How to uninstall programs in Windows 11: How to completely remove software & apps

Over time, numerous applications accumulate on almost every PC or laptop: pre-installed trial versions, long-forgotten utilities, or old games occupy valuable storage space and can sometimes slow down the entire system. Fortunately, if you want to uninstall programs in Windows 11, you have several efficient options. From a quick click in the Start menu to the classic system settings and specialized uninstaller tools, there's a suitable solution for every situation. In this guide, we'll show you step by step how to remove unnecessary software from your device safely, cleanly, and without leaving any annoying data remnants.

The 3 best standard methods for Windows 11: Uninstalling programs

Microsoft Windows offers various built-in options for quickly removing unwanted software. Depending on whether it's a modern app from the Store or a classic desktop application, you can choose how you want to uninstall programs in Windows 11. Use one of these three methods:

Method 1: Directly via the Start menu

For the quickest and easiest way to uninstall Windows 11 programs, the Start menu is the best option. Many pre-installed applications can be removed here with just two clicks:

1. Open the Start menu via the Windows key or the icon on the taskbar.

2. Click the button in the top right corner. All apps.

3. Find the desired application in the alphabetical overview.

4. Lead a Right-click click on the entry and select Uninstall.

5. Confirm the security prompt to start the deletion process.

Method 2: Via the central Windows settings

A comprehensive overview of all installed applications and their respective storage requirements can be found in the system settings. Therefore, if you want to specifically uninstall Windows 11 software for storage reasons, you can do so via the "Apps & Features" settings page (listed as "Installed apps" in current system versions):

1. Press the key combination Windows key + I, to open the settings.

2. Switch to the section in the left-hand menu. Apps and choose Installed apps (or Apps & Features).

3. Use the search bar or scroll through the list to find the software.

4. Click on the right side of the application. three points and choose Uninstall.

Method 3: Using the classic control panel

Users who prefer the old view of previous operating systems when uninstalling Windows 11 programs can still use the familiar Control Panel. This traditional method is particularly reliable for removing older desktop applications.

1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel Enter and open the program.

2. Set the display in the top right corner to category um.

3. Click under the point Programs click on the link Uninstall the program.

4. Select the software in the list and click on it in the top menu bar. Uninstall.

Which software should be removed? Distinguish between bloatware and system apps.

Many Windows 11 users consider pre-installed programs supplied by the manufacturer to be bloatware. These applications unnecessarily occupy storage space and often run in the background without asking. However, before you start uninstalling superfluous programs in Windows 11, it's worth taking a closer look at the system components.

To find out which programs you can safely uninstall in Windows 11, a few practical guidelines can help. Generally, expired trial versions of antivirus software, manufacturer-specific utilities, pre-installed casual games, and unused streaming apps can be safely deleted. The system itself also helps you classify potentially problematic software, as the integrated Microsoft Defender usually detects potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) automatically and warns you about programs that display ads or slow down the system. However, keep in mind that not all pre-installed applications can be deleted: Important Windows system apps are intentionally protected from uninstallation to ensure the stability of the operating system.

Extra tipBefore you hastily uninstall unnecessary programs in Windows 11, it's worth taking a look at the background processes. The Task Manager can be used to manage programs that start automatically. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then switch to the tab. Autostart apps and disable programs that do not need to be loaded automatically every time you boot up, but still have their uses.

For advanced users: PowerShell & Group Policies

If the standard menus aren't sufficient, or if you manage multiple computers in your business, advanced tools are available to uninstall programs in Windows 11. For this, you can…

… delete pre-installed apps via PowerShell

If an application cannot be removed via the normal settings, the Windows command line can help. PowerShell can be used to uninstall Windows 11 apps that appear read-only:

1. Right-click the Start menu icon and select Terminal (Administrator) or PowerShell (Administrator).

2. For example, enter the following command to remove the pre-installed Xbox app:
   Get-AppxPackage Xbox app | Remove-AppxPackage

3. Press Enter to execute the operation.

… use the central control in the network

In enterprise environments, IT administrators need to manage software on many devices simultaneously. Starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, Group Policy is available for app uninstallation, allowing unwanted applications to be centrally blocked or automatically removed from all networked PCs.

Uninstalling Windows 11 programs is not working?

Sometimes the uninstallation process aborts or an error message appears. If your attempt to uninstall Windows 11 programs doesn't go as planned, active background processes are often the culprit. Since apps can't be uninstalled while running in the background, it's best to completely close the application beforehand using the icon in the notification area of the taskbar or the Task Manager. Permission issues also frequently prevent app uninstallation, so you should ensure you're logged in with an administrator account. Additionally, a corrupted uninstaller can cause the uninstallation to fail – in this case, briefly reinstalling the software often helps to repair the uninstaller. However, a simple measure can often provide a quick fix: a restart can help if an uninstallation fails, as this releases any blocked system files. Also keep in mind that uninstallation may require restarting the computer to permanently delete any remaining data after booting up.

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Specialized uninstaller tools for complete cleanup

If you want to completely and thoroughly uninstall programs in Windows 11, you should be aware that regular uninstallations often leave behind folder remnants in the application data path or orphaned entries in the Windows Registry. Therefore, using specialized software is recommended. Specialized tools for uninstalling programs in Windows 11, or a powerful uninstaller for Windows 11, can also detect deeply embedded junk files.

• Revo Uninstaller: A third-party tool like Revo Uninstaller removes program remnants particularly thoroughly. Revo Uninstaller offers three cleanup modes (Safe, Moderate, Intensive) to precisely detect orphaned files and registry keys.

• IObit Uninstaller: The IObit Uninstaller enables convenient batch removal of programs, allowing you to select and delete multiple applications in one step, saving time.

• Ashampoo UnInstaller 14: Ashampoo UnInstaller 14 creates detailed logs during the installation of new software. This allows the program to know exactly which files were created during later removal and to delete them completely.

• CCleaner: CCleaner combines the uninstallation of programs with targeted registry cleaning to remove outdated file remnants from the system.

• Bloatbox: A streamlined tool specifically designed to selectively remove pre-installed system apps. Bloatbox removes Windows apps in one go, saving you a lot of time during initial setup.