Uninstalling programs on Windows 11 isn’t as complicated as it sounds—especially once you know where to look. Maybe you’ve noticed your PC slowing down, or just want to clear out some space because you’ve got apps piling up you don’t use anymore. Whatever the reason, removing unwanted software helps keep things tidy, but sometimes it’s not straightforward. Windows 11 has a couple of ways to do it, but the built-in Settings method is probably the simplest for most folks. Just a heads up, some apps (like Microsoft built-ins or somewhat stubborn programs) might not uninstall cleanly, and you’ll need more advanced tools or even the control panel in those cases. This walkthrough should quickly get you rid of most applications, saving some space and frustration.
How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 11
Accessing the Settings menu
This is where it all starts. Click the Start menu, then hit the Settings icon. You can also press Windows + I to open Settings faster. On some setups, it’s just quicker this way, especially when your mouse is feeling lazy. Once you’re in Settings, navigate to Apps — that’s where all the magic happens. It shows a list of installed apps, and from here, you can start picking what to remove.
Locating the list of installed apps
In the Apps & Features section, you’ll see a set of apps listed. Sometimes, it’s painfully long, especially if you’ve been installing stuff left and right. Use the search box if you’re hunting for a specific program — saves scrolling time. Here’s a tip: on some devices, the list doesn’t always update instantly after an uninstall, so a quick restart can help clear out stale entries. Bonus: you can also sort the list by size or installation date if that helps you decide what to toss first.
Uninstalling the program
When you spot the app you want gone, click the three-dot menu (that’s the little…button) next to it, then choose Uninstall. Confirm any prompts that pop up, and Windows will handle the cleanup. Sometimes, Windows asks if you want to remove leftover files or registry entries; if you’re comfortable with it, check those options. Beware, though: some programs might throw a separate uninstaller window, or you might get prompted to restart your PC afterward. That’s normal. It’s weird, but on some machines this uninstall process can get buggy, so if it refuses to go away, you might need to try again or even use tools like the Microsoft Troubleshooter or third-party uninstaller apps like Revo Uninstaller.
Tips for a smoother uninstall process
- Double-check before clicking uninstall—don’t want to remove something critical by mistake.
- Turning off startup apps or background services for heavy uninstall tasks might help in some cases.
- Consider creating a system restore point first, just in case you accidentally break something. You can do that via Control Panel > System and Security > System > System protection.
- For stubborn apps, you might need to use Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt. For example, running
Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackagecan help remove built-in apps on some setups. - If the app still clings, checking the app’s own uninstall directory (usually in
C:\Program FilesorC:\Program Files (x86)) might reveal an executable you can run manually.
FAQs – Quick fixes and common headaches
What if the program isn’t listed in the Apps menu?
Sometimes, programs sneak past the list or are installed in weird locations. In those cases, try the Control Panel > Programs and Features. Or, for those stubborn Windows Store apps, you might need to run PowerShell commands or third-party tools like Winhance (GitHub: Winhance) to remove leftovers.
Reinstalling a program after removal?
Definitely doable. Just download it again from the official site or app store. No magic there—Windows doesn’t lock that away, just make sure you get the latest version.
Will uninstallation help boost PC speed?
Generally, yes. Removing unused apps frees up resources like disk space and RAM. Plus, fewer background services running means a snappier system. Not an overnight miracle, but it helps.
Are pre-installed Windows 11 apps safe to remove?
Handle with care. Some are core to Windows functions or updates. Removing essential ones might break parts of the OS or cause stability issues. When in doubt, Google the app name first or look for official advice.
How to remove multiple apps quickly?
Windows doesn’t support bulk uninstalls natively, but there are third-party tools like Ninite or batch scripts via PowerShell that can do the trick. Be cautious, though — always backup before mass-removing stuff.
Summary
- Open Settings and go to Apps.
- Check out the Installed Apps list.
- Find and click uninstall for the programs you want gone.
- Confirm prompts, restart if needed, and check for leftover files if problems crop up.
Wrap-up
Knocking out unwanted apps on Windows 11 is mostly straightforward, but occasionally things get weird—like stubborn programs or leftover registry entries. Having a couple of backup points and knowing about PowerShell or third-party uninstaller tools can save the day. Overall, this process can help declutter your PC, make things faster, and even reduce potential security risks from unused software. Because Windows? Of course, it has to make simple stuff more complicated than it needs to be. But once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone trying to clean up their machine — and yes, sometimes restarting the PC makes all the difference. Good luck, and don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper if needed!