How to Uninstall Programs in Windows 11

Standard Methods to Remove Apps

Most users should use the built-in Windows tools first. These are safe and easy to use. They run the program’s own uninstaller, which removes its files, shortcuts and settings entries in the right order. Try Settings first, then Control Panel, and only move to the command line if both fail. Closing the app before you remove it avoids most “app is in use” errors.

Using the Settings App

1. Open the Start menu and click Settings. The Settings ⚙️ window opens with the list of categories on the left. You can also press Win+I to get here faster.
2. Go to Apps and then Installed apps. You should now see a list of everything installed on the PC. Use the Sort by menu (for example, by size) to find the biggest space users, or type a name in the search 🔍 box at the top.
3. Find the app you want to remove. Check the name and publisher before you go on, as some apps have similar names. If the app is running, close it first.
4. Click the three dots at the right end of the app’s row and select Uninstall. A small confirmation box appears. Click Uninstall again, and approve the User Account Control prompt if one shows up. Some apps then open their own uninstall wizard, so follow its prompts. If Uninstall is greyed out, the app is a protected part of Windows, so try Control Panel 🎛️ or leave it alone. Some programs ask for a restart to finish removal. If you change your mind, reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or the publisher’s website.

Using the Control Panel

1. Search for Control Panel 🎛️ in the Start menu ⊞ and open it. The Control Panel 🎛️ window opens, usually in Category view.
2. Click Uninstall a program under the Programs header. The Programs and Features page opens with a list of installed desktop programs, along with their publisher, install date and size. If you use Large icons or Small icons view instead, click Programs and Features.
3. Select the app from the list and click Uninstall at the top. Some programs show Uninstall/Change or Change instead, which is the same thing. Confirm any prompts, and follow the program’s own wizard if it opens. You may need an administrator password if you are on a standard account. Restart the 🔄 PC if the uninstaller asks you to.

Advanced: Uninstall Programs in 🪟 Windows 11 via Command Prompt

Command Prompt lets you uninstall programs in Windows 11 when standard removal methods fail or apps refuse to close. This built-in command-line tool gives you direct access to your system software list so you can force stubborn apps to remove themselves using quick text commands instead of the graphical settings menu. It works on desktop programs that registered themselves with Windows, and it is not meant for everyday use. If a command isn't recognized, your build of Windows 11 may not include the tool it relies on. Newer versions, such as 24H2 and later, may not have it by default. In that case, use Settings, Control Panel or a third-party uninstaller instead.

Official Microsoft Support Type commands exactly as shown, because a wrong app name can remove the wrong program.

1. Click the Start button and search for Command Prompt. The app appears at the top of the results, with options listed on the right.
2. Right-click the app and choose Run as administrator. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt. A black window opens with "Administrator" in its title bar. If it doesn't say that, close it and try again, because the uninstall will fail without admin rights.

   

3. Type winget and press Enter. The prompt should change to show you are in the right tool.
4. Type winget list to see your list of apps. Wait a few seconds, as the list can take a moment to build. Find the exact name of the program you want to remove, and copy it carefully.

   

5. Type winget uninstall "Your App Name" and press Enter. Use the exact name from the list. You should see a prompt asking you to confirm.
6. Type Y to confirm and press Enter. A message should tell you the method executed successfully. Check Settings › Apps › Installed apps to make sure the program is gone. If you get an error instead, check the spelling of the name and that the window is running as administrator.

   

Troubleshooting Stubborn Apps

If an app is broken, try to Repair it first in the Settings menu instead of uninstalling. To do this, go to Settings › Apps › Installed apps, click the three dots next to the app, and choose Advanced options if it is available. Not every app offers a repair option, and for desktop programs you can also try Change or Repair in Control Panel. If it still won't go away, you may need to use a third-party uninstaller tool to clean up leftover files in C:\Program Files or registry keys in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE. Be careful when deleting anything by hand, especially in the registry, because a wrong change can cause problems with Windows or other programs. Create a restore point and back up the registry before you edit anything, and only remove entries that clearly belong to the program you removed.

Summary

Use the standard methods for daily tasks and the Command Prompt for stubborn software. Always back up your important files before making deep changes to your system. After removing several programs, restart the PC once so Windows can finish any cleanup that is still pending.