How To Uninstall Apps On Windows 11

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Alright, let's dive deep into the world of uninstalling applications on Windows 11! Have you ever found yourself with a digital clutter of apps you no longer use, slowing down your system or simply taking up precious storage space? Well, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every nook and cranny of the app removal process on Windows 11.

Step 1: The Classic Route - Using the Settings App

This is often the first and most straightforward method for uninstalling applications. Let's get started!

Navigating to the Apps Section

  1. Open the Settings App: You can do this in a couple of ways:

    • Press the Windows key + I simultaneously. This is a quick shortcut to open the Settings app.
    • Click on the Start button (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen). Then, click on the gear icon that appears in the Start menu.

  2. Select 'Apps': Once the Settings app is open, you'll see a list of categories on the left-hand side. Click on 'Apps'.

  3. Choose 'Installed apps': Within the 'Apps' section, you'll likely see a few sub-options. Click on 'Installed apps'. This will display a list of all the applications currently installed on your Windows 11 system.

Locating and Uninstalling Your Target App

  1. Browse or Search: You can either scroll through the list of installed apps to find the one you want to remove, or you can use the search bar at the top of the 'Installed apps' window. Simply type the name of the application you're looking for, and the list will filter accordingly.

  2. Click the Three Dots: Once you've found the app you want to uninstall, look for the three vertical dots (sometimes referred to as a "More options" menu) located to the right of the app's name. Click on these dots.

  3. Select 'Uninstall': A small context menu will appear when you click the three dots. Click on the 'Uninstall' option.

  4. Confirmation Prompt: Windows will likely ask you to confirm that you want to uninstall the application. Click 'Uninstall' again in the confirmation dialog box.

  5. Follow the Uninstaller: Depending on the application, a separate uninstaller window might pop up. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the application's uninstaller to complete the removal process. Sometimes, you might be asked if you want to remove application preferences or data. Choose the option that suits your needs.

Step 2: The Control Panel - A Legacy Approach

While the Settings app is the modern way to manage apps, the Control Panel still holds some power, especially for older desktop applications.

Accessing the Programs and Features Section

  1. Open the Control Panel: There are several ways to open the Control Panel:

    • Type 'Control Panel' in the Start menu search bar and click on the result.
    • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type 'control', and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to 'Programs': In the Control Panel, you might see different views (Category or Icons).

    • If you're in Category view, click on 'Uninstall a program' under the 'Programs' section.
    • If you're in Large or Small icons view, click directly on 'Programs and Features'.

Removing the Application

  1. Locate the App: You'll see a list of installed programs. Scroll through this list to find the application you wish to uninstall.

  2. Select and Uninstall: Once you've found the app, right-click on its name. A context menu will appear. Click on 'Uninstall' (or sometimes 'Change/Uninstall').

  3. Follow the Uninstaller: Similar to the Settings app method, a separate uninstaller window might appear. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Step 3: The Powerful Command Line - For the Tech-Savvy

For users comfortable with the command line, PowerShell offers another way to uninstall applications, especially those installed as Windows Store apps.

Using PowerShell to Uninstall Apps

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

    • Type 'PowerShell' in the Start menu search bar.
    • Right-click on 'Windows PowerShell' (or 'PowerShell') in the search results and select 'Run as administrator'. Click 'Yes' if prompted by User Account Control.

  2. List Installed Apps: To see a list of all installed apps and their package names, type the following command and press Enter:

    PowerShell
    Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

    This will display a long list. Take note of the 'PackageFullName' of the application you want to uninstall. This is the unique identifier for the app.

  3. Uninstall the App: Once you have the 'PackageFullName', use the following command to uninstall the app, replacing <PackageFullName> with the actual 'PackageFullName' you noted:

    PowerShell
    Remove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName>

    For example, to uninstall the Xbox app, you might use a command like:

    PowerShell
    Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxApp_2401.2401.13002.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

    Press Enter after typing the command. The app should be uninstalled.

Step 4: Third-Party Uninstaller Tools - For Advanced Management

Sometimes, standard uninstall methods might leave behind residual files, folders, or registry entries. Third-party uninstaller tools can help with a more thorough removal.

