How to fix
Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling or being changed error
on Windows

I have encountered Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling or being changed many times. It shows up if I want to uninstall another program and the message does not go away, no matter how long I wait. This is really annoying me, and it keeps happening. Is there something wrong with Windows 10? Please help me.

Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling or being changed notification appears when you are trying to modify (install or uninstall) the application via Programs and Features on Windows operating system. This occurs because Windows uses a system process - Windows Installer[ref en-1] - to handle installation, uninstallation, repair, and maintenance of any software that is used.

It can be a quite serious issue because it prevents users from installation or uninstallation of programs, and the error sometimes does not go away, even after the computer is restarted. Nevertheless, our experts prepared an array of solutions that can be used in order to fix Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling or being changed error.

The reason users see this message is because the process is already used by another program. The operating system displays this messages in order to prevent any damage to programs or files, as the incomplete installation of the application might lead to several conflicts and more errors.

In some cases, the error may be induced by a potentially unwanted program[ref en-2] that could have gotten into your PC without you noticing. PUPs are sometimes problematic to delete manually. Therefore, we recommend scanning your system with a reputable anti-malware software, such as [d1]. This tool will protect your computer from malware,[ref en-3] as well as repair various Windows errors and fix the registry.[ref en-4]

If the scan has been performed and you are still encountering Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling or being changed errors, you should proceed with solutions explained below.

Here is a video with methods to help you eliminate this problem:
[youtube BQQBj1ECan8]

Fix 1. Restart your computer

The easiest fix to this problem is by restarting your PC. In some cases, the installation or uninstallation process may "hang" as Windows fails to execute it properly. Therefore, everything could be back to normal as soon as the operating system restart kills the failed process.

Fix 2. Uninstall or install the program in the safe mode

Safe Mode is a function in Windows which allows the operating system to start with limited functionality but is capable of fixing various issues. Safe Mode is also handy when malware is blocking a normal operation of your security software (Note that you might have to print out the instruction as the computer will be restarted).

• Press Windows key + I
• On the left pane, click on Recovery
• Then, pick the Restart now option

  

• After the PC restarts select the following: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings
• Click Restart and then select the Safe Mode from the available options

Fix 3. Restart explorer.exe

The solution to Please wait until the current program is finished uninstalling or being changed problem might lay in simple restart explorer.exe:

• Press  Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously to open Task Manager
• Find Windows Explorer process
• Right-click on it and pick Restart

  

Fix 4. Carry out a System Restore

System Restore will bring your device to the state in which the problem was absent. To perform System Restore, do the following:

• Type in Control Panel in taskbar's search bar and pick it
• Then select Recovery > System Restore

  

• Choose a restore point and follow on-screen instructions
• Wait till the process is finished and then check if the problem persists

Fix 5. Use Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter

Troubleshooters are great programs by Microsoft that can diagnose and repair problems automatically. While some of them are built-in, others need to be downloaded. Download Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter from here and follow these steps:

• Once troubleshooter opens, click Next
• Then, select whether you have a problem with installation or uninstallation in the next step
• Next, select the program you are having troubles with and click Next

  

• If you want to uninstall the program, proceed with Yes, try uninstall