TL;DR: I purchased a piece of software to block games and limit how long I play them each day. But I also found many ways to go around it and compiled a list.
So, you’ve decided to bid farewell to Cold Turkey, the website-blocking software that’s been keeping you on the straight and narrow. Whether you’ve conquered your procrastination demons or simply need a break from its watchful gaze, uninstalling Cold Turkey is a straightforward process. Let’s dive into the steps involved, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free uninstallation.
Method 1: Utilizing the Cold Turkey Uninstaller
- Locate the Uninstaller: Navigate to the Cold Turkey installation directory, typically found in “C:Program FilesCold Turkey.” Within this folder, you’ll find an executable file named “Uninstall.exe.”
- Launch the Uninstaller: Double-click “Uninstall.exe” to initiate the uninstallation process. A confirmation prompt will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to proceed. Click “Yes” to continue.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The uninstaller will guide you through the remaining steps, which may involve confirming your decision and providing feedback. Once the process is complete, Cold Turkey will be successfully removed from your system.
Method 2: Employing the Windows Control Panel
- Access Programs and Features: Open the Windows Control Panel and navigate to “Programs and Features” (or “Apps and Features” in Windows 10).
- Locate Cold Turkey: Scroll through the list of installed programs until you find “Cold Turkey Blocker.”
- Initiate Uninstallation: Click on “Cold Turkey Blocker” and select “Uninstall” from the options that appear. This will launch the Cold Turkey uninstaller, and you can proceed with the steps outlined in Method 1.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software
- Choose a Reputable Uninstaller: If you prefer a more comprehensive approach, consider utilizing a third-party uninstaller software like IObit Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller. These tools can often remove leftover files and registry entries that the standard uninstaller might miss.
- Install and Run the Uninstaller: Download and install your chosen uninstaller software. Launch the program and locate “Cold Turkey Blocker” in the list of installed applications.
- Perform a Deep Scan: Select the “Deep Scan” option to ensure a thorough removal of all associated files and registry entries. Follow the prompts and instructions provided by the uninstaller software.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Uninstallation
- Restart Your Computer: After completing the uninstallation process, it’s recommended to restart your computer. This ensures that any changes made by the uninstaller take effect and that Cold Turkey is completely removed from your system.
- Delete Leftover Files (Optional): If you’re particularly meticulous, you can manually search for and delete any leftover files or folders associated with Cold Turkey. However, this step is usually unnecessary if you’ve used a reputable uninstaller or performed a deep scan.
- Consider Alternatives: If you’re looking for a different website-blocking solution, explore the various options available. Some popular alternatives include Freedom, FocusMe, and StayFocusd.
With these methods at your disposal, uninstalling Cold Turkey is a breeze. Whether you’re ready to embrace the unfettered internet or simply need a temporary reprieve, these steps will guide you towards digital liberation. Remember, the key is to choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences. So, take a deep breath, bid farewell to Cold Turkey, and reclaim your online freedom!
Let’s go to the future!
But that also got countered by the creator. The next obvious step is to, well, change the computer date to after the block is finished so you can play! That worked for a while, but if your clock wasn’t set correctly, some games, like DOTA, wouldn’t let you play. So you would go ahead in time, disable the block and go back to the correct time.
My relationship with gaming
Ive always had a semi-healthy relationship with gaming. It is a HUGE part of my life. I total over 10k hours of gaming over the years. I enjoy playing team games a lot. I’ve played DOTA 2 for over 3,000 hours and Apex for over 1,000 hours.
I accept it because it’s a part of my life, and, like many of us back then, I made a lot of my closest friends online while playing video games or attending LAN parties.
My main issue is that it is a complete automatism. After work and when everybody is in bed, I game. During nap time, I game. I used to work on side projects a lot, but now that I am a father of two children, I am constantly exhausted or lacking in energy, so I prefer to play games over reading, learning, or using open-source software.
It’s not that bad because I’m content with my life, but I do want to change what I see. Now that I have a family, there are a lot of things I used to do and want to do but can no longer do. And the main reason is that I fill most of my free time with gaming.
It’s also a vicious cycle: I play games because I’m tired and lacking energy, which makes me tired and less energetic.
“You could just stop says my girlfriend”. Well thanks but its not helpful for me. In fact, it benefits me just as much as sayings like “just go to the gym if you wanna look fit” or “just eat healthy then if you want to lose weight.” There are bigger forces at play here.
Couple years ago, I bought Cold Turkey to help me reduce my gaming time. Installing Cold Turkey, a very easy-to-use program, on your computer prevents the execution of specific programs You can set time limits, time blocks, or go “cold turkey” and block everything. Here’s an example of a gaming list block I made:
Cold turkey interface with my games blocked
I will not be able to run the DOTA2 executable for a week if I set the software to a week of Cold Turkey. Once you start a block, you can’t go back. End of story. And there is no point killing the Cold Turkey windows process. It automatically restarts itself. 🙂 What I want to talk about in this post is the cat and mouse game that the person who made the application has been playing for more than a year.
There is a great deal of excitement in discovering your controllers again, just like when your mother used to hide them when you were grounded.
In the very early days, you could just uninstall Cold Turkey. First via the uninstall dialog from Windows. Later via an uninstaller located in the installation folder.
how to uninstall cold turkey during a block in windows/mac.
FAQ
Why is cold turkey not working?
What does cold turkey app do?