How to Uninstall a Program on Windows
Learn how to safely remove programs from your Windows computer to free up space and keep it running smoothly.
What you will learn
In this guide, you will learn how to remove programs you no longer need from your Windows computer. Removing unused programs frees up storage space and can help your computer run faster.
What you need
- A Windows computer (Windows 10 or Windows 11)
- Administrator access (usually the main account)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Open the Settings app
Click the Start button (the Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen). Then click the gear icon to open Settings.
You can also press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
Step 2: Go to the apps list
In Settings, click Apps, then click Installed apps (on Windows 11) or Apps & features (on Windows 10).
You will see a list of all programs installed on your computer, along with how much space each one takes up.
Step 3: Find and uninstall the program
Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find the program you want to remove.
On Windows 11: Click the three dots (…) next to the program name, then click Uninstall.
On Windows 10: Click on the program name, then click the Uninstall button that appears.
A confirmation message will ask if you are sure. Click Uninstall again.
Some programs will open their own uninstall wizard. Follow the on-screen prompts, usually just clicking Next and then Finish.
Step 4: Restart your computer
After uninstalling a program, it is a good idea to restart your computer. This ensures all leftover files are cleaned up properly.
Click Start > Power > Restart.
Tips
- Sort the apps list by size to see which programs take up the most space. This helps you decide what to remove first.
- If you installed a program from the Microsoft Store, you can also uninstall it by right-clicking its icon in the Start menu and selecting Uninstall.
- Do not uninstall your antivirus or web browser unless you have an alternative ready.
- If a program does not appear in the list, it may be a Windows built-in app. These can sometimes be removed by right-clicking in the Start menu, but some system apps cannot be uninstalled.
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Frequently asked questions
Will uninstalling a program delete my files?
Uninstalling a program removes the software itself, but usually not the files you created with it. For example, uninstalling Microsoft Word does not delete your documents. They are stored separately.
Can I reinstall a program after uninstalling it?
Yes. You can reinstall any program at any time by downloading it again from the Microsoft Store or the program's website.
Is it safe to uninstall programs I do not recognise?
Be cautious. Some programs with unfamiliar names are system components that Windows needs. If you are unsure, search the program's name online before removing it. Never uninstall something with Microsoft, Windows, or driver in the name unless you are sure.
Why does my computer still feel slow after uninstalling programs?
Some programs leave behind temporary files. You can clean these by opening Settings > System > Storage and clicking Temporary files. Also, restarting your computer after uninstalling programs helps.
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