Easy Ways to Uninstall Programs and Apps in Windows

Download Article
Quickly and easily clear out the clutter on your Windows desktop, laptop, or tablet
Download Article

We've all experienced it--you download a software program, thinking you'll use it all the time. Then a few months pass, and you realize you haven't even opened it once. Worse than that, all it's doing is collecting cyber dust and slowing down your computer. It's time to remove that unwanted program, and this guide shows you how.

Easily Get Rid of Unused Programs on Your Computer

  1. Right-click the app from the Start menu, Settings app, or Control Panel.
  2. Click Uninstall .
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Start Menu

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press the Win key or click the Windows logo in the taskbar.
    • If you're using Windows 11, you'll see only pinned apps. If the program you're looking for isn't pinned, press All apps .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you find the program that you want to get rid of, you can press and hold on it (if you have a touchscreen), or right-click it.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will delete the program from your computer.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Settings

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Press Win + I or open the Start menu and click the gear icon.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're using Windows 10, the option is in the middle of your screen. If you're using Windows 11, you'll see Apps in the menu on the left.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will display a list of all the apps and programs you have installed on your computer.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":540,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In either version of Windows, a menu will open with more options.
    • If you're using a touchscreen, you can also press and hold the app's name.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will delete the program from your computer.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Control Panel

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/59\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Easily find and open it whether you're using Windows 10 or 11 by pressing the Win key and typing in "Control Panel", then clicking the app result.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see either depending on the "View" category that you have selected.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A menu will appear at your cursor.
    • Alternatively, left-click the program to select it, then click Uninstall above.
    • If you have a touch screen, press and hold the app's name.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Remove-Unwanted-Programs-from-Your-Computer-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will delete the program from your computer. [1]
    • These methods most likely will not remove any files or folders that the app leaves behind. To get rid of everything, use a third-party uninstallation tool, like Revo.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I know which programs I should uninstall to cleanup my computer?
    Community Answer
    Look for programs you installed that you don't use any more or that you haven't used in a long time. A lot of programs that are vital for system operation are difficult to uninstall. If you have any concerns about whether a program is necessary, check the name on the internet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
  • Question
    How do delete undeletable programs from my computer?
    Community Answer
    Some programs are necessary for the functioning of your system and should not be deleted. If you suspect that a program may be harmful or you know what it is and know for sure you don't need it, you should google how to remove that program specifically, as they can all be different and it can get complex.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
  • Question
    How do I identify unnecessary software that was inadvertently downloaded or is spam?
    Community Answer
    Use anti-virus software such as Avast or AVG to identify spam software.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      6 Easy Ways to Use Shortcut Keys to Shut Down a Windows PC
      4 Easy Ways to Paste Text Using Keyboard Shortcuts
      How to
      Make a Zip File
      How to
      Restart Windows 10
      How to Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Select All
      How to Copy and Paste on Any Device
      How to Open Windows Task Manager: Menus, Shortcuts, & More
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      How to Reset Your Graphics Drivers
      How to
      Copy and Paste a Link
      How to
      Bring an Off Screen Window Back on Windows
      2 Simple Ways to Print a Document From Your Computer
      How To Refresh a Webpage: Desktop & Mobile
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uninstall-or-remove-apps-and-programs-in-windows-4b55f974-2cc6-2d2b-d092-5905080eaf98#ID0EBD=Windows_10
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/program-is-not-listed-in-add-remove-programs-after-installation-0866db2a-f8d9-fb0f-16d2-850f5072e536

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 189,165 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement