Confirm standard Windows authentication (password or PIN) is available.
3. Verify the installation directory has been removed:

```bash
Test-Path "C:\Program Files\1Kosmos\1KosmosCredentialProvider"
```

This command should return `False`. If it returns `True`, residual files remain — see [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting).

***

### Troubleshooting

| Issue                                                                | Likely Cause                                                       | Resolution                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `uninstall.exe /S` produces no output and no action                  | Incorrect path; uninstaller not present                            | Verify the file exists at `C:\Program Files\1Kosmos\1KosmosCredentialProvider\uninstall.exe`; if absent, use the Windows Settings or Control Panel method instead                                                   |
| Uninstall appears to complete but 1Kosmos tile persists after reboot | Residual registry entries or files not removed                     | Check for leftover files in `C:\Program Files\1Kosmos\1KosmosCredentialProvider`; check for residual entries under `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\1Kosmos`; contact 1Kosmos support for a cleanup script if necessary |
| Uninstall entry not visible in Apps / Control Panel                  | Agent installer record corrupted or the entry was removed manually | Use the silent uninstall method via `uninstall.exe /S` or the original installer in uninstall mode                                                                                                                  |
| Version mismatch warning when using original EXE in uninstall mode   | Installer version does not match the installed agent version       | Use the registered uninstaller at the installation directory instead; retrieve the correct installer version from your software distribution system if the registered uninstaller is unavailable                    |
| Windows login screen shows no credential providers after reboot      | Credential provider registration not restored correctly            | Reboot the workstation a second time; if the issue persists, run `sfc /scannow` from an elevated command prompt                                                                                                     |


---

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