www.makeuseof.com 6 Ways to Uninstall Built-In and Third-Party Windows 11 Apps
Microsoft makes it easy to uninstall bloatware and other apps that you may no longer use in Windows 11. You can uninstall apps using the settings app, the classic Control Panel, the Start menu, and the command line.
Whether you want to uninstall third-party, unremovable, or built-in (universal) apps, here's how to do it safely.
1. How to Uninstall Apps in Windows 11 via the Settings App
Microsoft has revamped its Settings app for Windows 11. Compared to its predecessor, the new layout is sleeker and easier to use. The streamlined interface makes finding things uncomplicated. Here’s how you can uninstall apps using the new Settings app in Windows 11.
2. Uninstall Windows 11 Apps via the Start Menu
Another handy and quick way to uninstall apps is through the Start menu. Here’s how to do it.
MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAYThis works well if you want to uninstall Microsoft Store apps. However, for non-Microsoft Store apps, you will be redirected to the classic Programs and features page in the Control Panel.
From here, locate and select the app you want to remove. Then click the Uninstall button from the top-right corner. Click Yes to confirm the action and wait for the app to uninstall.
3. Uninstall Windows 11 Apps via the Control Panel
Windows 11's settings app now has more system settings than ever. However, several advanced features still rely on the classic Control Panel. It also retains the built-in program manager to remove and modify installed apps.
To uninstall Windows 11 apps using the Control Panel:
4. Uninstall Windows 11 Apps via the Command Prompt
If you are unable to remove an app from the Settings app or Control Panel, try removing it using Command Prompt. You can use the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line tool to find and uninstall apps in Windows 11.
To uninstall apps using the Command Prompt:
Related: Windows Command Prompt (CMD) Commands You Must Know
5. Remove Windows 11 Universal Apps Using PowerShell
Windows 11 comes with a few handy and not-so handy pre-installed apps. Irrespective of their usefulness, Microsoft does not offer any option to remove built-in apps.
However, you can remove these apps if you know your way around PowerShell. By making use of the Remove-AppxPackage command, you can uninstall built-in Windows 11 apps. Here’s how to do it.
6. Uninstall Apps Using Third-Party Apps Uninstallers
When you uninstall apps with the built-in Windows uninstaller, it leaves behind supporting files comprising empty registry entries, program data and application shortcuts, and more.
Third-party installers can remove stubborn programs and delete the leftover files. There are plenty of tools that can do this job, but here are a few free uninstallers that you can consider.
As the name indicates, Revo Uninstaller is a dedicated app uninstaller for the Windows OS. It can remove both third-party and built-in Windows apps. Additionally, it comes with clean-up tools to clean existing junk files left during your previous cleanup drive.
Revo Uninstaller is free to use. But upgrading to the Pro version offers clean-up tools, browser extensions removal, bulk uninstallation, and real-time monitoring features.
Download: Revo Uninstaller (Free, Pro $12.47)
IObit Uninstaller offers a similar set of features as Revo Uninstaller. It allows you to remove third-party apps, erase bundleware, and free up space by identifying large programs that are taking up space. You can view and uninstall Microsoft Store and built-in apps as well.
IOBit Uninstaller is available in both free and Pro versions. The latter offers a one-click software updater, clean install with log, remove stubborn apps, and a software updater.
Download: IObit Uninstaller (Free, Pro $12.97)
The Many Ways to Remove Windows 11 Apps
You can remove Windows 11 apps from the Start menu, the settings app, the classic Control Panel, and even using the PowerShell and Command Prompt terminals. If the built-in apps fail to uninstall an app, consider using a third-party dedicated app uninstaller. These tools can remove not only stubborn apps but also clean leftover files.
How to Remove Junk Files From Your Windows 10 PC Read NextShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorTashreef Shareef(124 Articles Published)Tashreef is a developer and works as a technical writer at MakeUseOf. With a bachelor's degree in Computer Applications, he has over 5 years of experience and covers Microsoft Windows and everything around it. When not looking for a missing semicolon or churning out text, you can find himtrying FPS titles or looking for new animated shows and movies.
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