Windows Installer Cleanup Utility (Retired)

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The Windows Installer CleanUp Utility, commonly called MSICUU2, was a Microsoft tool for removing broken installer registrations, but Microsoft discontinued it years ago because it could damage installations of unrelated programs.

Updated August 9, 2026 · PC Utility Hub Editorial Team

MSICUU2 is retired

The Windows Installer CleanUp Utility (MSICUU2.exe) let you remove Windows Installer registration entries for a program when a botched install or uninstall left it stuck. Microsoft withdrew it from download in 2011 because it removed registration data for all versions of a product, which could break other installed applications sharing the same installer package.

Warning: Do not run MSICUU2 downloaded from third-party sites. Microsoft no longer supports it, and unofficial copies may be modified or bundled with unwanted software.

What to use instead

ScenarioSupported alternative
A program won't install because a previous version is stuckMicrosoft's official uninstall troubleshooting guidance and the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Leftover Windows Installer registry entriesManually review entries under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall with regedit
A stuck MSI install/uninstallRun msiexec /x {ProductCode} to force uninstall, or use Apps & Features > Advanced options > Repair
General cleanup of orphaned installer filesDisk Cleanup's 'Windows Installer' category, used cautiously

Using the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

Microsoft publishes a maintained troubleshooter that detects and fixes issues preventing programs from installing or uninstalling cleanly. It's the closest supported successor to what MSICUU2 attempted, and it's safer because it targets the specific stuck application rather than wiping all installer registration data.

Manually removing a stuck MSI product

  1. 1Open an elevated Command Prompt.
  2. 2Find the product code: wmic product get name,identifyingnumber (can be slow on some systems).
  3. 3Run msiexec /x {the-product-code} to attempt a clean uninstall.
  4. 4If that fails, use the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter as a safer automated option.

Warning: Editing the registry or force-removing installer entries can break the ability to repair or uninstall software cleanly later. Back up the registry (File > Export in regedit) before making changes.

If corruption goes beyond the installer database

If broken installer entries are a symptom of wider system file corruption, run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair underlying Windows files before trying installer-specific fixes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still download MSICUU2 from Microsoft?
No, Microsoft removed it from official distribution; there is no supported current download.
Is there a direct 1:1 replacement?
Not exactly — Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter covers most of the same scenarios more safely.
Is it safe to manually delete Windows Installer cache files?
Generally no; the Windows Installer cache (C:\Windows\Installer) is used for future repairs and uninstalls of installed software, so removing it can break those programs.