> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://syteca.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Uninstall the Application Server

> Uninstall the Syteca Application Server from a Windows host — pre-uninstall Client cleanup, the Setup wizard's Uninstall path, and the irreversible database deletion option.

Application Server uninstallation is the wizard's terminal operation — fast, mechanical, and **irreversible if you delete the database**. Run this only when you intend to remove Syteca from the host permanently, or as the first step of a clean reinstall.

<Warning>
  **NOT AVAILABLE IN SAAS.** SaaS deployments are managed by your vendor. This procedure applies to **on-premises** deployments only.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Uninstall all Syteca Clients from endpoints first.** If Clients remain installed while the Application Server is uninstalled, they continue collecting data locally with no upstream destination — and removing them later becomes much harder because the [Client Uninstallation key](/docs/administration/clients/uninstall#the-client-uninstallation-key) and the remote-uninstall path both depend on a working Application Server. See [Uninstall Clients](/docs/administration/clients/uninstall) before proceeding.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Database deletion is irreversible and runs without further confirmation.** Once you select **Yes** at the database deletion prompt during uninstall, all session recordings, audit logs, alert history, PAM secrets, and configuration are gone. If you might need the data later — for litigation, compliance, or future reinstall — back up the database **and the Master Certificate** before starting.
</Warning>

## Pre-uninstall checklist

Before running the uninstaller, work through these items in order:

| Step                                                                                                                                     | Why                                                                                                                   |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1. [Uninstall all Clients](/docs/administration/clients/uninstall)                                                                            | Prevents orphaned Clients still attempting to connect to a missing Application Server.                                |
| 2. Decide whether you need the database                                                                                                  | The uninstall wizard will offer to delete it. If you might reinstall, keep it.                                        |
| 3. If keeping the database, [back up the Master Certificate](/docs/administration/security/master-certificate#back-up-the-master-certificate) | **The database is unreadable without the Master Certificate.** Without the backup, the preserved database is useless. |
| 4. Take a VM snapshot or filesystem-level backup                                                                                         | Belt-and-braces in case you change your mind mid-uninstall.                                                           |
| 5. Stop any Master Panel or Data Connector instances connected to this Application Server                                                | Avoids confused error logs after uninstallation.                                                                      |

## Run the Setup wizard's Uninstall path

<Steps>
  <Step title="Run the installer">
    Run **`Syteca_Server.exe`** to open the **Syteca Setup** wizard. The same installer binary handles install, update, and uninstall.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Step through the wizard">
    Click **Next** on the **Welcome** page. On the **License Agreement** page, accept the EULA.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick the Uninstall path">
    On the **Already Installed** page, select **Uninstall**, then click **Next**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm uninstallation">
    On the **Uninstall Syteca** page, click **Uninstall**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose whether to delete the database">
    In the confirmation pop-up, choose:

    * **Yes** — delete the database during uninstallation. **Irreversible.**
    * **No** — preserve the database for future reuse. The database files remain in place; you can reuse them later when reinstalling the Application Server.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish">
    Wait for the uninstallation process to complete, then click **Finish**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Post-uninstall cleanup

The uninstaller removes the Application Server but leaves the following items behind, which you may want to clean up manually:

| Item                       | Location                                                        | Why it may remain                                                                                                                                                                   |
| -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Master Certificate**     | Windows Certificate Store → Personal → `EkranMasterCertificate` | Preserved by default in case you reinstall. [Delete the Master Certificate](/docs/administration/security/master-certificate#delete-the-master-certificate) if you want a complete wipe. |
| **Install directory**      | `C:\Program Files\Ekran System\Ekran System\`                   | May contain `ServerLogs\` directory with diagnostic logs. Remove if no longer needed.                                                                                               |
| **Registry entries**       | `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\EkranSystem`                       | Configuration values from pre-6.53.1 versions. The `EkranServer.Settings.config` file in the install directory replaces this in newer versions.                                     |
| **Windows Firewall rules** | Inbound Rules referencing `EkranServer.exe`                     | Remove via Windows Firewall with Advanced Security if no longer needed.                                                                                                             |
| **Database**               | The database engine (PostgreSQL / MS SQL Server)                | If you chose **No** during the uninstall, the database remains intact for reuse.                                                                                                    |

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Uninstall Clients" icon="server-off" href="/docs/administration/clients/uninstall">
    Remove Clients from endpoints **before** uninstalling the Application Server.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Master Certificate management" icon="key" href="/docs/administration/security/master-certificate">
    Back up before uninstalling if you might preserve the database.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Install Application Server" icon="server" href="/docs/administration/deployment/install-application-server">
    Fresh installation, or reinstallation after a clean uninstall.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Update Application Server" icon="arrow-up" href="/docs/administration/deployment/update-application-server">
    Upgrade in place instead of uninstalling and reinstalling.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>