7 Different Ways to Uninstall Software in Windows 11

There are many different ways to remove unwanted programs from a Windows 11 computer. This article outlines 7 of the most common and effective methods for uninstalling software on the latest Windows operating system. From using the Settings app and Control Panel, to leveraging uninstall.exe files and gaming clients, these techniques allow both novice and experienced users to thoroughly delete desktop and Microsoft Store applications. Follow the step-by-step instructions to quickly and safely uninstall programs in Windows 11.

Method 1: Use Settings

The Settings app includes an "Apps & features" page for uninstalling apps acquired from the Microsoft Store.

Follow these steps to use it:

1. Open Settings via the Start menu or by pressing Windows key + I.

2. Click on the "Apps" category.

3. Select "Apps & features" from the sidebar.

4. Scroll the list of installed apps and click on the app to uninstall.

5. Click the three-dotted "More options" button.

6. Select "Uninstall" from the expanded menu.

7. Confirm you want to uninstall the app when prompted.

This method can quickly remove any Microsoft Store apps. But it does not work for traditional desktop programs.

Method 2: Use the Control Panel

The Control Panel includes the Programs and Features utility for uninstalling traditional desktop software applications.

Here are the steps to use it:

1. Right-click the Start button and select "Run" from the power user menu.

2. Type "appwiz.cpl" and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.

3. Browse the list of installed applications and locate the software you want to uninstall.

4. Click on the application name to highlight it.

5. Click the "Uninstall" button near the top of the window.

6. Follow the prompts from the application's uninstaller wizard.

Programs and Features should successfully uninstall most standard desktop programs. However, it will not remove apps from the Microsoft Store.

Method 3: Use the Uninstall.exe

Most desktop programs include an uninstall executable within their main installation folder.

Here's how to find and use it to uninstall:

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.

2. Navigate to the "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folders.

3. Open the folder for the application you want to uninstall.

4. Locate a file named "uninstall.exe" within the folder.

5. Double click the uninstall.exe file to launch the uninstaller.

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to fully uninstall the program.

Make sure to run the uninstall.exe directly from the program's installation folder to successfully remove it.

Method 4: Uninstall from the Start Menu

Right-clicking an app's icon on the Start menu provides an option to easily uninstall it.

To do this:

1. Open the Start menu and locate the tile or shortcut for the application you want to remove.

2. Right-click on the app's icon.

3. Select "Uninstall" from the context menu.

4. Follow any further prompts to confirm uninstalling.

If an app has its own folder on Start, open the folder first and then right-click the app tile inside it.

Method 5: Uninstall Via Search

Windows 11's integrated search feature provides quick access to uninstall apps.

Follow these steps:

1. Click in the search bar on the taskbar or press Windows key + S.

2. Type the name of the application to uninstall.

3. Click on the "Uninstall" result near the top of the list.

4. Follow any remaining prompts to confirm removing the app.

Make sure the correct app is highlighted before clicking the "Uninstall" result.

Method 6: Use Command Prompt

Advanced users can quickly uninstall software from the command line using Command Prompt and the "wmic" utility.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and search for "Command Prompt".

2. Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator".

3. Type "wmic" and press Enter to launch the utility.

4. Type "product get name" and press Enter to list all installed software.

5. Locate and note down the exact name of the app to uninstall.

6. Type "product where name="[software name]" call uninstall" and press Enter. Replace [software name] with the noted name.

7. Type "Y" and press Enter again to confirm uninstalling the application.

Use caution when uninstalling system components and ensure the software name is spelled accurately.

Method 7: Uninstall Games from Clients

Games installed via gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games, Origin, etc. must be uninstalled through the platform's app interface rather than Windows.

Here is how:

1. Open the gaming platform app, such as Steam.

2. Navigate to your game library.

3. Right-click on the game you want to uninstall.

4. Select the "Uninstall" option from the menu.

5. Confirm that you want to completely uninstall the game.

The steps may vary slightly between different game clients. But you cannot directly uninstall games via Windows.

Wrap Up: Uninstall Software in Windows 11

Uninstalling programs in Windows 11 can be accomplished through various built-in tools and methods. The Settings app provides an easy way to remove apps from the Microsoft Store. The Control Panel is best for traditional desktop software. Uninstallers located in program folders, the Start menu context menu, and Search can also be used. For advanced users, Command Prompt and gaming clients offer uninstall options as well. With these 7 different techniques, any unwanted application can be fully removed from a Windows 11 computer, freeing up disk space and system resources. Choose the method best suited to the program you want to delete.

Explore more topics:

• Best Music Games for Android

• Top 15 Android Secret Security Codes You Need to Know

   

• How to Downgrade to Older Version of Android