How To Uninstall a Program in Windows 11: A Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial

Uninstalling a program on Windows 11 is usually pretty straightforward, but sometimes it’s not as smooth as it sounds. You might find that некоторые programs stubbornly refuse to disappear or leave behind leftover files even after clicking the uninstall option. Been there, done that — of course, Windows had to make it a little more complicated than just clicking “Uninstall”.If a program just won’t go away or you’re not sure if it’s fully gone, this guide will walk through some practical steps. Doing these can help clear up space, fix weird glitches, or just tidy up your start menu. Usually, a simple removal is enough, but in some cases, you might need to dig a little deeper or try alternative methods.

How to Uninstall a Program on Windows 11

Method 1: Via Settings (the usual way)

This is the default method and what most folks do. It works for most programs, especially the ones you installed yourself, not the pre-loaded system stuff. The reason it helps is that Windows keeps a list of installed apps, and this is where you tell it to get rid of them. You can expect the program to be gone from your system afterward, and hopefully it frees up some space or resources. On some setups, it might be pretty quick, but when stuff’s left lingering, you’ll need to clean that up separately.

Open the Start menu (click the Windows icon at the bottom-left).
Click on Settings. Or, just press Windows + I for a shortcut.
Navigate to Apps, then choose Apps & features.
Scroll through or use the search box to find the program you want to uninstall.
Click on the program, then hit Uninstall. Confirm any prompts, and follow the uninstall wizard if it appears.

Note: Some programs may trigger their own uninstallers; watch for those pop-ups. A little patience helps, though some uninstallers can be a bit wonky or leave junk behind. On those stubborn ones, try the second method below.

Method 2: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt

This is handy if the usual uninstall doesn’t work or the program isn’t showing up in Apps & features. Sometimes, leftover entries or broken uninstallation links can make things tricky, and manually uninstalling via command line can be more effective. You’ll need to know the exact package name or app ID, which you can get using PowerShell.

Open PowerShell as administrator (search for PowerShell, right-click, choose Run as administrator).
Type the following command to see all installed packages: Get-AppxPackage
Find the package related to the program or app you want gone. Navigate through the list or use: Get-AppxPackage *name* — replacing *name* with part of the app’s name.
Uninstall it with: Remove-AppxPackage — where is from the list you just got.

Be aware: this mainly works for UWP apps, not traditional Win32 software. For those, use the third-party tools below.

Method 3: Use a third-party uninstaller (because Windows sometimes sucks at this)

If the built-in options fail, a dedicated uninstaller can help. There are tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller that scan for leftover files, registry entries, and stubborn services. They usually work better when programs are acting weird or leaving remnants that make it seem like they’re still there. Just download, install, and follow the prompts. Usually, these tools give you a cleaner, more thorough removal than Windows alone.

Make sure to only grab these from official sites or trusted sources — malware is a pain.
Run the uninstaller, find your program, and choose the deep scan or registry cleanup option.
Sometimes, you might need to restart after the cleanup.

Additional tips: What else to know

Because Windows doesn’t always handle uninstalling perfectly, keep in mind these extras:

If the app doesn’t show up anywhere, check the Control Panel under Programs & Features.
Be cautious about deleting files manually from C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). That can mess things up if you’re not careful.
Sometimes, a restart or a re-scan with a cleanup tool fixes leftover stuff.

Tips for sticking points and what not to forget

Stop tearing your hair out over stubborn uninstalls. Try the command line or third-party tools if needed.
Always back up important data just in case things go sideways — better safe than sorry.
Regularly reviewing installed apps keeps your system lean and mean.
Be cautious about uninstalling pre-installed system apps unless you’re sure they’re not needed. Some are critical for Windows to run properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will uninstalling a program delete all its files?

Loosely, yes, but not always. Some leftover files and registry entries stay behind, especially with the standard uninstaller. For a deeper clean, consider tools like Revo Uninstaller or similar.

Can I reinstall a program after uninstalling?

Yep, just re-download and install from the original source or installer. No biggie.

What if the program isn’t listed in Apps & features?

Try looking in the Control Panel > Programs & Features. If it still doesn’t show, maybe it’s a portable app or a hidden system component. Third-party uninstallers can sometimes see stuff Windows misses.

Does uninstalling improve performance?

Generally, yes. Removing apps that run in the background or crash can free up RAM and CPU cycles. Especially if you’re noticing lag or low disk space.

Is it safe to uninstall pre-installed software?

Depends. Some pre-installed apps are part of Windows, and removing them could break features. Research first or stick to optional ones. Be extra cautious with tools that say they remove “OAuth” or “Security” modules unless you really know what you’re doing.

Summary

Open Settings via Start • Settings (Windows + I).
Navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
Find your program, click it, then choose Uninstall.
If needed, use PowerShell or third-party tools for stubborn cases.

Wrap-up

Uninstalling stuff on Windows 11 isn’t always perfect, but it’s doable. Sometimes programs stick around, but with a little persistence—whether through the built-in options, command line, or specialized cleanup tools—you can pretty much get rid of what you don’t need. Just be careful with what you delete, and don’t forget to back up important data. Overall, managing installed apps keeps your machine happier and running smoother — that’s what counts. Fingers crossed this helps someone avoid hours of frustration.