DeviceHowTo
Windows 112 min

How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 11

Remove apps you no longer use to free up storage and improve performance.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Windows provides two parallel uninstall routes — the modern Settings > Apps path and the older Control Panel > Programs and Features — both of which should produce the same result for most applications. Some older software, particularly enterprise tools and games, use custom uninstallers that must be run from the app's own Start menu folder rather than the generic Settings path. Desktop apps often leave residual folders in AppData and registry entries even after a successful uninstall; the vendor's own uninstaller or a tool like Revo Uninstaller removes these remnants completely.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Find the app, click the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall.
  2. 2Confirm any prompts and allow the uninstall process to complete.
  3. 3Restart the device to finalise removal and free up associated processes.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I uninstall an app on Windows 11?
System apps and manufacturer-bundled apps can be protected from uninstall. For these, the Uninstall button is greyed out — use Disable instead to stop them running and consuming resources.
Does uninstalling an app on Windows 11 delete all its data?
Uninstalling removes the app but sometimes leaves behind folders in AppData and Registry entries. For a complete removal, use the vendor's own uninstaller if provided, or a tool like Revo Uninstaller.
How do I find which apps are using the most storage on Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and click the Size column header to sort by size. This immediately shows which apps take the most space.
Can I reinstall an app after uninstalling it on Windows 11?
Yes, always. Reinstalling from the App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store, or the developer's website restores the app completely. Your account data stored in the cloud (game progress, settings synced to an account) is usually restored on first login.

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