Getting rid of a program or app on Windows 11 shouldn’t be a pain in the neck, but sometimes Windows likes to be a bit tricky. You might get stuck because an app won’t uninstall properly, or the option’s greyed out. Or maybe you’ve hit the dreaded “Uninstall doesn’t work” message because the app’s still running in the background. Fair enough, it’s a bit annoying, but with a peu of troubleshooting and knowing where to look, you can usually banish unwanted software without too much drama. This guide walks you through a few different ways—some dead simple, others a tad more advanced—to help clean up your system and free up space. Because honestly, a cluttered PC can slow you down, and doing a tidy-up now and then is a handy little trick that makes a difference.
How to Uninstall Apps in Windows 11
Method 1: Use the Settings App—The Straightforward Way
This is the go-to method most folks try first. Pretty easy to do, but sometimes a bit quirky if the app’s acting up or tied into Windows system parts. Still, worth a shot for most apps.
- Click the Start Menu icon or press the Windows key to open it.
- Go to Settings (the gear icon), or press Windows + I.
- In Settings, click on Apps. That shows all your installed apps and programs.
- Use the search bar or scroll through the list to find what you want gone.
- Click on the app, then hit Uninstall. Windows will ask if you’re sure—hit Uninstall again.
Just keep in mind, sometimes apps don’t disappear straight away. You might need to restart your PC or close the app first. Some uninstallers leave behind files or folders, especially tricky ones. But for most things, this gets the job done.
Method 2: Check for Background Processes and Clear Stubborn Apps
Sometimes, apps won’t uninstall because they’re still running or their files are locked. Common with browsers like Chrome, gaming platforms like Steam, or utility tools that run in the background.
First, try closing them properly, then give the uninstall another go.
- Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for the app or related processes in the Processes tab.
- Right-click on the process, then choose End task.
- Once closed, head back to Settings > Apps, find the app, and click Uninstall.
If that doesn’t do the trick, a quick reboot might fix it. Some apps are installed as “Universal Windows Platform” (UWP) apps, which sometimes behave a bit differently. For those, you might need to jump into PowerShell (more on that below).
Method 3: Use PowerShell—A More Forcing Approach
This gets a bit technical, but it’s handy if an app refuses to budge. Particularly useful for built-in Windows apps or those from the Microsoft Store that don’t want to uninstall the usual way.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- To see all installed apps, run:
Get-AppxPackage. It’ll spit out a big list, but you can target specific ones with commands like: - For example, to remove a particular app, run:
Remove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName>where `PackageFullName` is the app’s exact name. To find it, use:
Get-AppxPackage *appname*/ - Or to remove all the built-in Microsoft Store apps, run:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
Heads up: playing around with PowerShell can go sideways if you’re not careful. Plus, some apps are tied deeply into Windows — removing them could cause hiccups or glitches. That’s why it’s best used as a last resort, and only if you know what you’re doing.
Tips for a Smooth Uninstall
- Make sure the apps are shut down before trying to uninstall. They can be stubborn if they’re still open—use Task Manager if needed.
- Reboot your PC after uninstalling, especially if things act funny afterward.
- If an app is stubborn, try running the uninstaller in Safe Mode. A clean boot can help clear out any blocks.
- Be careful with system apps—some are essential for Windows to run properly. Don’t touch those unless you’re confident.
- If you installed the app outside the Microsoft Store, like from a website, check if it has its own uninstaller or use Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
FAQs
Can I reinstall an app after removing it?
Sure thing. Most apps can be redownloaded or reinstalled from the Microsoft Store or the developer’s website without drama.
What if the uninstall button’s greyed out?
This generally means the app is still running in the background or is a protected system component. Close it first, or reboot into Safe Mode, then try again.
Can I see all my apps in one go?
Absolutely. Check Settings > Apps for a list, or head to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features for a traditional view. PowerShell can list them too but takes a bit more effort.
Why can’t I uninstall some apps?
Because they’re system-critical or came pre-installed with Windows. Removing those could cause issues, so Windows keeps them locked.
Are third-party uninstallers worth a shot?
Sometimes. Tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can help tidy up leftovers and force removing stubborn apps, but be cautious—some aren’t worth the hassle or might cause issues.
The Bottom Line
Getting rid of apps on Windows 11 isn’t always dead easy, especially with different types of programs and permissions. Using the Settings app is the least fuss, but if that doesn’t cut it, trying Task Manager or PowerShell can save the day. Remember, sometimes a quick reboot or closing a process is all it takes. Thankfully, a bit of patience goes a long way.
Hopefully, this helps save someone a headache down the track. Nothing worse than a cluttered PC bogging you down. Keep an eye on what you’ve got installed, and do a tidy-up every so often for a smoother ride. Good luck, mate!
Quick Summary
- Open Settings from the Start menu (Settings > Apps).
- Find the app and click Uninstall.
- Close apps and background processes if uninstalling is a pain.
- If stubborn, try PowerShell — but be careful.