If the CPython 3.8.5 installation doesn’t show up in “Programs and Features,” then yes, manually removing it is the way to go. Here’s what you should do to completely remove it:

1. Delete the installation folder: This is usually something like C:\Python38 or wherever it was installed.

2. Clean up the PATH: Remove any references to that Python version in the System Environment Variables (like PATH and PYTHONPATH).

3. Registry cleanup: Open regedit and check for any leftover entries: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Python HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Python. You can also search the registry for PythonCore\3.8 and carefully remove it if it points to this specific install.

4. File associations (optional): If .py or .pyw files are still opening with the old Python version, you might want to reconfigure file associations.

Once you’ve done all that, your system should be clean and ready for a fresh Python install without conflicts. Just make sure to restart your PC afterward to ensure all environment variables and registry changes take effect.