How to uninstall programs on Windows 11

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, choose Apps, then Installed apps. Click the three dots next to the program and choose Uninstall. Confirm, and follow the program's own uninstaller if one opens.

Programs you no longer use take up disk space and often run in the background. Removing them properly through Settings also removes their start-up entries.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

  1. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateAppsInstalled appsDefault appsAdvanced app settingsStartup

    Open Settings and choose Apps

    Press Windows + I and click Apps on the left.

  2. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateAppsInstalled appsDefault appsAdvanced app settingsStartup

    Click Installed apps

    The full list of programs appears.

  3. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateInstalled appsSearch appsAdobe Reader 412 MB ···Spotify 310 MB ···Zoom 198 MB ···

    Find the program

    Type its name in the search box, or set Sort by to Size to see the largest ones first.

  4. – ▢ ✕SettingsSystemBluetooth & devicesNetwork & internetPersonalisationAppsAccountsTime & languageWindows UpdateInstalled appsSearch appsAdobe Reader 412 MB ···Spotify 310 MB ···Zoom 198 MB ···

    Click the three dots and choose Uninstall

    Confirm with Uninstall. Some programs then open their own removal window. Follow it to the end.

  5. Restart if asked

    A few programs finish removing their files only after a restart.

Good to know

The quick way: open the Start menu, right-click the app and choose Uninstall.

If Uninstall is greyed out, the app is part of Windows and cannot be removed this way.

If you do not recognise a program, search its name online before removing it. Drivers from Intel, AMD, Nvidia or Realtek should stay.

Uninstalling does not cancel a paid subscription. Cancel that with the company or in the Microsoft Store.

In short: Settings, Apps, Installed apps, three dots, Uninstall.

Sources
  • Microsoft Support: Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.