> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bindplane.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bindplane.com/deployment/virtual-machine/collector/install-and-uninstall-bindplane-collectors.md).

# Install and Uninstall Bindplane Collectors

The [Bindplane Collector](https://github.com/observIQ/bindplane-otel-collector) can be installed on Linux, Mac, or Windows with a single-line install script.

## Installation Script

{% hint style="warning" %}
**IMPORTANT**

🚧 Install Collectors from Bindplane

To install the collector, you should get the installation script from Bindplane as outlined in [Install Your First Collector](/readme/install-your-first-collector.md). Doing so ensures the collector instantly connects to Bindplane and can be managed without additional configuration.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**

📘 Agent or Collector: What's the difference?

We often use the terms Agent and Collector interchangeably. When you see either throughout the product or the documentation, we're always referring to the [Bindplane Collector](https://github.com/observIQ/bindplane-otel-collector)
{% endhint %}

## Uninstall The Bindplane Collector

On Linux, macOS, or Windows, run the following command to uninstall the collector.

#### Linux

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
sudo sh -c "$(curl -fsSlL https://github.com/observiq/bindplane-agent/releases/latest/download/install_unix.sh)" install_unix.sh -r
```

{% endcode %}

#### macOS

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
sudo sh -c "$(curl -fsSlL https://github.com/observiq/bindplane-agent/releases/latest/download/install_macos.sh)" install_macos.sh -r
```

{% endcode %}

#### Windows

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```powershell
(Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product -Filter "Name = 'observIQ Distro for OpenTelemetry Collector'").Uninstall()
```

{% endcode %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**TUTORIAL**

[View step-by-step video tutorial how to install the Bindplane OTel Collector in a Windows VM.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMs70_qeTB0)
{% endhint %}

Optionally, on Windows, you can uninstall the collector via the control panel. Simply follow the steps below.

1. Navigate to the control panel, then to the "Uninstall a program" dialog.
2. Locate the `observIQ OpenTelemetry Collector` entry, and select uninstall.
3. Follow the wizard to complete the removal of the collector.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**IMPORTANT**

🚧 Data that persists after uninstalling

The collectors configuration files and log files are not removed when a collector is uninstalled. If you will not be re-installing the collector at a later time you may want to remove this folder. It will contain log files, the Bindplane configuration yaml, and any queue storage. Those files are located at `/opt/observiq-otel-collector` on Linux and `C:\Program Files\observIQ OpenTelemetry Collector` on Windows.
{% endhint %}


---

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