Deleting programs from your Windows 11 PC is an essential skill for maintaining a streamlined, efficient, and organized system. Whether you’re looking to free up valuable disk space, eliminate unnecessary software, or simply want to install a more updated version of a program, knowing how to properly remove applications is crucial. This article will guide you through various methods of uninstalling programs, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring that all remnants of the software are removed from your system.
Understanding Programs in Windows 11
Before diving into the deletion process, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what constitutes a program in the Windows 11 environment. Programs can be large applications, simple utilities, or even games. They are often installed from discs, downloaded from the internet, or acquired through the Microsoft Store. Windows 11 keeps these applications organized in the Start Menu, where they can be accessed easily.
When you decide to delete a program, you’re essentially removing it from your system, which can help improve performance and free up storage space.
Getting Started: Preparing to Remove Programs
Importance of Backing Up Data
Before making any drastic changes to your system, especially when it involves deleting software, it’s advisable to back up important data. This precaution will ensure that you don’t accidentally lose important files or settings that may be associated with a program you wish to remove. Use Windows Backup, File History, or third-party software to create backups.
Checking for Related Data
Many applications store configuration files, user-generated content, or other data on your PC even after they are uninstalled. Before deleting a program, consider checking for related data. This might include saved games, project files, or custom settings. Some software even allows you to save this data separately before removal.
Methods to Delete Programs on Windows 11
Windows 11 offers multiple ways to uninstall programs. Each method varies in terms of steps and usability, but all are effective. Below, we will delve into the main methods for uninstalling applications.
Method 1: Using Settings
Open Settings
: Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. Select the Settings icon (the gear symbol) from the Start Menu.
Navigate to Apps
: In the left sidebar, click on the “Apps” section.
Select Apps & Features
: Under the Apps menu, select “Apps & features.” Here you will find a list of installed applications.
Find the Program
: Scroll through the list to find the program you want to uninstall. You can also use the search bar to quickly locate it.
Uninstall the Program
: Click on the three-dot menu icon next to the program name and select “Uninstall.” You might be prompted to confirm the action or may need to follow on-screen instructions to complete the removal process.
Method 2: Using Control Panel
Open Control Panel
: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Type
control
and hit Enter.
View by Small Icons
: In the Control Panel, set “View by” in the top-right corner to “Small icons” or “Large icons.”
Click on Programs and Features
: Look for the “Programs and Features” option and click on it.
Select the Program
: Find the program you wish to delete in the list, click on it to select.
Uninstall the Program
: Click the “Uninstall” button located above the program list. Follow any additional prompts to complete the uninstallation.
Method 3: Using the Start Menu
Open Start Menu
: Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
Locate the Program
: Scroll through the list of installed apps or type the name of the program in the search bar.
Uninstall from the Menu
: Right-click on the program tile and choose “Uninstall” from the context menu. Follow any required prompts to finalize the removal.
Method 4: Utilizing the Windows Search Feature
Open Windows Search
: Click on the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar or press Windows + S.
Type the Program Name
: Enter the name of the program you wish to uninstall.
Select Uninstall Option
: When the program appears in the search results, right-click on it and choose “Uninstall” from the context menu. Follow any prompts to remove the program from your system.
Method 5: Using PowerShell
For advanced users, PowerShell offers a powerful method to uninstall programs.
Open PowerShell
: Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
List Installed Programs
: Type
Get-AppxPackage
and hit Enter. This will give you a list of all installed apps.
Uninstalling
: Once you find the app you want to uninstall, type the command
Get-AppxPackage *ProgramName* | Remove-AppxPackage
replacing
ProgramName
with the actual name of the program you wish to remove, and hit Enter.
Method 6: Third-Party Uninstallers
Sometimes, built-in methods may not fully uninstall certain programs, especially complex software that installs multiple components. In these cases, third-party uninstallers such as Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and CCleaner can be used to remove stubborn programs and their leftover files.
Download and Install an Uninstaller
: Download and install one of the third-party uninstallers.
Launch the Uninstaller
: Open the uninstaller application.
Select the Program
: Browse the list of installed applications, find the program you want to remove.
Uninstall and Clean Up
: Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall. Most third-party uninstallers also have a feature that scans for leftover files, allowing you to have a clean removal.
Resolving Common Issues When Uninstalling Programs
Programs Not Uninstalling Properly
Sometimes you might run into issues where a program won’t uninstall, or the process fails midway. This could be due to several reasons such as file corruption, running processes, or permission issues. Here are some remedies:
-
Check Running Processes
: Make sure the program is closed. Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to ensure that no processes related to the application are running. If they are, end those tasks. -
Run as Administrator
: Sometimes, uninstalling programs may require administrative privileges. Ensure that you are running the uninstallation process as an administrator.
Check Running Processes
: Make sure the program is closed. Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to ensure that no processes related to the application are running. If they are, end those tasks.
Run as Administrator
: Sometimes, uninstalling programs may require administrative privileges. Ensure that you are running the uninstallation process as an administrator.
Corrupted Installation
If the program installation is corrupted, it may refuse to uninstall:
-
Repair Installation
: Some applications offer a “Repair” option through either the Settings app or Control Panel. You can try that first before attempting to uninstall.
Using Safe Mode
If you continue to experience issues:
Boot into Safe Mode
: Restart your PC and, during the boot sequence, continually press F8 (or Shift + F8, depending on your system) to enter Safe Mode.
Uninstall from Safe Mode
: Once in Safe Mode, try uninstalling the program using any of the previously mentioned methods.
Using System Restore
If you’ve recently installed a troublesome application and cannot remove it using any of the above methods, consider utilizing Windows System Restore to revert your system to a previous state before the application was installed.
Open Control Panel
: Click on Start, type “Control Panel,” and hit Enter.
System and Security
: Go to the “System and Security” section.
System Restore
: Click on “System” and choose “System Protection” from the left sidebar. Select “System Restore,” then follow the instructions to choose a restore point that predates the troublesome program installation.
Reboot Your System
Often, simply rebooting your computer can resolve any lingering issues that prevent uninstallation. This is particularly true if Windows has recently installed updates or if multiple installations have created confusion in the OS.
Confirming Successful Uninstall
After uninstalling a program, it’s a good practice to verify that it has been removed completely:
Check the Install Location
: Navigate to the folder where the program was installed, typically in
C:Program Files
or
C:Program Files (x86)
. Ensure that the folder no longer exists.
Use Disk Cleanup
: It’s also beneficial to run Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary files. Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start Menu, select the drive you want to clean, and let it analyze and remove temporary and residual files.
Review Installed Programs
: Go back into the Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features or Control Panel -> Programs and features to double-check that the program is no longer listed.
Summary
Knowing how to delete programs on Windows 11 is an invaluable skill, helping you manage your system more effectively. From using built-in methods like Settings and Control Panel to advanced techniques involving PowerShell and third-party uninstallers, you now have the tools and knowledge necessary for a clean removal of software.
Remember to back up your data, resolve any issues that arise while uninstalling, and verify that the program has been removed completely to maintain an organized and efficient system. With these techniques, you can ensure your Windows 11 experience remains smooth and hassle-free.