Uninstalling apps on Windows 11 is usually pretty straightforward, and most folks figure it out without too much fuss. But tricks and quirks happen — sometimes apps refuse to uninstall cleanly, or maybe they leave bits behind no matter what. If you’re trying to tidy up your system, reclaim some space, or just get rid of some clutter, knowing the right steps and a few tips can save a lot of headaches. This guide covers the easiest ways, plus some troubleshooting tips, so you’re not left scratching your head if things go sideways.
How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 11
Method 1: Use the Start Menu (the quick way)
This is the go-to method if the app shows up in your Start menu. It’s usually quick and painless. When apps are stubborn, though, you might need to switch to the Settings — but let’s start here.
- Click on the Start button or press Windows key.
- Scroll through the list of apps or just start typing the app’s name to find it faster.
- Right-click the app’s icon — if it’s in the list.
- Select Uninstall — a confirmation window might pop up.
- If prompted, hit Uninstall again and follow any wizard if it shows up.
Note: Sometimes, apps don’t show up here, especially if they’re built into Windows or installed via other methods, so this method isn’t always perfect. Also, on some setups, after uninstalling, you might need to reboot or check if the app’s residual files are still hanging around in your system.
Method 2: Use Settings for more control
This comes in handy if the app isn’t popping up in the Start menu or if you want to manage multiple apps at once. Windows 11 has a dedicated section for that.
- Open Settings by clicking the gear icon in the Start menu or pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to Apps & Features.
- Scroll down or use the search box to find the specific app you want gone.
- Click on the app’s entry, then hit Uninstall.
- Confirm and follow any prompts that come up. Sometimes, a third-party uninstaller interface will kick in for stubborn ones.
If the app is linked to a specific vendor or has its own uninstaller, sometimes it’s better to run that directly from the app folder or its Control Panel entry, especially for games or enterprise tools. On my experience, using Settings is a bit more reliable for removing leftovers, especially if apps aren’t acting cooperative.
Method 3: Troubleshooting stuck apps
If the app just refuses to go away, or you get errors like “This app can’t be uninstalled, ” trying a few extra steps helps. Sometimes, the app’s process hangs or the registry is messed up. Rebooting or running a PowerShell command can do wonders.
- Open PowerShell as Administrator by searching for “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-clicking, and choosing Run as administrator.
- Type or paste the command:
Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage, replacing *AppName* with the actual app package name, or the part you recognize. - Hit Enter and wait for it to process.
This method is especially useful for built-in Windows apps or Windows Store apps that refuse regular uninstallation. But beware — removing core system apps can cause issues, so only do this if you’re sure or following a guide.
Another thing to try: if the app is stubborn, a quick reboot often clears enough locks for the uninstallation to proceed. Of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes, but persistence pays off.
Tips for Uninstalling Apps on Windows 11
- Depending on how apps were installed (Store, manual download, bundled installer), the uninstallation method can change. Be ready to switch between Start, Settings, and sometimes even the Control Panel.
- Be careful with system apps – sometimes removing those can break things. Better to stick with user-installed apps unless you know what you’re doing.
- Third-party uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, or GeekUninstaller can help if residual files are left behind. These are especially handy for complex software.
- Always backup important data from the app if it’s storage-related — better safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I uninstall apps that aren’t showing up in the Start menu?
No worries — check Settings > Apps & Features. Sometimes, apps—especially UWP (Universal Windows Platform) ones—won’t be visible in the list unless you search for them directly there.
Can I reinstall apps after uninstalling?
Of course. Most apps can be re-downloaded from Windows Store or their official sites. Keep in mind, some might require a license or account login.
What if some residual files are left after uninstall?
This is super common, especially with older apps or those that don’t clean up properly. Use third-party tools or manually delete leftover folders in %AppData% or %ProgramFiles%. Just be cautious — deleting the wrong stuff can cause issues.
Anything else that might go wrong?
System apps are tricky. Trying to uninstall built-in Windows features might break your OS. Stick to user apps unless you know what you’re doing or follow a trusted guide.
Summary
- Use the Start menu or Settings to uninstall apps.
- If apps are stubborn, try PowerShell commands or rebooting.
- Third-party tools can help remove leftovers or stubborn uninstallers.
- Always back up relevant data, especially for important apps.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of apps on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but some apps are just stubborn enough to give trouble. When in doubt, the Settings app plus a little patience usually does the trick. Just watch out for those tricky built-in apps or software that leaves residues — you might need specialized tools or a bit of finagling. Hopefully, this shed a bit of light on the process, and maybe it even saves a few hours down the line. Good luck cleaning up!