Uninstalling a program or app on Windows 11 shouldn’t be a huge hassle, but sometimes it feels like Windows has its own stubborn way of making things complicated. You may get stuck because an app won’t uninstall properly, or perhaps the option is grayed out. Or maybe you’ve hit the dreaded “Uninstall doesn’t work” because the app is still running in the background. That’s kind of annoying, but luckily, with a bit of troubleshooting and knowing where to look, you can usually get rid of unneeded software without too much fuss. This guide will walk through different ways—some more straightforward, others a little more advanced—to help clean up your system and reclaim space. Because honestly, a cluttered PC can slow down your workflow, and clearing out old apps is one of those small, easy choices that can make a difference.
How to Uninstall Apps in Windows 11
Method 1: Use the Settings App—The Basic Way
This is the default route and the one most folks try first. It’s pretty straightforward, but sometimes it gets flaky if the app is misbehaving or tied into some system components. Still, it’s worth a shot for most regular applications.
- Open the Start Menu by clicking the Windows icon or pressing Windows on the keyboard.
- Head to Settings (the gear icon), which is at the bottom of the menu or you can press Windows + I.
- Inside Settings, click on Apps. This opens the app management section, showing all installed goodies.
- Use the search bar or scroll through the list to find the app you want to remove.
- Click on the app, then hit Uninstall. Windows will ask for confirmation—click Uninstall again.
Oh, and watch out for apps that don’t disappear immediately. Sometimes, you need to restart your PC or close the app first. On some setups, the uninstall process might not fully clean everything, especially with tricky or leftover files. But for most stuff, this is enough to do the job.
Method 2: Check for Background Processes and Clear Stubborn Apps
Occasionally, apps refuse to uninstall because they’re still running or their files are locked. This is super common with apps like Chrome, Steam, or even some utilities that run in the background.
First, try shutting them down properly, then attempt uninstalling again.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for the app or any related processes in the Processes tab.
- Right-click on the process and select End task.
- After closing, revisit the Settings > Apps method, find the app, and click Uninstall.
If that didn’t help, sometimes a quick reboot and trying again fixes the issue. Some apps are also installed as “Universal Windows Platform” apps, which sometimes behave differently. For those, you might need PowerShell commands (we’ll get to that in a second).
Method 3: Use PowerShell—A More Forceful Approach
This is where things get a little more technical, but it’s often necessary if the app stubbornly refuses to go quietly. It’s especially useful for built-in apps or Windows Store apps that don’t uninstall via usual routes.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
- To see all apps, run:
Get-AppxPackage. You’ll get a giant list, but you can target specific apps with commands like: - For example, to remove a specific app, run:
Remove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName>where `PackageFullName` is the exact name of the app package. To find it, use:
Get-AppxPackage *appname*/ - Or, if you want to remove all the built-in Microsoft Store apps, run:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
Fair warning: messing with PowerShell can go sideways if you’re not careful. Also, some apps are tied deeply into Windows—removing them might cause glitches or instability. And that’s why it’s kind of a last resort, or something you do knowing it could cause a few headaches.
Tips for a Smooth Uninstall
- Make sure apps are closed out before trying to uninstall. Sometimes they just refuse because they’re still open. Use Task Manager if needed.
- Reboot the system after uninstalling especially if things seem funky afterward.
- If an app is stubborn, try running the uninstall in Safe Mode. Windows’ clean boot can sometimes clear out lockups.
- Be cautious with system apps—some are vital for Windows and shouldn’t be touched unless you know what you’re doing.
- For apps installed outside the Microsoft Store, like those downloaded from websites, always check their own uninstallers or use Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program if available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall an app after uninstalling it?
Yep, most apps can be redownloaded or reinstalled from the Microsoft Store or elsewhere without issues.
What if the uninstall option is grayed out?
This usually means the app is running in the background, or it’s a protected system app. Try closing it first, or rebooting in Safe Mode, then uninstall again.
Is there a way to see all installed apps at once?
Definitely. You can find everything in the Apps section of Settings, or go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features for a traditional list. PowerShell can also list these, but it’s a little more involved.
Why can’t some apps be uninstalled?
Because they’re critical system components or apps that came with Windows. Removing those could break things, so Windows locks them down.
Are third-party uninstall tools worth it?
Sometimes. Tools like Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller can help clean leftover files and force uninstall stubborn apps, but be careful—some are overkill or unreliable.
Wrap-up
Getting apps off your Windows 11 machine isn’t always seamless, especially with different types of applications and their weird permissions. Using the Settings app is the easiest go-to, but if that doesn’t do it, playing with Task Manager or PowerShell can save the day. Remember, sometimes a reboot or closing processes in Task Manager is all it takes to finally get rid of a stubborn app.
Hopefully, this saves someone a headache or two. Nothing worse than having a pile of unused clutter dragging your system down. Keep an eye on what’s installed, and regularly tidy things up for a smoother experience. Good luck!
Summary
- Open Settings from the Start menu (Settings > Apps).
- Locate the app and click Uninstall.
- Close apps and background processes if uninstalling fails.
- Use PowerShell for stubborn apps, but proceed with caution.