How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’ve been using Windows 10 for a while, there’s a good chance your app list has grown to be a bit unwieldy. Or maybe you’ve noticed that certain apps slow down your system or take up much-needed storage space. Whatever the case, it’s essential to know how to uninstall apps effectively.

In this article, we’ll provide a simple step-by-step guide to uninstalling apps using built-in Windows 10 tools. We’ll also explore alternative methods and app management tools to help you optimize your system’s performance and keep your app list organized. Let’s get started!

Simple Step-by-step Guide

The easiest way to uninstall an app on Windows 10 is to use the App list or Start menu. Here’s how to do it:

Access the App list or Start menu. Either click on the Start menu button in the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard. From there, you should see a list of your installed apps.
Locate the app you want to uninstall. You can scroll through the list manually or use the search feature to find the app you want to remove.
Right-click on the app. Once you’ve located the app, right-click on its icon to open a drop-down menu.
Select “Uninstall.” In the drop-down menu, you should see an option to uninstall the app. Click on this option to open a new window.
Confirm the uninstallation. In the new window, you’ll be asked to confirm that you want to uninstall the app. Make sure to read the prompt carefully before clicking “Uninstall.”
Wait for the uninstallation to complete. Depending on the size of the app, the uninstallation process may take a few seconds or a few minutes. Once it’s done, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

While this process is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid errors or issues. For example:

Be careful not to accidentally uninstall a core Windows 10 app. Some apps are necessary for your system to function, so make sure you know what you’re uninstalling before proceeding.
Occasionally, an app may not appear in the App list or Start menu. If this is the case, you can try searching for it in the Control Panel or using a third-party app manager.
If an app’s uninstallation process hangs or fails, check the Task Manager. Sometimes, a process associated with the app may continue running even after you’ve initiated the uninstallation. Use the Task Manager to forcibly terminate any related processes before trying to uninstall again.

Alternative Methods

If you’re having trouble uninstalling an app using the App list or Start menu, there are a few alternative methods you can try.

Control Panel

The Control Panel is a more advanced tool that allows you to manage and customize various settings on your Windows 10 system. Here’s how to use it to uninstall an app:

Open the Control Panel. You can do this by searching for “Control Panel” in the Start menu or by typing “control panel” into the search bar on your taskbar.
Select “Programs” or “Programs and Features.” Depending on your version of Windows 10, this option may appear differently. Once you’ve located it, click on it.
Select the app you want to uninstall. Navigate to the list of installed apps and select the one you want to remove.
Click “Uninstall.” You should see this option appear either at the top of the list or in a drop-down menu.
Confirm the uninstallation. Follow the prompts to confirm that you want to uninstall the app.

While using the Control Panel can offer more control over app management, it’s also a bit more complicated and time-consuming than using the App list or Start menu.

Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable using the command prompt, you can also use this tool to uninstall apps on Windows 10. Here’s how:

Open the command prompt. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu, then select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list of options.
Type the following command: Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage
Press Enter. This will initiate the app’s uninstallation process.

Using the command prompt may be more efficient, especially if you’re uninstalling multiple apps at once. However, it’s essential to enter the command accurately, or you may cause issues with your system.

Third-Party Uninstallers

Some users may prefer to use third-party uninstaller apps instead of built-in Windows 10 tools. These apps can offer additional features, such as batch uninstallation or app cleaning capabilities. Here are a few examples of third-party uninstaller apps you could use:

IObit Uninstaller. This app offers a clean and straightforward interface, as well as the ability to uninstall multiple apps at once and remove residual files.
Revo Uninstaller. This app has a reputation for being one of the most thorough and efficient uninstallers available. It can detect and remove leftover files, folders, and registry keys after uninstalling an app.
Geek Uninstaller. This app offers similar features to IObit Uninstaller, with the added bonus of being a portable app that doesn’t require installation to use.

While these apps can be useful, keep in mind that they’re not always necessary and may take up additional space or resources on your system.

Organizing Your Apps

Now that you know how to uninstall apps, it’s also helpful to know how to keep your app list organized and easy to manage. Here are a few tips:

Sort apps by frequency or type. You can rearrange your app list to show the apps you use most often or group similar apps together. To do this, right-click on an app and select “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar.”
Use app folders. You can create folders on your Start menu or in your taskbar to keep similar apps together. To do this, drag and drop an app icon onto another app icon.
Remove unused apps regularly. Periodically review your app list and remove any apps you no longer use or need. This will free up storage space and improve your system’s performance.

Cleaning Up Your System

Uninstalling apps is one way to clean up your system, but there are some additional strategies you can use to maintain your storage space and improve your system’s overall performance:

Delete temporary files. Over time, temporary files can accumulate and take up space on your system. You can use Disk Cleanup to remove these files and free up storage.
Remove old or duplicated files. Check your file folders periodically to delete any files you no longer need or any duplicates.
Disable startup programs. Disable any programs that run automatically when you start your system, as these can slow down your boot time. You can do this in the Task Manager.

App Management Tools

If you want to use an app to help manage your apps, there are a few options available. Here are two examples:

Microsoft’s GetApp

Microsoft’s GetApp is a free tool that helps you find and install apps from the Microsoft Store. It also provides recommendations based on your usage history and can help you update or remove apps.

CCleaner

CCleaner is a popular system optimization tool that includes an app uninstallation feature. It can help you remove unwanted apps and residual files to improve your system’s performance.

Conclusion

Uninstalling apps on Windows 10 can be a straightforward process, but it’s also an essential one. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the various methods and tools discussed, you can keep your app list organized and your system running smoothly.

Remember to regularly review and remove any unused apps, delete temporary files, and disable any startup programs to maintain your system’s performance. By taking these steps, you’ll not only free up storage space but also improve efficiency and speed.

For more helpful Windows 10 tips and tricks, check out Microsoft’s support page or our website’s other Windows-related articles.