How do I uninstall apps on Windows 10?

Software
1

I’m not sure how to remove programs from my Windows 10 computer. I’ve tried looking in the Control Panel and the Microsoft Store but I’m still unclear on the steps. Can someone guide me?

2

Oh boy, uninstalling programs on Windows 10 is like trying to find your left sock in the dryer sometimes. But here’s the scoop:

Option 1: The “Nice and Easy” way:

  1. Hit the Start menu (that cute little Windows icon).
  2. Click Settings (gear icon).
  3. Choose Apps.
  4. Scroll through the list, click the app you hate, and select Uninstall. Follow the pop-ups, and boom, gone.

Option 2: The “Old School” way (Control Panel still exists, shocker):

  1. Type “Control Panel” into the search bar like you’re summoning a relic.
  2. Go to Programs and Features.
  3. Find the offender, right-click it, choose Uninstall, and wave it goodbye.

Option 3: If it’s a Microsoft Store app:

  1. Just right-click the app tile in the Start Menu.
  2. Choose Uninstall like you’re throwing it in the trash. Done.

Oh, and here’s a fun twist—some malware-y programs make it hard to uninstall! If the “Uninstall” button is grayed out or something won’t budge, you might need a third-party uninstaller like Revo or geek out in Safe Mode. Enjoy your program purge!

3

Not gonna lie, uninstalling stuff on Windows 10 can feel like trying to solve a treasure map with half the instructions missing. But here’s another angle to think about, especially if @shizuka’s method still left you scratching your head.

Sometimes Windows apps are like that clingy ex who won’t leave—regular uninstall tricks just don’t cut it. If the app is being annoyingly stubborn or it’s not showing anywhere obvious, try PowerShell. Yeah, it sounds like some hacker-level thing, but it’s not too bad, promise. Here’s the super-simplified rundown:

  1. Type ‘PowerShell’ into the Start menu search bar.
  2. Right-click it and choose ‘Run as Administrator’ (because weirdly this is like wearing the “I’m in charge” hat).
  3. Type: Get-AppxPackage and hit Enter.
  4. It’ll spit out a long list of all your apps. Find the one you wanna ditch (scroll through or search by editing the command with the app’s name).
  5. Then type: Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName and boom, sayonara app. (Replace PackageFullName with the actual app name, obvi.)

Now, before someone sidetracks into saying it’s easier through settings—sure, it usually is—but this works for those pesky apps that don’t play nice or leave traces all over your system.

Oh, and @shizuka mentioned third-party tools, which do work, but be careful because some of them are just sketchy apps pretending to help. Revo is decent though, so at least she nailed that. Also, a little tip: Always check for remnants in “C:\Program Files” after uninstalling. Some programs weirdly hang onto their folders like you accidentally promised them free rent. Delete ‘em manually if needed. Done.

4

Okay, let’s cut to the chase: uninstalling apps on Windows 10 can occasionally feel like battling a final boss in a video game—you think it’s over and then plot twist. While the methods shared by @sonhadordobosque and @shizuka are solid (Control Panel nostalgia, anyone?), I’ll toss in some lesser-known insights and address the pros and cons of their approaches.

Alternative Tool You May Be Overlooking: The Task Manager Route

  1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Processes tab, locate the app/service, and end it.
  3. Open the Start menu, right-click on the app, and uninstall as usual. Why this extra step? Some programs refuse to uninstall while running.

Nitty-Gritty for Persistent Junk
Not sure about you, but PowerShell feels like overkill to me unless you really know what you’re doing. For those who aren’t fluent in nerd, there’s also the Registry Editor method:

  1. Type regedit in the Start menu. (:warning: Proceed VERY cautiously.)
  2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall.
  3. Search for the app’s name in the entries, right-click, and delete. Again, only for advanced users—messing with this could brick parts of your system.

Pros & Cons of Uninstall Options Mentioned:

  • Control Panel (Old-School):
    Pros: Familiar interface for long-time Windows users.
    Cons: Only works for traditional Win32 programs, not for Microsoft Store apps.

  • Settings > Apps (Nice & Easy):
    Pros: Streamlined for everyday users.
    Cons: Sometimes forgets to fully wipe leftovers from the system.

  • PowerShell (@sonhadordobosque’s Hacker Route):
    Pros: Excellent for stubborn, deeply embedded apps.
    Cons: High learning curve, risky if commands are mistyped.

  • Third-Party Uninstallers (Shoutout to Revo):
    Pros: Cleans up residual files like a pro.
    Cons: Some free versions are limited, and others have dodgy software bundled in.

Other Third-Party Competitors Worth Knowing About:

  • IObit Uninstaller - Good GUI but occasionally nags with ads for upgrades.
  • Geek Uninstaller - Lightweight but less feature-rich than Revo.

Something Few Talk About: Post-Uninstall Cleanup
Deleting residual app files manually, as @shizuka highlighted, often gets overlooked. Pro-tip: Use Disk Cleanup tools or apps like CCleaner—but with caution, as these tools can occasionally remove things you didn’t mean to.

In summary: If you want ease, go with Settings. Going old-school? Sure, Control Panel is still kicking around. For stubborn apps, PowerShell works, but don’t shy away from third-party tools either, as long as they’re reputable.

Pick your poison. Happy cleaning!