Dealing with the "We couldn't uninstall the app" error, specifically with the code 0x80073cfa in Windows 11, can be quite frustrating. It often means that something is preventing the normal uninstallation process. But don't worry, we'll walk through a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to tackle this issue. Let's get started right away!
Step 1: Initial Checks and Basic Troubleshooting
Before diving into more complex solutions, let's try some quick and easy fixes.
1.1 Restart Your Computer
Yes, it sounds cliché, but a simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might be interfering with the uninstallation process. Close all your applications and restart your Windows 11 machine. After restarting, try uninstalling the app again through the Settings app or the Control Panel.
1.2 Ensure the App Isn't Running
Make sure the application you're trying to uninstall and any related background processes are completely closed.
- Open Task Manager by pressing
Ctrl + Shift + Esc. - Look for the app's process under the "Processes" tab.
- Also, check the "Details" and "Startup" tabs for any related executables.
- If you find any, select them and click End task.
After ensuring no related processes are running, try uninstalling the app again.
Step 2: Using the Settings App to Uninstall
The primary method for uninstalling apps in Windows 11 is through the Settings app. Let's make sure you're trying this correctly.
2.1 Navigate to the Apps Section
- Press
Windows key + Ito open the Settings app. - Click on Apps in the left sidebar.
- Select Installed apps (or Apps & features in some older versions).
2.2 Locate and Uninstall the App
- Scroll through the list of installed apps or use the search bar to find the application you want to uninstall.
- Once you find it, click on the three vertical dots (ellipsis) next to the app's name.
- Select Uninstall from the dropdown menu.
- Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
If you still encounter the 0x80073cfa error, proceed to the next steps.
Step 3: Utilizing the Control Panel
Although the Settings app is the modern way, the Control Panel still offers app management functionalities.
3.1 Open the Control Panel
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
controland press Enter or click OK.
3.2 Uninstall Programs
- In the Control Panel, under "Programs," click on Uninstall a program.
- A list of installed programs will appear. Find the application you want to remove.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall (or Change/Uninstall).
- Follow the prompts to uninstall the application.
If the error persists, let's explore more advanced techniques.
Step 4: Employing the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides a dedicated troubleshooter that can automatically fix issues preventing program installation or uninstallation.
4.1 Download the Troubleshooter
- Open your web browser and search for "Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter" or directly navigate to the official Microsoft support page for this tool.
- Download the troubleshooter tool.
4.2 Run the Troubleshooter
- Once downloaded, run the executable file.
- On the first screen, click Next.
- You'll be asked if you're having problems installing or uninstalling a program. Select Uninstalling.
- The troubleshooter will then scan your system for installed programs. Select the application you're trying to uninstall from the list. If you don't see it, you can try the "Not listed" option, though this might be less effective.
- Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter might attempt to fix registry keys or other configuration issues that are blocking the uninstallation.
Step 5: Force Removal Using Third-Party Uninstallers
Sometimes, standard uninstallation methods fail due to corrupted installation files or registry entries. Third-party uninstaller tools can often forcefully remove these stubborn applications.
5.1 Research and Choose a Reputable Uninstaller
There are several reputable third-party uninstaller tools available, such as Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller,
5.2 Use the Uninstaller to Remove the App
- Download and install the chosen uninstaller tool.
- Launch the uninstaller. It will typically list your installed programs.
- Select the application you want to uninstall.
- The uninstaller will usually offer different uninstallation modes, such as "Safe," "Moderate," and "Advanced." Start with "Moderate" and see if it works. "Advanced" mode typically performs a deeper scan for leftover files and registry entries.
- Follow the on-screen prompts provided by the uninstaller to complete the process. Be cautious when deleting registry entries and leftover files, especially if you're not familiar with them.
Step 6: Checking for Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can sometimes interfere with various Windows processes, including application uninstallation.
6.1 Run the System File Checker (SFC)
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-clicking on "Command Prompt," and selecting "Run as administrator."
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - The
System File Checker will scan your system files for any corruption and attempt to repair them. This process might take some time, so be patient. - Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and try uninstalling the app again.
Step 7: Using PowerShell to Remove the App (for Microsoft Store Apps)
If the application you're trying to uninstall was installed from the Microsoft Store, you can use PowerShell to remove it.
