Uninstalling programs on Windows 11 might seem pretty straightforward — click a few buttons, and that’s it. But in reality, it’s not always so smooth sailing. Sometimes, apps stubbornly refuse to uninstall, or you end up with leftovers cluttering your system even after you think you’re done. Maybe you’ve gone into Settings > Apps and things just don’t look right, or the program doesn’t even show up there, which can be super frustrating. Anyway, here’s a roundup of what’s worked, based on trying to clean things up without losing your mind. If you’re trying to free up space or tidy your system, these tips should get you closer to a leaner, meaner PC. And yes, sometimes a simple restart or diving into a more advanced method is what it takes, because Windows has to go out of its way to make life fun, right?
How to Uninstall Programs on Windows 11
Method 1: Using the Settings App
This is probably the most common way and works well for most regular apps. Basically, it’s what you’d expect: go to Settings, find the list of installed programs, and hit uninstall. Just keep in mind, some apps are sneaky and might leave bits behind, especially if they weren’t installed via the Microsoft Store. But for most, this method will do the job.
Open the Start Menu
- Click on the Start button or press Windows key.
- Type Settings or just click the gear icon if it’s pinned to your Start menu.
Navigate to the Apps Section
- In Settings, select Apps. It’s usually right there on the left sidebar.
- Click Installed apps from the dropdown if it’s not automatically showing up. This is where all the installed programs live.
Find and Uninstall the Program
- Scroll through the list or type the program’s name into the search box (it’s faster).
- Click on the app, then hit Uninstall. Confirm any prompts that pop up.
Note: You might need to confirm admin rights if prompted, so keep that password handy. On some setups, the uninstall process can take a moment, and on others, it might fail silently. On one machine, it failed the first time then worked after reboot — so, yeah, rebooting clears some glitches.
When this method isn’t enough
If an app stubbornly hangs around, you can try using a dedicated uninstaller or tools like GeekUninstaller or CCleaner. These reveal residual files and clean them out, especially for apps that don’t want to go quietly.
Another option: Use PowerShell
When apps refuse to uninstall via GUI, PowerShell might come to the rescue. Here’s the quick rundown:
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName # Find the app’s full name in the list, then run: Remove-AppxPackage -Package <PackageFullName> This is especially useful for built-in or preinstalled apps. Just beware, some system apps are protected and won’t uninstall this way.
Tips for Managing and Uninstalling on Windows 11
- Double-check that you’re not removing something essential — better safe than sorry.
- Use the search bar in the Apps list to avoid scrolling forever.
- Keep an eye out for leftovers. Some uninstallers leave registry entries or folders behind, so, if you’re in deep cleaning mode, look for leftover files in “C:\Program Files” or “C:\Users\YourName\AppData”.
- If an app came from the Microsoft Store, the uninstall process is usually smoother. For other apps, you might need admin rights or additional tools.
- In some cases, a restart might be required after uninstalling, especially if the app was running during removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall a program after uninstalling it?
Yeah, most of the time, just head to the software’s official website or the Microsoft Store, and reinstall it. There’s no magic to it.
Do I lose all my data when I uninstall a program?
Usually, no — unless it’s a program that stores data in its folder or you’ve saved files there. Always back up anything important just in case.
Why can’t I find some programs in the Apps section?
Might be system files or programs installed via other methods. If they’re legit, you can try looking in the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features instead.
What if uninstalling fails?
Try rebooting first. If that doesn’t work, third-party uninstaller tools can be surprisingly helpful. One thing to remember: some stubborn apps leave remnants even after you uninstalled them, so a cleanup tool can help in those cases.
Does uninstalling programs speed up my PC?
Generally, yes — if you’ve got a bunch of crap or unused apps taking up resources, removing them can help improve performance. Not a cure-all, but every little bit counts.
Summary
- Open Start and go to Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find and click the program you want gone.
- Hit Uninstall and confirm any prompts.
Wrap-up
Getting rid of programs on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science — once you know the drill, it’s all about clicking, confirming, and sometimes troubleshooting. A tidy system runs better, and you free up space for new stuff. If that app’s being really stubborn, dive into PowerShell or use a third-party uninstaller. But honestly, most times, the basic way works just fine. Just keep an eye on leftover files and avoid removing anything critical. Fingers crossed this helps someone speed up their system without tearing their hair out. Good luck!