Getting rid of apps from the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s not brain surgery either. Sometimes the steps are straightforward, and other times the uninstall option’s greyed out or MIA — typical Windows, making things trickier than they need to be. Here’s what I’ve picked up after having a go with various setups.
Uninstalling Apps on Microsoft Store Windows 11
Basically, this is your go-to method if you grabbed the apps straight from the store, which is usually the case. Managing apps this way helps keep your system tidy and is handy if you’re trying to free up some space or do a bit of spring clean. Just a heads up though: some built-in system apps or Store apps can be a bit stubborn and don’t want to go quietly. Anyway, here’s the step-by-step.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Kick off by clicking the Windows icon or just tap Windows on your keyboard. That opens up the Start menu, which is kinda like your dashboard for managing apps. On some setups, it can be a bit sluggish, and I’ve seen it not load immediately — might be a little glitch. If that happens, a quick restart of Explorer might do the trick.
Step 2: Find the App
Use the search bar in the menu — just start typing the app’s name. Found it? Top bloody job. Sometimes apps hide deep in the list, but searching makes things heaps easier. Pro tip: if you see the app listed under “Installed apps,” you’re sweet. Some apps might only show up in Settings, so keep that in mind.
Step 3: Right-Click the App
When the app appears, right-click it, and a little menu will pop up. This is the control centre for that app. On some machines, right-clicking can be a bit dodgy if the system’s running like a dog — patience or a quick reboot can often sort it out.
Step 4: Select Uninstall
Look for the “Uninstall” option in the menu. Clicking it should prompt a confirmation. If it’s greyed out or isn’t there, that’s a pain. You might need to check your permissions or some of the app’s settings are locking it down. Sometimes, you can go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and hit uninstall from there — that’s often deadset reliable.
Step 5: Follow On-Screen Prompts
A window will pop up asking you to confirm. Just click Uninstall and hang tight — it might take a minute. Sometimes you’ll see a progress bar or message saying the app’s being removed. If it stalls or nothing happens, a reboot can sometimes give it a leg up.
That’s about all there is to it. After that, the app should vanish from your system, freeing up space and tidying things up. Sounds simple, but yeah — sometimes uninstalling can be a pain in the backside.
Tips for Uninstalling Apps on Microsoft Store Windows 11
- Make a quick list of apps you never use — makes it easier to knock them all over at once rather than hunting each down individually.
- Double-check before smashing that “Uninstall” button — this way you don’t end up wondering what bits or data might still be floating around.
- Use Storage settings (go to Settings > System > Storage) to see what’s hogging the space before deciding to dump apps.
- Remember: if the uninstall option is missing or greyed out, you might need to run PowerShell with admin rights or use the Control Panel.
- If an app’s playing hard to get, a quick reboot or a run of a PowerShell script can often do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reinstall an app after uninstalling it?
Just head over to the Microsoft Store, search for the app you got rid of, and click Install. Easy as. Sometimes, you’ll need to log back in or tweak a few settings, but no dramas.
Can I uninstall pre-installed apps on Windows 11?
Some of those are baked into Windows and can’t be chucked without a bit of tinkering, like using PowerShell or third-party tools. Be careful though — removing certain system apps can throw your system out of whack.
What if the uninstall option is greyed out?
This usually happens with system or protected apps. Try running Get-AppxPackage in PowerShell as an admin and removing the package manually. Sometimes a restart helps too.
Does uninstalling an app delete all its data?
Generally, yeah. But some bits might stick around in your user folder or app data. For a thorough clean-up, you might need to manually delete leftover folders, like in C:\Users\YourName\AppData.
Are there other ways to uninstall apps?
For sure. You can use the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features if you’re familiar, or grab a third-party uninstaller to get rid of leftovers and clean the registry more thoroughly.
Summary
- Open the Start menu and search for the app
- Right-click and choose Uninstall
- Follow what it tells you — sometimes a reboot helps do the trick
- Check your storage to make sure space has been freed up
Hopefully, this makes life easier for someone down the track. Windows can be a bit of a mongrel at times, but with a few extra steps or a quick reboot, most apps are gone in a tick. Cheers for reading!