How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 10 & 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're tidying up a slow desktop PC or getting rid of software you never use, knowing how to uninstall apps on Windows is one of the most useful skills you can have.
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 give you several ways to remove programmes, but the steps differ slightly between the two versions. This guide walks you through every method clearly, plus how to fix it when things go wrong.
5 Ways to Uninstall Apps on Windows 10 and 11

There is more than one way to uninstall apps on Windows, and the right approach often depends on how the app was installed in the first place. Some methods suit modern Microsoft Store apps, while others are better for older desktop software.
The table below gives you a quick overview before we get into the step-by-step detail.
|
Method |
Best For |
Windows 10 |
Windows 11 |
|
Start Menu |
Modern apps, quick removal |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Settings |
Most apps and programmes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Control Panel |
Legacy desktop software |
Yes |
Yes |
|
File Explorer |
Apps with built-in uninstallers |
Yes |
Yes |
|
PowerShell |
Some built-in Microsoft Store apps and certain stubborn Appx/MSIX apps |
Yes |
Yes |
1. Delete Apps fromStart Menu (Quickest Option)
Right-clicking from the Start menu is the fastest route for most everyday apps.
- Click the Start button
- Browse All apps and find the one you want to remove
- Right-click on the app and select Uninstall
- Follow any on-screen prompts to finish
Some apps will not show an Uninstall option here, and some built-in Windows apps cannot be removed in the usual way. If that happens, try Settings or Control Panel first.
2. Uninstall Apps fromSettings (Best for Most Users)
This is the most reliable and commonly recommended method for the majority of programmes.
On Windows 11:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Apps, then Installed apps
- Find the app, click the three-dot icon next to it
- Select Uninstall and confirm when prompted
On Windows 10:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Apps, then Apps & features
- Click on the app you want to remove
- Select Uninstall and follow the steps
Microsoft notes that some apps cannot currently be uninstalled from Settings, so Control Panel is still an important fallback for older software.
3. RemoveProgrammes via Control Panel (For Legacy Software)
Older desktop programmes do not always appear in the Settings app, making Control Panel the better option here.
- Type Control Panel in the taskbar search bar and open it
- Click Programs, then Programs and Features
- Right-click the programme you want to remove
- Select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
Tip: Sort the list by "Size" to quickly spot large programmes taking up the most space.
4. RemoveApps via File Explorer (When the App Has Its Own Uninstaller)
Many third-party programmes include a dedicated uninstaller file in their installation folder.
- Open File Explorer
- Navigate to C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)
- Open the folder belonging to the app
- Look for a file named uninstall.exe or setup.exe
- Double-click it and follow the prompts
This is a handy backup method when the app does not appear in Settings or Control Panel at all.
5. Using PowerShell (Advanced Method for Certain Microsoft Store Apps)
PowerShell can remove some built-in Windows apps that Settings will not uninstall.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)
- To view installed app packages, run:
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName - Find the package you want to remove, then use:
Get-AppxPackage *windowscamera* | Remove-AppxPackage
This example removes the Camera app from your current user account only.
Important: PowerShell mainly works for Appx/MSIX apps, such as some Microsoft Store apps. It does not replace the usual uninstall method for traditional desktop software installed with .exe or .msi files. Removing the wrong package can also affect Windows features, so this method is best left for advanced users or specific troubleshooting cases.
Apps to Uninstall on Windows 11 & 10 (Apps You May Not Need)

There is no universal list of apps everyone should remove. What appears on your PC depends on your Windows version, hardware brand, and any software that came preinstalled. The safest approach is to remove apps you recognise and know you do not use.
- Microsoft Teams (Personal) - If you only use Teams for work via a browser, the personal version is redundant
- Xbox and Xbox Game Bar - Background resource users unless you actively game on PC
- Tips - A tutorial-style app that serves little purpose once you're settled in
- 3D Viewer - Rarely needed by everyday users
- Mixed Reality Portal - Only relevant if you own a compatible VR headset
- Maps - Most people rely on Google Maps or Apple Maps in a browser
- Mail and Calendar - Redundant if you manage email through a browser or dedicated client
- Microsoft Solitaire Collection - An ad-supported game that is best removed if unused
Do not remove: Microsoft Edge, Settings, Microsoft Store, Windows Security, or any core security utilities. These are integral to how Windows 11 functions and removing them can cause serious issues.
Fix Uninstall Errors on Windows: Common Causes and Solutions

It is frustrating when you try to remove software and the process stalls, throws an error, or simply does nothing. Whether you're dealing with uninstall app not working on Windows 11 or 10, most issues come down to a few common causes. The app might still be running in the background, the installation files may be corrupted, or the programme may have been partially installed to begin with.
App Greyed Out or No Uninstall Button Showing
This usually means the app is either a protected system component or was deployed via a managed account (such as a school or work device).
- Try removing it through Control Panel instead of Settings
- Use PowerShell as an administrator only if it is an Appx/MSIX app and you understand what is being removed
- On managed or work devices, speak to your IT administrator first
Uninstall Process Stuck or Freezing
If the uninstall hangs or freezes, the app is most likely still running somewhere in the background.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Find the app under the Processes tab
- Right-click it and select End Task
- Try the uninstall again
Error Message During Removal
If you are getting an error code during uninstallation, Microsoft's official troubleshooter is the most reliable first step.
- Search for "Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed" at support.microsoft.com
- Download and run the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
- Select Uninstalling when asked
- Pick the programme from the list and follow the steps
Microsoft’s troubleshooter is intended for problems that block programmes from being installed or removed, including damaged uninstall information.
If you need to try Safe Mode, use the current Windows recovery route instead of relying on F8. Hold Shift while selecting Restart, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and choose Safe Mode from the startup options screen.

Keep Your PC Clean and Running Smoothly
Knowing how to uninstall apps on Windows is one of the simplest ways to keep your machine fast, organised, and clutter-free. Whether you're clearing out bloatware, removing unused software, or troubleshooting a programme that refuses to budge, every method you need is covered above for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If your laptop still feels slow after removing unused software, the next step may be broader maintenance such as checking startup apps, storage usage, or system health. And if your device is older and no longer meets your needs, it may be worth comparing newer, affordable Windows 11 laptops rather than spending too long chasing recurring problems.
Master your OS with our complete blueprint for Windows configuration, maintenance, and advanced fixes.

Just So You Know...
How do I uninstall apps on Windows if the Uninstall button is missing?
Try Control Panel first. If the app is a Microsoft Store-style Appx/MSIX app, PowerShell may help, but it is not a universal uninstall method for all programmes.
What is the best way to uninstall apps on Windows 10?
Use Settings > Apps > Apps & features for a straightforward removal process. If the programme is older and does not uninstall there, switch to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
How can I uninstall programs on Windows 10 that won't respond?
End the app's process in Task Manager first, then try again. If it still fails, run Microsoft's official Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter tool.
Does uninstalling an app delete my saved data?
Not always. Many apps store user data in separate folders such as Documents or AppData. Check before removing anything important you might want to keep.
How do I uninstall apps from Settings on Windows 11?
Open Settings, go to Apps > Installed apps, click the three-dot icon beside the app, and select Uninstall.
Is it safe to uninstall built-in Windows apps?
Some built-in apps can be removed, but others cannot be uninstalled in the normal way. Avoid removing core apps and security-related components unless you are completely sure they are optional.
| Read More: |
| How to Fix Windows 11 Update Problems? |
| Windows Keyboard Shortcuts: Ultimate Guide |
| Windows 11 Upgrade Guide |
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