A Complete Guide to Uninstalling Apps on Windows 11

Key Notes

• Multiple methods available for uninstalling applications.
• Specific commands for PowerShell and Command Prompt users.
• Easy removal of optional features included with Windows 11.

Mastering App Uninstallation: A Comprehensive Guide for Windows 11 Users

Managing your applications on Windows 11 is crucial for optimal performance and usability. This guide will explore multiple straightforward methods to uninstall unwanted applications effectively.

Remove Apps Using Settings

To uninstall an application using Settings on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Windows 11 device.

2. Click on Apps.

3. Select Installed apps.

4. Find and select the target application for removal.

5. Click the app menu (three dots) and choose the “Uninstall” option.

6. Confirm by clicking on the Uninstall button again.

7. Follow any additional on-screen instructions if prompted.

When you finish these steps, the selected app will be removed.

Remove Apps Using Start Menu

To uninstall applications directly from the Start menu, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Select the All apps icon located at the top-right corner.

3. Right-click on the desired app and choose the Uninstall option.

4. Click the Uninstall button again to confirm.

5. Proceed with any additional instructions that may appear.

Once these steps are completed, the application will be uninstalled from your system. You can also access this option using the “Pinned” section.

Remove Apps via Windows Search

Here are the steps to uninstall an application using the Windows Search feature:

1. Click the Search icon on the Taskbar.

2. Type the name of the application you wish to uninstall.

3. Right-click on the app and select the Uninstall option.

4. Click Uninstall again to confirm your choice.

5. Follow any additional instructions on-screen if required.

Following this process will remove the application from your Windows 11 setup.

Remove Optional Features Apps

Built-in applications categorized as “optional features” can also be removed. To do this:

1. Open the Settings menu.

2. Navigate to System.

3. Find and select Optional features.

4. Choose the app you wish to remove under the Added features section.

5. Press the Remove button to uninstall.

Once you’ve completed these steps, the selected optional feature will no longer exist on your system.

Remove Programs via Control Panel

To uninstall programs through the Control Panel:

1. Launch Control Panel.

2. Click on “Uninstall a program” in the “Programs” section.

3. Select the application you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.

4. Follow any further prompts that appear on-screen.

After completing these steps, the specified application will be removed. Please note that this method is limited to Win32 apps and does not include Microsoft Store applications, which might be deprecated in future updates.

Remove Apps Using Command Prompt

To remove applications using Command Prompt, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

3. To see all installed applications, type the following command and hit Enter : winget list

4. To uninstall a specific app, type: winget uninstall --id APP-ID and press Enter. Make sure to change APP-ID to the actual app ID.

Completing these steps will uninstall the application from your computer.

Remove Apps Using PowerShell

For uninstalling apps through PowerShell, execute the following procedure:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Search for PowerShell, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.

3. Enter the command Get-AppxPackage | select Name, PackageFamilyName to view installed apps.

4. To uninstall an application, type: Get-AppxPackage PROGRAM-NAME | Remove-AppxPackage and hit Enter. Replace PROGRAM-NAME with the app’s actual name.

After following these steps, the selected app will be uninstalled and will remain available for reinstallation from the Microsoft Store if desired.

Additional Tips

• Always ensure you verify which application you are uninstalling to avoid data loss.
• For stubborn applications, check the software’s official website for specific uninstallation instructions.
• Utilize the Disk Cleanup tool post-uninstallation to free up any associated storage space.

Summary

This guide outlines multiple effective methods to uninstall applications on Windows 11, from the Settings app and Start menu to Command Prompt and PowerShell. Following these procedures can help manage your software, keeping your system running smoothly.

Conclusion

Uninstalling applications on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through several different methods. Choose the one that most suits your needs, whether it be through settings or commands. Regularly managing your applications will lead to a better computing experience.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)