Security Compliance

How to uninstall Patch Manager

These are step by step instructions on how to properly uninstall Patch Manager permanently or for re-install.

First published date

12/26/2020 3:40 PM

Last published date

4/8/2026 6:41 PM

Overview

There are occasions where you may need to completely uninstall Patch Manager and SQL express (if used). Simply uninstalling it from programs and features is not enough. This article will walk you through removing the patch manager and its files and registry keys.

Product section

Patch Manager

Cause

1. If the install of Patch Manager needs to move to a different server.
2. If Patch Manager is no longer in use
3. Tech finds it necessary to remove Patch Manager and re-install.

Resolution

1. Open Control Panel>programs and features. Uninstall Solarwinds Patch Manager V.....
Uninstall SolarWinds Client Components.

2 If SQL Express is used for the EminentWare database, you will need to uninstall that from programs and features as well. The database will be labeled MSSQL, SolarWinds Orion (Verify that instance does not support any other database other than eminentware).
3. Open the C: drive and delete the following if Patch Manager is the only Solarwinds product installed on the server.
C:\ProgramData\SolarWinds
E:\Program Files (x86)\SolarWinds
If there are other Solarwinds products on the server uninstall the following.
C:\ProgramData\SolarWinds\Logs\PM
E:\Program Files (x86)\SolarWinds\Patch Manager

4, Open the Registry delete the following key (entire folder)

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\EminentWare

5. Confirm that the Eminentware database has been deleted. If the Eminentware database still exists, deleted the database. The new install will require the exact same name, and it should be created by the PM Configuration Wizard during installation. Please don't manually create a database. Also, verify that the actual database files are deleted from the data drive location (varies by installation).

6. If you are completely removing Patch Manager permanently, also delete the following registry keys (entire folder):

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Solarwinds\Licensing\Patch Manager
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\EminentWare

This will wipe the License key. If you are going to re-install, DO NOT delete these folders.

7. Reboot the Server

9. If you are getting a license error during the initial software installation during an upgrade, you may need to use the License Reset Utility, which can be obtained from support or via the Customer Portal.

Disclaimer: Please note, any content posted herein is provided as a suggestion or recommendation to you for your internal use. This is not part of the SolarWinds software or documentation that you purchased from SolarWinds, and the information set forth herein may come from third parties. Your organization should internally review and assess to what extent, if any, such custom scripts or recommendations will be incorporated into your environment. You elect to use third-party content at your own risk, and you will be solely responsible for the incorporation of the same if any.