Deleting apps on Windows 10 isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds—sometimes, things get quirky or apps refuse to uninstall completely. It’s kind of annoying, especially when you want to clear up space fast. This guide lays out a few practical ways to get those unwanted programs out of your system, whether you’re just doing a bit of spring cleaning or cleaning up after a software mess. Expect to free up storage, speed up performance, and maybe even fix some app conflicts by doing this right.
How to Delete Apps on Windows 10
Method 1: Using Settings to Uninstall
This is the default way most people do it. Open Settings via the Start menu or search bar. Go to Apps—it’s where Windows lists everything installed. Find the app you don’t need anymore, click it, then hit Uninstall. You might get some confirmation prompts, and on some apps, you’ll have to follow extra steps or even go through their own uninstallers. On a few setups, this method can turn into a bit of a dance—sometimes apps stubbornly refuse to go, or they have leftover files that keep hanging around. It helps because it’s built-in, quick, and usually safe. It applies when you see an app in the list and want to clean up fast. Expect it to remove the app from your system and free some space. Sometimes, after uninstalling, a quick reboot helps clear residual files or background services that might still be running. But be warned—some apps, especially those pre-installed or integrated with Windows, just won’t go without more effort.
Method 2: PowerShell Commands for Stubborn Apps
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. If an app refuses to uninstall via the normal route, PowerShell can step in. It’s kinda nerdy, but it works. Open PowerShell as an administrator (search for PowerShell, right-click, choose ‘Run as administrator’).Then, type in a command like:
Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage Replace *appname* with part of the app’s package name (or use wildcards).You can find the specific app’s package name with:
Get-AppxPackagewhich lists all installed apps. Copy the name from that list and plug it into the remove command. This works great for built-in apps that normally won’t uninstall through the GUI, like some Xbox or Microsoft Store apps. Keep in mind, this can be a bit risky, so double-check what you’re removing—on some setups, it might throw errors or remove things you didn’t expect. Enables you to get rid of apps that are deeply tied into Windows, especially once you’ve identified the name. Just don’t go removing system-critical stuff unless you’re sure. Often, this is used for cleaning up pre-installed apps for a more streamlined experience. A reboot afterward is usually recommended.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Uninstallers for Stubborn Apps
If an app is still hanging around despite the other methods, maybe it’s one of those stubborn programs that leaves junk behind. Tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can forcibly remove residual files and registry entries, making sure nothing is left behind. These are handy if you’re tired of manual methods or dealing with tricky uninstalls. Just pick a reputable one, install it, and follow its instructions. It’s usually as simple as selecting the app from a list and hitting uninstall—plus, it happily scans for leftover files so your drive isn’t cluttered. This helps especially for large, bloated applications or software that failed to uninstall normally. When apps refuse to go away or cause conflicts, third-party uninstallers often fix the problem. Expect a more thorough cleanup, but always be cautious with these tools—they can sometimes pick up stuff you might want to keep. Always backup first if unsure.
Tips for Handling Trouble Apps
- Make sure you’re uninstalling the right thing. Double-check the app name before hitting uninstall—some look alike.
- For stubborn apps, consider running PowerShell as admin or using third-party tools.
- Sometimes, Windows needs a restart or logging out to fully remove all parts of an app, especially if it’s system-integrated.
- Note that some built-in Windows apps, like Shopping or Xbox, can’t be fully removed this way without additional tweaks or scripts.
- If apps are taking up major space, sort by size in the Apps menu to find and prioritize big offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between deleting and uninstalling an app?
Uninstalling genuinely gets rid of the program from your system. Deleting might just mean removing shortcuts or temporary files. In Windows, you really wanna uninstall for the full clean.
Can an app be recovered once uninstalled?
Yep. Just reinstall from the Microsoft Store or the original installer you used.
Will uninstalling delete my data?
Usually, yes—most apps store their data in associated folders. Back up anything important before removing.
Some apps won’t uninstall—why?
If they’re built-in Windows apps or essential system components, Windows blocks removal. Sometimes, you can disable or hide them, but full uninstall isn’t always possible.
How often should I clean out apps?
Every few months is a good rule—keeps your system lighter and faster.
Summary
- Use Settings to uninstall apps you recognize and trust.
- Try PowerShell commands for stubborn or built-in apps.
- Third-party tools are your friends when apps refuse to go away.
- Reboot your PC after uninstalling to clear residual files.
Wrap-up
If nothing else, booting into PowerShell or grabbing a decent uninstaller can save the day when apps stubbornly cling to your system. Just remember, deleting stuff you’re not sure about can cause issues, so double-check before pulling the trigger. Cleaning out unused apps can really breathe new life into a sluggish computer, especially if it’s been a packrat for months. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone or at least makes the whole process less frustrating.