Uninstalling software in Windows 11 may seem straightforward, but sometimes leftover files and registry entries remain, taking up space and potentially causing system issues.
To completely uninstall software in Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, select the program, and click Uninstall. For stubborn apps, use Control Panel or a third-party uninstaller to remove all leftover files and registry entries.
If you’ve ever noticed a program still showing up after uninstalling or running into error messages, this guide will show you how to completely remove software from Windows 11.
Methods to Uninstall Software in Windows 11!
1. Using Windows Settings:
- Click on the Start Menu and open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Find the program you want to uninstall.
- Click on the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Using Control Panel:
- Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
- Find the software in the list.
- Click on it and select Uninstall.
- Follow the prompts to complete the process.
3. Using Command Prompt (CMD):
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type wmic product get name and press Enter to see installed programs.
- Type wmic product where name=”Program Name” call uninstall.
- Press Enter and confirm the removal.
4. Using PowerShell:
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Run Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName to find the program.
- Use Remove-AppxPackage -Package PackageFullName to uninstall it.
5. Using Third-Party Uninstallers:
There are tools like Revo Uninstaller and IObit Uninstaller that completely remove programs along with leftover files and registry entries.
Using Windows Settings to Uninstall Software!
One of the easiest ways to uninstall a program in Windows 11 is by using the Settings app. To do this, press Win + I to open Settings, then go to Apps > Installed Apps. Look for the software you want to remove, click the three-dot menu next to it, and choose Uninstall. After that, confirm the action to uninstall a program in Windows 11. This simple method helps remove most applications, making it a quick way to uninstall a program in Windows 11. If you ever need to uninstall a program in Windows 11, the Settings app is a great option.
However, when you uninstall a program in Windows 11, some software might leave behind extra files. While the Settings app is useful, it may not fully remove all parts of a program. If you want to uninstall a program in Windows 11 completely, you may need additional steps, like deleting leftover files manually. Even though the process to uninstall a program in Windows 11 is simple, some applications require extra cleanup. Always check for any remaining files after you uninstall a program in Windows 11 to ensure your system stays clean.
How to Remove Leftover Files and Registry Entries?
1. Deleting Program Files Manually:
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).
- Find and delete the folder related to the uninstalled program.
2. Cleaning the Windows Registry:
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE.
- Find and delete any leftover entries related to the program.
3. Using Disk Cleanup Tool:
- Open Disk Cleanup by typing its name into the search bar.
- Select C: Drive and click OK.
- Click OK after checking the Recycle Bin and Temporary Files.
Uninstalling Software Using Control Panel!
If a program doesn’t appear in the Settings app, you can remove it through the Control Panel:
- Look for the Control Panel in the Start menu to open it.
- Click on Programs > Programs and Features.
- Find the software, right-click, and choose Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it.
This approach is effective for traditional desktop applications but may not work for certain modern apps.
Using Command Prompt for Advanced Uninstallation!
Uninstalling some programs using Command Prompt is a simple way to remove software that may not appear in the Control Panel. To start, open Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, type wmic and press Enter. After that, enter product get name to see a list of installed programs. Once you find the program you want to remove, type product where name=”SoftwareName” call uninstall and press Enter. This will begin the uninstallation process. If a confirmation message appears, follow the instructions to complete the removal. Using Command Prompt for uninstallation is helpful when regular uninstall methods don’t work.
Some programs can be uninstalled via Command Prompt if they are not listed in the Control Panel. Opening Command Prompt as an administrator is the first step. Then, by entering wmic, you can access system information. To view installed software, type product get name. Once you find the program, use the command product where name=”SoftwareName” call uninstall to remove it. You may need to confirm the uninstallation. This method allows you to uninstall some programs using Command Prompt, making it a useful tool for troubleshooting software issues.
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Additional Methods to Uninstall Software!
Sometimes, certain programs are difficult to remove using standard methods. Here are additional ways to uninstall software in Windows 11:
1. Using Safe Mode to Remove Software:
Safe Mode can be useful when trying to uninstall problematic programs:
- Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode by holding Shift while clicking Restart.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
- Select Enable Safe Mode.
- Once in Safe Mode, try uninstalling the software using Settings or Control Panel.
This method can help if a program is running background processes that prevent its removal.
2. Uninstalling Built-in Windows 11 Apps:
Windows 11 comes with several pre-installed apps that may not be necessary. To remove them:
- Open PowerShell as administrator.
- Use the command Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName to list installed apps.
- To uninstall a specific app, use Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage.
To get rid of the Xbox app, for instance, use Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage.
This method is useful for removing apps that do not have an uninstall option in Settings.
Preventing Software from Leaving Residual Files!
To ensure a clean uninstallation, always try to use the built-in uninstallers that come with the program. Many applications have their own uninstallers, making it easy to remove them without leaving extra files behind. If a built-in uninstaller is not available, you can manually uninstall the program through the system settings. After uninstalling, use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files that may still be on your computer. Cleaning these extra files helps keep your system running smoothly and prevents unnecessary storage use. A clean uninstallation is important to avoid leftover data that can slow down your device.
For stubborn programs that do not uninstall easily, third-party uninstallers can help. These tools scan for leftover files and ensure a clean uninstallation. After using them, check the Registry and AppData folders to remove any remaining files. Deleting these extra files will help maintain a clean and efficient system. A clean uninstallation prevents errors and keeps your device working properly. By regularly performing a clean uninstallation, you can avoid storage issues and system slowdowns. Always ensure a clean uninstallation to keep your computer running at its best.
Troubleshooting Common Issues!
1. Software Not Showing in Control Panel or Settings:
If a program does not appear in Control Panel or Settings, use Command Prompt or third-party uninstallers to remove it.
2. Error Messages When Uninstalling:
Errors like “Uninstall process failed” can be solved by running Windows in Safe Mode and trying again.
3. Force Uninstalling Stubborn Programs:
Use tools like Revo Uninstaller to forcefully remove any software that won’t uninstall normally.
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FAQs:
1. How do I uninstall built-in Windows apps?
You can remove built-in apps using PowerShell with the Remove-AppxPackage command.
2. Can I reinstall an uninstalled program?
Yes, you can download and reinstall any program unless it’s permanently removed from your system.
3. What happens if I delete program files manually?
Deleting files manually can leave behind registry entries, which may cause errors.
4. Are third-party uninstallers safe?
Most reputable uninstallers are safe, but always download them from official websites.
5. How do I know if a program was completely removed?
Check File Explorer, Registry Editor, and Task Manager to ensure no traces remain.
Conclusion:
Uninstalling software in Windows 11 completely requires more than just removing it through the Settings or Control Panel. To ensure no traces are left behind, manually deleting files, cleaning the registry, and using third-party uninstallers are recommended. By following these steps, you can keep your Windows 11 system running smoothly.
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