Old or unused programs take up storage space and can slow your computer down over time. Uninstalling software you no longer need is one of the simplest ways to keep things running smoothly.
How to uninstall from Settings
Click the Start button and open Settings, or press the Windows key and I together. Click Apps in the left sidebar, then click Installed apps. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the program you want to remove. Click the three dots on the right side of the program and select Uninstall. Confirm by clicking Uninstall again. Windows will remove the program. Some programs may open their own uninstaller which will guide you through any additional steps.
How to uninstall from the Start menu
Click the Start button and look through the list of pinned or all apps. Right click on the app you want to remove. Click Uninstall. For Microsoft Store apps this will remove them immediately. For traditional desktop programs it will open the Settings page where you can complete the uninstall.
What about programs that will not uninstall?
Some programs may fail to uninstall cleanly, show errors during removal or leave behind files and folders. If a program will not uninstall through the normal process, try restarting your computer and trying again. Some programs need to be closed completely before they can be removed.
If the program still will not uninstall, do not try to manually delete its files from the Program Files folder. This can leave behind registry entries and broken shortcuts that cause other problems. Contact your IT provider to have it removed properly.
Should you uninstall preinstalled apps?
Windows 11 comes with a number of preinstalled apps. Most of these are harmless and use minimal resources. However if you never use them and want a cleaner Start menu, you can uninstall many of them using the same process. Be careful not to uninstall system components like Microsoft Edge or the Microsoft Store as these are tied to other Windows features.
When to get help
If you are unsure whether a program is safe to remove, if you are seeing unfamiliar software that you did not install, or if a program keeps reinstalling itself after removal, contact your IT provider. Unfamiliar software appearing on its own can be a sign of a security issue. Recloud can investigate and make sure your device is clean.