Uninstalling apps on Windows 10 isn’t exactly rocket science, but sometimes it feels more complicated than it should be. You might notice that some apps stubbornly hang around or leave residual files, especially if you’ve tried removing them multiple times. Sometimes the Settings menu works fine, but other times, you’ll find some programs don’t show up there or refuse to uninstall normally. This can be kind of frustrating, especially if you’re just trying to free up space or tidy things up without messing up your system.
So, here’s a rundown of actual steps and tricks that can help you get rid of those annoying apps, plus some tips to make sure nothing gets left behind or goes sideways. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary sometimes. If the usual way doesn’t work, don’t worry — there are some workarounds. This will help clean up your digital mess and hopefully speed things up or make it less cluttered.
How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 10
Accessing the right tools — the Settings menu
- Click on the Start button or hit the Windows key.
- Push over to Settings (the gear icon).It’s usually in the Start menu or you can press Windows + I to open Settings directly.
This is the control center for a lot of Windows settings, including apps. Sometimes apps don’t want to uninstall properly, and that’s when you’ve gotta dig a little deeper or try other methods.
Step 1: Find the app in Apps & Features
- Once in Settings, go to Apps.
- Click on Apps & Features — it pulls up a list of everything installed.
This part is usually reliable, but note that some programs don’t show up here, especially if they were installed via other means — like through part of a game launcher or custom installer. That’s when you need to try alternative methods.
Step 2: Pick your target app and uninstall
- Scroll through the list, find the app that’s causing trouble or you just want gone.
- Click on it. You should see an Uninstall button appear. Click that.
On some setups, this works smoothly; on others, you might get a message saying it can’t uninstall or it spins forever. Sometimes, you’ll have an uninstall option from the app’s folder itself, or via a dedicated uninstaller in the Start menu or control panel.
Step 3: Handling stubborn apps — use PowerShell or third-party tools
- If the usual uninstall fails or the button’s grayed out, it’s time for PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Open PowerShell as admin — right-click the Start button, choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type:
Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackagereplacing *appname* with part of the app’s name. For example, if you want to remove a built-in app like Xbox, you could do:Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage.
This trick often works for built-in apps that refuse to uninstall normally. But be careful — removing some system apps might cause issues, so avoid it unless you’re sure it’s safe.
Alternative: Use third-party uninstallers
- For more complex or leftover files, tools like Revo Uninstaller or CCleaner can really help with stubborn apps. They scan for residual files and registry entries that Windows’ built-in uninstaller might miss.
- Sometimes, you need to run those uninstallers after the regular process, especially if apps are leaving junk behind or not showing up in the usual places.
Extra tip: Check for leftover files manually
Even after uninstalling, some folders hang around. Common places include C:\Program Files\, C:\Program Files (x86)\, or in your user profile under AppData. Deleting these manually is risky but can be necessary if space needs reclaiming. Just keep in mind — don’t delete stuff randomly; know what you’re removing.
Tips for avoiding future uninstall headaches
- Always back up important data before tinkering with uninstalling stuff.
- If an app keeps reinstalling or refuses to go, check if it’s part of a larger suite or managed via an enterprise policy.
- When deleting system apps, research first — some are vital.
- Restart after uninstalling, even if Windows doesn’t tell you to, as it can clear out residual files or cache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall an app after uninstalling it?
Definitely. Most apps can be re-downloaded from the Microsoft Store or the original installer. On some devices, you might need to hunt down the installer or visit the app’s website.
Will uninstalling apps boost my PC speed?
In some cases, yes — especially if those apps were background processes or using system resources. But don’t expect miracles; clearing space and removing background apps can help overall efficiency.
What if I can’t find an app to uninstall?
Some apps are tricky, especially if installed outside of normal methods. You might need to look into dedicated uninstaller software or check the app’s official website for removal instructions.
Should I uninstall pre-installed Windows apps?
Some can be safely removed, but be sure they aren’t essential for your Windows functions. Do your research first — some ‘bloatware’ is okay to ditch, but others might cause unexpected issues if removed.
How to uninstall persistent apps that won’t uninstall normally?
Use PowerShell commands or third-party tools. Sometimes, a forced removal via command line or specialized software is the only way, but beware of damaging critical system files.
Summary
- Access Settings > Apps > Apps & Features and try uninstalling from there.
- If that fails, use PowerShell or third-party uninstaller tools.
- Check for residual files manually, but be cautious with deletion.
Wrap-up
Uninstalling apps on Windows 10 can be straightforward or a bit of a pain, depending on the app. Usually, the built-in options do the job, but sometimes you need to get your hands dirty with PowerShell or specialized tools. Just remember to proceed carefully, especially with system apps or when manually deleting leftover files. A bit of patience can save a lot of headaches later on.