How to uninstall programs in Windows 11

Applies to Windows 11. In Windows 10, the same option is under Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

Uninstall a program

From Settings

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Search for the program or scroll the list.
4. Click ... next to it, choose Uninstall and click Uninstall again to confirm.
5. Follow the program's own uninstaller if one opens.

From the Start menu

1. Click Start and open All apps.
2. Right-click the app and choose Uninstall.
3. Desktop programs open the Settings or Control Panel list; Store apps are removed immediately.

From Control Panel (classic programs)

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
2. Select the program and click Uninstall.

Uninstall with the command line (winget)

Open Terminal and run winget list to see installed apps, then winget uninstall "App Name". This is handy for removing several apps quickly or apps that don't show in Settings.

If a program won't uninstall

1. Restart the PC and try again - the app may be running in the background.
2. Close it from Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
3. Download the vendor's own removal tool (many antivirus programs have one).
4. Run Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter from Microsoft's support site.
5. For a Store app that's stuck, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > ... > Advanced options > Reset, then uninstall.

Which apps are safe to remove?

Games and trial software preinstalled by the manufacturer are usually safe to remove. Be careful with drivers and utilities named after your hardware (audio, touchpad, graphics) - removing them can break features. Some core Windows apps can't be uninstalled.