How to Uninstall Apps in Windows 11 (3 Simple Methods)

Over time, your Windows 11 PC can get cluttered with apps you don't use anymore. These unused apps take up valuable storage space, slow down your computer, and make your start menu messy. Uninstalling them is a simple way to keep your PC clean and running smoothly.
In this guide, I'll show you 3 easy methods to uninstall apps in Windows 11. All methods work for both desktop apps and Microsoft Store apps, and they're perfect for beginners—no technical skills required.

Why Uninstall Unused Apps?

  • Free up storage space on your system drive
  • Speed up your PC (fewer apps running in the background)
  • Clean up your Start Menu and desktop
  • Reduce the risk of app conflicts
  • Improve overall system performance

Method 1: Uninstall Apps from the Start Menu (Fastest)

This is the quickest way to uninstall most apps, especially Microsoft Store apps and recently installed desktop apps.

Uninstall-Apps-from-the-Start-Menu.jpg
  1. Click the Start Menu (Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. Find the app you want to uninstall in the list of installed apps. You can scroll through the list or search for it using the search bar.
  3. Right-click the app icon.
  4. Select Uninstall from the menu that appears.
  5. A pop-up window will ask you to confirm. Click Uninstall again.
  6. Wait for the app to uninstall. This may take a few seconds to a minute, depending on the app's size.
Tip: If you don't see the "Uninstall" option, the app is likely a built-in Windows app that can't be uninstalled (e.g., Calculator, Photos).

Method 2: Uninstall Apps from Settings (Most Reliable)

This method works for all apps—including desktop apps, Microsoft Store apps, and even some apps that don't appear in the Start Menu. It's also the best way to uninstall multiple apps at once.

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  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. On the left menu, click Apps.
  3. Select Installed apps from the list.
  4. You'll see a list of all apps installed on your PC. You can sort them by name, size, or install date using the dropdown menu.
  5. Find the app you want to uninstall and click the three dots (...) next to it.
  6. Select Uninstall.
  7. Confirm the uninstall by clicking Uninstall again.
  8. To uninstall more apps, repeat this process for each one you want to remove.

Method 3: Uninstall Desktop Apps via Control Panel (For Older Apps)

Some older desktop apps (not from the Microsoft Store) can only be uninstalled via the Control Panel. This method is also useful if the first two methods don't work for a specific app.

Uninstall-Desktop-Apps-via-Control-Panel.jpg
  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type control and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
  3. Set "View by" to Large icons or Small icons (located in the top-right corner).
  4. Click Programs and Features.
  5. You'll see a list of all desktop apps installed on your PC. Find the app you want to uninstall.
  6. Right-click the app and select Uninstall.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstall process. Some apps may ask you to restart your PC after uninstalling.

Important Tips for Uninstalling Apps

  • Restart your PC after uninstalling multiple apps to free up all the storage space.
  • Be careful not to uninstall apps you need (e.g., antivirus software, drivers).
  • Some apps leave behind leftover files. You can use a cleanup tool (like Disk Cleanup) to remove these files.
  • If an app won't uninstall, try restarting your PC and then trying again.

How to Remove Leftover Files After Uninstalling

Even after uninstalling an app, some leftover files (like settings or cache) may remain on your PC. Here's how to remove them:
  1. Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter. This opens the AppData folder.
  2. Find and delete the folder with the app's name.
  3. Do the same as the previous step, but type %localappdata% instead. Delete the app's folder here too.
  4. Open Disk Cleanup (search for it in the Start Menu), select your system drive (usually C:), and click OK. Check "Temporary files" and click Clean up system files.
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Final Thoughts

Uninstalling unused apps is one of the easiest ways to keep your Windows 11 PC clean and fast. With these 3 methods, you can remove any app in just a few clicks.
Make it a habit to review your installed apps every few months and uninstall the ones you don't use. Your PC will thank you for it!

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