Exploring Third-Party Options

There are several reputable third-party uninstaller tools available, such as:

  • Revo Uninstaller: This tool goes beyond the standard uninstaller, scanning for and removing leftover files and registry entries.
  • IObit Uninstaller: Similar to Revo, it offers a powerful uninstall feature and can also remove stubborn programs and browser plugins.
  • Geek Uninstaller: A lightweight and portable option that forces uninstallation for broken or stubborn programs.

Using a Third-Party Uninstaller (General Steps)

While the exact steps might vary depending on the tool you choose, the general process usually involves:

  1. Download and Install the Tool: Visit the official website of the uninstaller tool you've selected and follow their instructions to download and install it.

  2. Launch the Uninstaller: Open the third-party uninstaller application.

  3. Select the Application: You'll typically see a list of installed programs similar to the Control Panel or Settings app. Select the application you want to uninstall.

  4. Initiate the Uninstall Process: Look for an 'Uninstall' button or a similar option.

  5. Follow the Program's Uninstaller: The tool might first run the application's built-in uninstaller. Follow those prompts.

  6. Scan for Residuals: After the standard uninstall, the third-party tool will usually offer to scan your system for leftover files, folders, and registry entries. Follow its prompts to remove these residuals.

Step 5: Dealing with Stubborn Apps - When Things Get Tricky

Sometimes, an application might refuse to uninstall through the standard methods. Here are a few things you can try:

Force Uninstall (Using Third-Party Tools)

As mentioned earlier, tools like Revo Uninstaller and IObit Uninstaller often have a "Force Uninstall" or similar feature that attempts to remove an application even if its uninstaller is broken or missing.

Using the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

Microsoft provides a built-in troubleshooter that can help fix issues that block program installation or removal.

  1. Search for the Troubleshooter: Type 'program install uninstall troubleshooter' in the Start menu search bar and click on the result.

  2. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The troubleshooter will guide you through a series of steps to identify and fix the problem.

Safe Mode

Sometimes, other running programs might interfere with the uninstallation process. Starting your computer in Safe Mode can help.

  1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F8, Shift+F8, or Del) during startup to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select 'Safe Mode'.

  2. Try Uninstalling Again: Once in Safe Mode, try uninstalling the application using the Settings app or Control Panel.

How to... FAQs on Uninstalling Apps in Windows 11

How to uninstall a Microsoft Store app?

Quick Answer: Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the app, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.

How to uninstall a desktop application?

Quick Answer: You can use either Settings > Apps > Installed apps or the Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.

How to uninstall multiple apps at once?

Quick Answer: Windows 11 doesn't have a built-in feature for batch uninstalling. You'll need to uninstall each app individually or use a third-party uninstaller tool that offers this functionality.

How to remove leftover files after uninstalling an app?

Quick Answer: Use a third-party uninstaller tool like Revo Uninstaller or manually check the Program Files, ProgramData, and AppData folders for any remaining folders or files related to the uninstalled app. Also, be cautious when editing the Registry Editor (regedit) to remove related entries.

How to reinstall an app I accidentally uninstalled?

Quick Answer: If it was a Microsoft Store app, open the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and click Install. For other applications, you'll usually need to download the installer again from the developer's website and reinstall it.

How to find out which apps are taking up the most space?

Quick Answer: Go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Storage used on other drives. Select your main drive (usually C:) and wait for it to calculate. Click on 'Apps & features' to see a list of apps sorted by size.

How to prevent apps from automatically reinstalling after uninstalling?

Quick Answer: Some pre-installed apps might reappear after a major Windows update. You might need to uninstall them again. For third-party apps, this shouldn't happen unless you intentionally reinstall them.

How to uninstall updates for an app?

Quick Answer: You cannot typically uninstall individual updates for most apps. You would usually need to uninstall the entire app and then reinstall an older version if available. For Windows updates themselves, you can go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

How to uninstall a program that doesn't appear in the installed apps list?

Quick Answer: This can be tricky. Check the Program Files and ProgramData folders for the program's installation directory. Look for an uninstaller executable (often named uninstall.exe or similar) within that folder and run it.

How to manage optional features instead of apps?

Quick Answer: Go to Settings > Apps > Optional features. Here, you can view, add, and remove optional Windows features that are not traditional applications.

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to uninstalling applications on Windows 11! Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Settings app, the legacy of the Control Panel, the power of PowerShell, or the thoroughness of third-party tools, you now have the knowledge to keep your Windows 11 system clean and running smoothly. Happy uninstalling!

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How To Uninstall Apps On Windows 11

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