TechTalk

The latest tech reviews and inspiration from Currys

How to uninstall apps and programs in Windows

Get your system organised and clutter-free…

software

Article Main Image

Knowing how to uninstall apps and programs on your Windows computer is essential for keeping your system clean and organized. Over time, you might install lots of software and applications, some of which you may no longer need or use.

Uninstalling unwanted software can free up disk space, improve system performance, and reduce security risks. In this article, we’ll take you through the standard uninstall options built into Windows - as well as some advanced techniques for removing especially stubborn programs.

Built-in Windows uninstall options

Windows offers several straightforward methods to uninstall apps and programs. Here, we'll look at three common techniques. using the Start menu, Settings, and Control Panel.

Start Menu

Uninstalling an app or program directly from the Start menu is one of the quickest methods. Here’s how.

  1. Open the Start menu. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.

  2. Find the program. Scroll through the list of apps, or just type the name of the program you’d like to uninstall in the search bar.

  3. Right-click on the app. Once you find the app, right-click on it.

  4. Select uninstall. You’ll either see an uninstall option directly, or need to navigate to another submenu. Now click "Uninstall."

  5. Follow the Uninstall Wizard. Follow any additional prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Settings

The Settings app in Windows is another simple and traightforward way to manage and uninstall programs.

  1. Open Settings. Search for "Settings" in the Start menu and open it.

  2. Navigate to apps. Click on "Apps" to open app settings.

  3. Apps & features. Select "Apps & features" from the sidebar. You'll see a list of all installed applications.

  4. Uninstall the program. Find the app you want to uninstall, click on it, and then click the "Uninstall" button that appears. Confirm your choice if prompted.

  5. Complete the uninstallation. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the app.

Control Panel

The Control Panel is a good option if you need to uninstall older programs – or if you’re already comfortable using it.

  1. Open Control Panel. Search for "Control Panel" in the Start menu and open it.

  2. Go to programs. Click on "Programs and Features" or “Uninstall a program” under the Programs category.

  3. Find and uninstall the program. Scroll through the list of installed programs, select the one you want to uninstall, and click on "Uninstall" above the list.

  4. Follow the Uninstall Wizard. Follow any additional prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Advanced options for uninstalling

Some programs can be pretty stubborn and refuse to uninstall themselves using normal methods. For these, here are some advanced that might do the trick - using the Task Manager, Safe Mode, or third-party uninstallers.

Task Manager

Sometimes a program might not uninstall because it’s still running in the background. Using the Task Manager to end the task first can help, so here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select "Task Manager."

  2. Find the program. Look for the application in the list under the "Processes" tab.

  3. End the task. Select the program and click "End Task."

  4. Uninstall the program. After closing the program, try uninstalling it again using one of the built-in Windows uninstall options.

Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can prevent programs from loading automatically, and this can be useful for uninstalling problematic software. This is how it’s done:

  1. Restart your computer. Open the Start menu, click the power icon, hold down the Shift key, and click "Restart."

  2. Troubleshoot. From the options screen, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and finally "Startup Settings."

  3. Restart in Safe Mode. Click "Restart," and once the Startup Settings screen appears, press 4 to enter Safe Mode.

  4. Uninstall the program. With your PC in Safe Mode, use one of the previously mentioned methods to uninstall the program.

Third-Party Uninstallers

For an even cleaner uninstallation, third-party uninstallers can be a powerful tool - they quite often remove leftover files that Windows' built-in uninstaller might miss. You need to be careful though, and be sure to weigh up the pros and cons before you start.

Pros

  • Thorough removal. The best uninstallers remove all traces of the program.

  • Easy to use. User-friendly interfaces are sometimes easier to navigate than Windows’ own uninstaller.

  • Additional features. Some come with extra features like system optimisation.

Cons

  • Risk of malware. Some less reputable uninstallers might come bundled with unwanted software. So do some research and only choose ones you can trust.

  • Can go a bit over the top. Sometimes, they might remove files that are shared by other programs.

And that’s all there is to it! Uninstalling unwanted apps and programs can improve your computer's performance and security. That’s why we suggest that you regularly manage your installed software, to keep your system lean, fast, and safe from potential security issues.

Need more help?

We’ve got lots more tips to help you tackle common computing issues, including how to fix a laptop that won’t turn on and sorting out a slow laptop. We’ve also got some great advice on your Windows 10 end of life options.

If you’re thinking of buying a new computer, check out our desktop buying guide and laptop buying guide. If you’re looking for new software, take a look at our Microsoft Office 365 range. And if you’d like to talk to an expert for advice, pop in-store and chat to one of our colleagues.

Related in Software

Related Article Image
How to show and hide files on Mac
Related Article Image
macOS versions list in order
Related Article Image
Why you need Microsoft 365 on a Windows laptop
Related Article Image
How to work together better on OneDrive
Related Article Image
Best vlogging tips