7.1 Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Search for "powershell" in the Start Menu, right-click on "Windows PowerShell," and select "Run as administrator."
7.2 List Installed Apps
- In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
PowerShell
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName - This command will display a list of all installed apps, including their names and package full names.
7.3 Find the App's Package Full Name
- Locate the application you want to uninstall in the list and note down its PackageFullName. It will be a long string of characters.
7.4 Uninstall the App
- Once you have the PackageFullName, use the following command to uninstall the app, replacing
<PackageFullName>with the actual PackageFullName you noted down:PowerShellRemove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName> - Press Enter to execute the command. This should forcefully uninstall the application.
Step 8: Editing the Registry (Use with Caution!)
Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly. Incorrect modifications can lead to system instability. Back up your registry before proceeding.
8.1 Open Registry Editor
- Press
Windows key + R, typeregedit, and press Enter or click OK.
8.2 Navigate to Uninstall Keys
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UninstallHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
- Expand these keys and look for a subkey that corresponds to the application you're trying to uninstall. The subkey might be named after the application or have a cryptic name.
8.3 Delete the Application's Registry Key
- Once you find the relevant subkey, right-click on it and select Delete.
- Confirm the deletion.
- After deleting the registry key, restart your computer and try uninstalling the application again through the Settings app or Control Panel.
Step 9: Booting into Safe Mode
Sometimes, third-party applications or services running in the background can interfere with the uninstallation process. Booting into Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
9.1 Enter Safe Mode
- Press
Windows key + Ito open the Settings app. - Click on System in the left sidebar.
- Select Recovery.
- Under "Advanced startup," click Restart now.
- Your computer will restart to the Advanced Startup Options menu.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Click Restart.
- After restarting, you'll see a list of startup options. Press
4orF4to start in Safe Mode.
9.2 Uninstall the App in Safe Mode
- Once in Safe Mode, try uninstalling the application using the Settings app or Control Panel.
- If the uninstallation is successful in Safe Mode, it indicates that a third-party application or service was likely the culprit. After restarting normally, you might need to identify and potentially disable or uninstall the conflicting software.
Step 10: Performing a System Restore
If the issue started recently, you can try using System Restore to revert your system to a previous working state.
10.1 Open System Restore
- Search for "restore point" in the Start Menu and click on "Create a restore point."
- In the System Properties window, under the "System Protection" tab, click on System Restore.
- Click Next.
- Choose a restore point that was created before you started experiencing the uninstallation issue.
- Click Scan for affected programs to see which applications will be affected by the restore.
- Click Next and then Finish to start the system restore process.
Note: System Restore will uninstall applications, drivers, and updates installed after the selected restore point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 related "How to" questions with quick answers to further assist you:
How to force uninstall a program in Windows 11?
Use third-party uninstaller software like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller, which offer forced uninstall options to remove stubborn programs.
How to open the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter?
Download it from the official Microsoft support website and run the executable file. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix uninstallation issues.
How to run System File Checker (SFC) in Windows 11?
Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter.
How to open PowerShell as administrator in Windows 11?
Search for "powershell" in the Start Menu, right-click on "Windows PowerShell," and select "Run as administrator."
How to find the PackageFullName of a Microsoft Store app using PowerShell?
Open PowerShell as administrator and run the command Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName.
How to back up the Windows Registry before editing?
Open Registry Editor (regedit), click on "File" in the menu, and select "Export." Choose a location to save the backup and click "Save."
How to boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode?
Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. Then, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
How to create a System Restore point in Windows 11?
Search for "create a restore point" in the Start Menu, click on it, and in the System Properties window, click "Create" under the "System Protection" tab.
How to check if an app is running in the background in Windows 11?
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the "Processes," "Details," and "Startup" tabs for the application's processes.
How to uninstall an app from the Control Panel in Windows 11?
Open Control Panel, go to "Programs" > "Uninstall a program," right-click on the app, and select "Uninstall."
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you resolve the "We couldn't uninstall the app" error 0x80073cfa in Windows 11. Remember to proceed with caution when using advanced methods like registry editing. Good luck!