How to Completely Remove Apps and Programs on Windows

When it comes to managing your computer effectively, knowing how to remove unwanted apps and programs is essential. Over time, we may need to uninstall applications to make room for new ones or simply because we’re no longer using them. However, removing apps isn’t always as simple as clicking "uninstall." Some programs leave behind residual files and registry entries that can clutter your system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to completely remove apps and programs on Windows, ensuring a clean and efficient uninstallation process.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Uninstallation

Before diving into the various methods of removing applications, it’s important to understand why complete uninstallation matters. Many programs—especially larger software—install numerous supporting files across different directories. If these files are not completely removed, they can lead to a variety of issues, including:

Reduced system performance: Remaining files can slow down your computer.
Less storage space: Leftover files consume disk space that could be used for something else.
Potential conflicts: Residual files might interfere with future installations or system updates.
Security risks: Old applications may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited if they’re not fully removed.

Knowing how to carefully and completely uninstall software will keep your system optimized and free from unnecessary clutter.

Method 1: Removing Apps via Settings

The most straightforward way to uninstall applications on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is through the Settings app. Here’s how:

Open the Settings App:
- Click on the Start Menu and select the gear icon or press Windows + I simultaneously.
Navigate to Apps:
- In the Settings window, click on Apps. This will open a list of installed applications.
Select the App:
- Scroll through the list or use the search feature to find the app you want to uninstall.
Uninstall the App:
- Click on the app’s name to reveal the Uninstall button. Click this, then confirm any prompts that appear.
Follow the Uninstallation Wizard:
- Some applications may have their own uninstallation wizards. Follow these prompts to complete the process.
Restart Your Computer:
- It’s a good practice to restart your computer after any uninstallation to ensure changes take effect.

Method 2: Removing Programs via Control Panel

For a more traditional approach, especially for older programs, you can use the Control Panel. This method is particularly useful for software that does not appear in the Settings app.

Access Control Panel:
- Type “Control Panel” in the Start menu search bar and click on it.
Navigate to Programs:
- Click on Programs and then choose Programs and Features.
Find the Program:
- Scroll through the list or use the search function to locate the program you wish to uninstall.
Uninstall the Program:
- Right-click on the program name and select Uninstall. Confirm any prompts that appear.
Follow the Uninstallation Process:
- Similar to the Settings method, follow any additional prompts provided by the application’s uninstallation wizard.
Reboot Your System:
- Restart your computer to ensure all changes are properly implemented.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Uninstaller Software

In some cases, built-in Windows tools may not completely remove all files and registry entries associated with a program. Using third-party uninstaller software can provide a more thorough cleanup. Here are a few well-regarded options:

Revo Uninstaller:
- Revo Uninstaller is a powerful tool that scans your system before and after uninstalling a program to find leftover files.
- To use it, download and install the software, select the program you wish to uninstall, and let Revo do the heavy lifting.
IObit Uninstaller:
- IObit Uninstaller provides a user-friendly interface and deeper scans for remnants left behind after uninstallation.
- It also allows you to remove browser extensions and toolbars that may come with software installations.
Advanced Uninstaller PRO:
- This software not only uninstalls applications but also removes unnecessary files, cleans the Windows registry, and manages startup programs.

Using third-party uninstallers will help ensure that every trace of the program is wiped from your system, leading to a cleaner and faster machine.

Method 4: Using PowerShell or Command Prompt

For users who prefer command-line interfaces, PowerShell and Command Prompt provide a way to uninstall applications, especially useful for advanced users or for troubleshooting issues. Here’s how to do it:

Open PowerShell as Administrator:
- Type “PowerShell” in the Start menu, right-click on Windows PowerShell, and select “Run as administrator.”
List Installed Apps:
- Type the following command to display all installed apps:
```
Get-AppxPackage
```
Locate the App to Remove:
- Find the app you wish to uninstall from the list. You can refine your search by running:
```
Get-AppxPackage *partOfAppName*
```
Uninstall the App:
- Once you find the app, type the following command to uninstall it:
```
Get-AppxPackage "AppName" | Remove-AppxPackage
```
- Replace “AppName” with the full name of the app.
Confirm Uninstallation:
- If the app is successfully uninstalled, you will not see any error messages.

For those who are comfortable with Command Prompt, you can use similar commands in an elevated Command Prompt window.

Method 5: Removing Residual Files and Registry Entries

After utilizing any of the uninstallation methods above, it’s crucial to remove any leftover files and registry entries. Here’s how to do that effectively:

Manually Delete Files:
- Navigate to common directories such as C:Program Files and C:Program Files (x86) to check for any folders related to the uninstalled application.
- If you find remnants, delete these folders.
Using Disk Cleanup:
- Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu search bar and run the application.
- Select the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:) and let the tool calculate how much space you can free up.
- Check boxes for temporary files, system files, and any other items that may have been left behind.
Cleaning the Registry:
- Be cautious when editing the Windows Registry. It’s critical to back up the registry before making changes.
- Type “regedit” in the Start menu search bar and run the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE and HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware and look for folders associated with the uninstalled application.
- Delete any remaining entries related to the program.

Method 6: Factory Reset or Fresh Start

If your system is bogged down with numerous applications that you no longer use, it might be worth considering a fresh start. Windows offers options to reset your computer, effectively reverting it to its original state.

Backup Your Data:
- Before proceeding with a factory reset, ensure all important files and documents are backed up to an external drive or cloud storage.
Access Reset Options:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click the Get Started button.
Choose the Reset Option:
- Here, you can choose to keep your files or remove everything. Select the suitable option based on your requirements.
Follow the Prompts:
- Follow the instructions to complete the reset process. This may take some time, so be patient.
Reinstall Essential Applications:
- After the reset is complete, you will need to reinstall the applications you wish to keep.

Conclusion

Understanding how to completely remove apps and programs on Windows is vital for maintaining optimal system performance and security. From using the built-in Settings app and Control Panel to third-party uninstaller software and command-line options, you have many tools at your disposal. Furthermore, taking the time to remove residual files and registry entries ensures that no trace of the application remains, facilitating a cleaner, faster, and more reliable computing experience.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can be well-equipped to manage and remove applications from your Windows system effectively. Regular maintenance will help you keep your system streamlined, improve its performance, and enhance your overall user experience, ensuring that it remains responsive to your needs over time.