Uninstalling an app from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 sounds dead simple, right? Just right-click, hit uninstall, done. But sometimes it’s not that straightforward. Certain apps refuse to uninstall, or the option’s greyed out, and you’re left scratching your head. Maybe you just want to tidy up, or you’re chasing that extra bit of performance. Whatever the reason, knowing a few tricks under the hood can save a lot of frustration. Plus, some apps leave residual files or dependencies behind, so a little extra cleanup might be needed to really free up space or fix issues.
How to Remove Apps from Windows 11 Properly
This walkthrough will help you uninstall those pesky apps more thoroughly, whether through the Settings or PowerShell, especially if they’re stubborn. The goal? Get rid of unwanted apps completely, or at least stop them from cluttering your list and eating up resources.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings (the usual way)
This is usually enough for most apps, but some built-in or system apps can be tricky. It’s quick, and if it works, it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s what to do:
- Click Start, then select Settings.
- Head over to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Scroll through the list or use search to find the app you want gone.
- Click on the app, then hit the Uninstall button that appears.
- A prompt will ask if you’re sure, just confirm to kick off the uninstallation.
This method triggers the standard uninstall process, which usually works—but not always. Especially with some built-in apps or those with leftover components.
Method 2: Use PowerShell for the stubborn or built-in apps
This is where things get a bit more technical, but it’s powerful. Sometimes the app just refuses to go via normal uninstall, or you want to scrub residual components. PowerShell can help — but beware, this can mess things up if you aren’t careful. Always run PowerShell as an administrator:
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- Type this command to list installed Microsoft Store apps:
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName - Find the app’s PackageFullName in the output, then run:
Remove-AppxPackage -Package PackageFullName
Replace PackageFullName with the actual string you found. Keep in mind, removing built-in apps might break some system features, so only do this if you’re comfortable. On some setups, you might need to do this for specific package families, especially for pre-installed apps.
Fixing leftover files or dependencies
If you notice residual files after uninstalling, look into manually deleting app data stored in %LocalAppData% or %ProgramFiles%. Sometimes, apps leave behind folders you can clean, freeing up space. And don’t forget to check if there are leftover services or scheduled tasks if the app was more integrated.
To really clean up, tools like Winhance or third-party uninstallers can help, especially if you want to avoid manually hunting for leftovers. But be careful with third-party tools — always backup first.
One odd thing—on some machines, the uninstall steps need a reboot or two before they fully take. Sometimes the app still shows in the list, but that’s normal. Just restart and check again.
Tips if Things Aren’t Going Smoothly
- Double-check the app’s details in Settings > Apps > Installed Apps before uninstalling, just to confirm it’s the one you want gone.
- If the uninstall option is grayed out, it might be a system app or owned by Windows. Better leave those alone unless you’re prepared for potential issues.
- Running PowerShell as administrator is generally needed for deeper cleanup or stubborn apps.
- Sometimes, doing a quick reboot after uninstalling clears lingering effects and updates the app list properly.
- Avoid deleting app data manually unless you know what you’re doing—residual files might be important or could cause errors if removed incorrectly.
FAQs — Uninstalling tips and tricks
Does uninstalling an app delete all its files?
Mostly, yes. But some leftovers can hide in your user folders or registry. If space is a concern, a dedicated cleanup tool might help, but always be cautious.
Can I reinstall apps after uninstalling?
Definitely. Just head back to the Microsoft Store and download whatever you need again. No biggie there.
What if the uninstall button is missing or grayed out?
This often happens with core system apps or some bloatware. In that case, PowerShell or third-party tools are the way to go, but do your homework first.
Is admin rights required?
Yep, most of the time. You’ll need admin privileges to remove apps that came pre-installed or are tied deeply into Windows.
Will removing apps help my PC run smoother?
In many cases, yes — fewer apps mean fewer background processes and less clutter, which can give your system a slight boost. But don’t expect miracles unless you’re ridding of some real resource hogs.
Summary
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
- Find the app you want gone
- Click on it, then hit Uninstall
- If needed, use PowerShell for tougher cases
- Clean residual files if you’re feeling thorough
Wrap-up
Uninstalling apps on Windows 11 isn’t always as smooth as it looks, especially with some of the bloatware or built-ins that refuse to budge. But with these tricks, you’re better equipped to clear out what you don’t need and keep your system lean. Just remember, sometimes a restart is all it takes to see the changes, and always be cautious if delving into PowerShell or manual cleanup. The more familiar you get with your system, the easier it is to keep it uncluttered and speedy.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Good luck, and happy cleaning!