How To Uninstall Apps On Windows 10

Uninstalling apps on Windows 10 can be a simple and efficient process, regardless of whether you are a tech-savvy professional or a casual user. With just a few clicks, you can declutter your system and free up valuable disk space. So, let's explore the various methods to uninstall apps on Windows 10 and streamline your digital workspace.

When it comes to removing apps on Windows 10, there are a few key methods to consider. The traditional approach is through the control panel, which allows you to uninstall programs one by one. Another option is using the Microsoft Store, where you can manage and remove apps downloaded from the store quickly. Additionally, the Settings app provides a comprehensive overview of all installed apps, allowing you to uninstall them efficiently. By utilizing these methods, you can keep your system optimized and running smoothly.

Uninstalling Apps on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 10 offers a variety of apps that enhance productivity and entertainment on your device. However, over time, you may find that some of these apps are no longer useful or taking up valuable space on your computer. In such cases, it becomes essential to uninstall these apps to free up space and optimize your system's performance. If you're wondering how to uninstall apps on Windows 10 efficiently, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we will walk you through the process step-by-step.

1. Uninstalling Apps from the Start Menu

The Start Menu is a convenient place to access and manage your apps. To uninstall an app using the Start Menu, follow these steps:

• Click on the "Start" button located in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
• Navigate to the app you want to uninstall in the list of installed apps.
• Right-click on the app's icon and select "Uninstall" from the context menu that appears.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

1.1 Uninstalling Built-in Windows 10 Apps

Windows 10 comes with several built-in apps that are part of the operating system. These apps include Mail, Calendar, Calculator, and more. To uninstall these apps, you can follow the same steps mentioned earlier. However, if you accidentally uninstall a built-in app and want to reinstall it, you can do so from the Microsoft Store.

To reinstall a built-in app, follow these steps:

• Open the Microsoft Store from the Start Menu.
• Search for the app you want to reinstall.
• Click on the app and select the "Install" button.
• Wait for the installation process to complete, and the app will be available for use again.

2. Uninstalling Apps from the Settings Menu

If you prefer a more comprehensive view of your installed apps, you can use the Settings menu to uninstall them. Here's how:

• Click on the "Start" button and select the "Settings" gear icon.
• In the Settings menu, click on "Apps."
• In the Apps & Features section, you will see a list of all installed apps.
• Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to uninstall.
• Click on the app and select the "Uninstall" button.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

2.1 Uninstalling Desktop Apps

In addition to the built-in Windows 10 apps, you may also have desktop apps installed on your system. These are traditional software applications that you install manually, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or Google Chrome. Uninstalling desktop apps is similar to uninstalling built-in apps.

To uninstall a desktop app, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings menu as explained earlier.
• Click on "Apps" and navigate to the Apps & Features section.
• Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to uninstall.
• Click on the app and select the "Uninstall" button.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

3. Uninstalling Apps from the Control Panel

If you prefer a more traditional method of uninstalling apps, you can use the Control Panel. Here's how:

• Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start Menu.
• In the Control Panel, click on "Programs" or "Programs and Features."
• A list of installed programs will appear.
• Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to uninstall.
• Click on the app and select the "Uninstall" button.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

3.1 Uninstalling System-Level Apps

In some cases, you may encounter system-level apps that do not appear in the Settings menu or Control Panel. These apps are typically installed by the manufacturer and are necessary for the functioning of your device. Uninstalling system-level apps can potentially cause issues with your operating system, so it's advisable to exercise caution when dealing with them.

If you still want to uninstall a system-level app, it's recommended to seek guidance from the manufacturer or use specialized uninstaller software designed for such purposes.

4. Cleaning Up Residual Files and Registry Entries

After uninstalling an app, it's a good practice to clean up any residual files and registry entries associated with the app. These remnants can accumulate over time and may impact your system's performance. Here are a few steps to follow:

• Use the Windows built-in search function to find any files or folders related to the uninstalled app.
• Delete any leftover files or folders found.
• To clean up registry entries, type "regedit" in the Run dialog (accessible by pressing Windows Key + R).
• Navigate to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software" and "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software".
• Search for the app's name or the developer's name in these sections.
• Delete any relevant registry entries associated with the uninstalled app.

It's important to note that modifying the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with this process, it's recommended to use trusted third-party registry cleaners or seek assistance from a professional.

Another Dimension of Uninstalling Apps: PowerShell

For more advanced users, PowerShell provides a powerful method to uninstall apps on Windows 10. PowerShell is a command-line interface that allows you to perform various tasks, including app management. Here's how:

1. Open PowerShell

To open PowerShell on Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the Start Menu button.
• In the context menu, select "Windows PowerShell" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" if you have administrative privileges.

2. Uninstalling Apps with PowerShell

Once PowerShell is open, you can use specific commands to uninstall apps. Here are a few examples:

2.1 Uninstalling a Specific App

To uninstall a specific app using PowerShell, follow these steps:

Get-AppxPackage -Name "App Name" | Remove-AppxPackage

Replace "App Name" with the name of the app you want to uninstall. This command will search for the app and remove it from your system.

2.2 Uninstalling All Apps from a Specific Developer

If you want to uninstall all apps from a specific developer, follow these steps:

Get-AppxPackage -Publisher "Publisher Name" | Remove-AppxPackage

Replace "Publisher Name" with the name of the developer. This command will search for all apps published by the specified developer and remove them from your system.

2.3 Uninstalling All Third-Party Apps

If you only want to keep the built-in Windows 10 apps and uninstall all third-party apps, follow these steps:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.PublisherId -ne "CN=Microsoft Corporation, O=Microsoft Corporation, L=Redmond, S=Washington, C=US"} | Remove-AppxPackage

This command will search for all non-Microsoft apps and remove them from your system.

In Conclusion

Uninstalling apps on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help optimize your system's performance and free up valuable space. Whether you choose to use the Start Menu, Settings menu, Control Panel, or PowerShell, the key is to follow the steps carefully and exercise caution when dealing with system-level apps or modifying the Windows Registry. By regularly uninstalling unnecessary apps and cleaning up residual files, you can ensure your Windows 10 device runs smoothly and efficiently.

Steps to Uninstall Apps on Windows 10

• Click on the "Start" button located at the bottom left corner of the screen.
• Go to "Settings" by clicking on the gear-shaped icon.
• In the "Settings" window, select "Apps."
• Choose the app you want to uninstall and click on it.
• Click on the "Uninstall" button.
• A confirmation window will appear. Click "Uninstall" to proceed.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
• Restart your computer to ensure that the app is fully uninstalled.

By following these steps, you can easily uninstall apps on Windows 10. It is important to keep your computer tidy and remove any unnecessary apps to free up storage space and improve performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Uninstalling apps on Windows 10 is a common task that many users need to do. Whether you want to free up storage space or remove unwanted applications, learning how to uninstall apps effectively is essential. Here are some frequently asked questions about uninstalling apps on Windows 10.

1. How can I uninstall an app from the Windows 10 Start menu?

To uninstall an app from the Windows 10 Start menu, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Locate the app you want to uninstall in the list of installed programs.
3. Right-click on the app and select "Uninstall" from the context menu.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

In some cases, you may need to confirm the uninstallation by clicking "Yes" or entering your administrator password.

2. Can I uninstall multiple apps at once on Windows 10?

Yes, you can uninstall multiple apps at once on Windows 10. Here's how:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the "Windows" key + "I" on your keyboard.
2. Click on "Apps" in the Settings window.
3. Select the "Apps & features" tab on the left sidebar.
4. Scroll down the list of installed apps and select the apps you want to uninstall.
5. Click on the "Uninstall" button for each selected app.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

This method allows you to uninstall multiple apps simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

3. How can I uninstall a Windows 10 app using PowerShell?

If you prefer using PowerShell, you can uninstall a Windows 10 app using the following steps:

1. Open PowerShell with administrative privileges by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage
3. Locate the package name of the app you want to uninstall from the list.
4. Type the following command and press Enter, replacing "PackageFullName" with the actual package name: Remove-AppxPackage -Package "PackageFullName"

This method allows you to uninstall system apps and built-in apps that cannot be uninstalled using the regular methods.

4. Can I reinstall a previously uninstalled app on Windows 10?

Yes, you can reinstall a previously uninstalled app on Windows 10. Here's how:

1. Open the Microsoft Store app by clicking on its icon in the Start menu.
2. In the search bar at the top, type the name of the app you want to reinstall.
3. Select the app from the search results and click on the "Install" button.

The app will be downloaded and installed on your Windows 10 device, allowing you to use it again.

5. How can I remove bloatware and pre-installed apps on Windows 10?

To remove bloatware and pre-installed apps on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the "Windows" key + "I" on your keyboard.
2. Click on "Apps" in the Settings window.
3. Select the "Apps & features" tab on the left sidebar.
4. Scroll down the list of installed apps and select the app you want to remove.
5. Click on the "Uninstall" button for the selected app.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

To sum it up, uninstalling apps on Windows 10 is a simple process that can help optimize your device's performance and free up valuable storage space. By following these steps, you can easily remove unwanted apps from your computer:

• Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
• Click on "Apps" and select "Apps & features".
• Scroll through the list of installed apps, locate the app you want to uninstall, and click on it.
• Click the "Uninstall" button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Remember to only uninstall apps that you no longer need or use. Be cautious when uninstalling system apps or apps that are necessary for your computer's functionality. If you have any doubts, it's always a good idea to do a quick internet search or consult a technical professional to ensure you are making the right decision.