How to Uninstall a Program on Windows 10 — Complete Guide
The fastest way: press the Windows key, type the program name, right-click it and select Uninstall. Or go to Settings › Apps › Apps & features, find the program, click it, then click Uninstall. For stubborn programs that refuse to uninstall, use Revo Uninstaller (free) — it force-removes software and cleans up leftover registry entries automatically.
Whether you are freeing up disk space, removing trial software you no longer need, or dealing with a program that simply will not go away, knowing how to properly uninstall software on Windows 10 is an essential skill. A proper uninstall does not just delete the program folder — it removes all associated registry entries, startup entries, and service configurations so your system runs cleaner.
This guide covers all 7 methods to uninstall programs on Windows 10, from the everyday one-click approach to PowerShell commands for built-in apps and force-removal tools for the truly stubborn ones.
The 7 Methods at a Glance
Settings › Apps › Apps & features (Modern Way)
RECOMMENDED — Try FirstWorks for: all Windows Store apps and most traditional desktop programs installed in Windows 10. The cleanest built-in method and the one Microsoft recommends.
- Sortable list — filter by size, name, or install date
- Works for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications
- No extra tools needed
Control Panel › Programs and Features (Classic)
RELIABLEWorks for: all traditional desktop applications (Win32 programs). The classic method familiar from Windows 7 and Windows XP. Still fully functional in Windows 10.
- Shows publisher name, install date and size
- Supports "Change" and "Repair" options for some programs
- Better for legacy software than the Settings app
Start Menu Right-Click Uninstall
FASTESTWorks for: any program that appears in the Start Menu. The absolute fastest method — no need to open Settings or Control Panel at all.
- Two clicks from anywhere in Windows
- Works for both pinned and recently installed apps
- Ideal for quick removals on the fly
PowerShell Get-AppxPackage (Built-In Apps)
ADVANCEDWorks for: built-in Windows 10 apps (Cortana, Xbox, Maps, Mail, etc.) that cannot be removed through Settings. Requires running PowerShell as Administrator.
- The only reliable way to remove pre-installed Microsoft apps
- Can remove apps for the current user or all users
- Reversible — removed apps can be reinstalled from the Microsoft Store
Third-Party Uninstaller — Revo or Geek Uninstaller
FOR STUBBORN PROGRAMSWorks for: programs that leave behind leftovers, software that fails with the standard uninstaller, and bloatware. Revo Uninstaller and Geek Uninstaller both scan for and remove leftover registry entries and files after the main uninstall.
- Removes registry leftovers the built-in uninstaller misses
- Can force-remove programs whose uninstaller is broken
- Both tools have free versions that cover most needs
Run the Program's Own Uninstaller (Program Files Folder)
DIRECT ACCESSWorks for: any program that has an uninstall.exe or uninst.exe file in its installation directory. Useful when the program no longer appears in Settings or Control Panel but its files are still on the drive.
- Bypasses the Windows program database entirely
- Useful when a program disappears from the Apps list after a crash
- Found in
C:\Program Files\orC:\Program Files (x86)\
Command Line (WMIC) Method
ADVANCED — CMD/WMICWorks for: scripted or automated uninstall of traditional Win32 software from Command Prompt. Useful for IT administrators managing multiple machines or for situations where the GUI is unavailable.
- Scriptable — works in batch files and automation pipelines
- Can uninstall silently in the background
- Note: WMIC is deprecated in newer Windows builds; PowerShell is the modern equivalent
Method Comparison: Which One Should You Use?
| Method | Best Use Case | Difficulty | Removes Leftovers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings › Apps | Everyday removal of any app Recommended | Easy | Partial |
| Control Panel | Legacy Win32 desktop programs | Easy | Partial |
| Start Menu right-click | Quickest removal, 2 clicks | Easy | Partial |
| PowerShell Get-AppxPackage | Built-in Windows apps (Cortana, Xbox) Advanced | Moderate | Yes |
| Revo / Geek Uninstaller | Stubborn apps, complete cleanup Stubborn Apps | Easy | Yes (deep scan) |
| Program Files uninstaller | Apps missing from Apps list | Easy | Partial |
| WMIC command line | Scripted / automated removal | Advanced | Partial |
Method 1: Settings › Apps › Apps & Features (Recommended)
This is the primary method for uninstalling programs in Windows 10. It works for both Microsoft Store apps and traditional desktop software, and it is the approach Microsoft officially recommends.
Open Windows Settings
Press Windows key + I to open Settings, or click the Start button and select the gear icon. You can also type "Add or remove programs" in the Start Menu search bar and press Enter to jump directly to the right screen.
Navigate to Apps & Features
Click Apps, then select Apps & features in the left sidebar. You will see a full list of all installed programs. Use the search box to find a specific program, or sort by Size to identify the largest programs taking up space.
Select the Program and Click Uninstall
Click once on the program you want to remove. Two buttons appear: Modify and Uninstall. Click Uninstall, then confirm the action when the UAC (User Account Control) prompt appears. The program's own uninstaller will run and complete the removal.
Method 2: Control Panel › Programs and Features (Classic)
The Control Panel method has been the standard way to uninstall software since Windows XP. It still works perfectly in Windows 10 and is often faster for power users who prefer the classic interface.
Open the Control Panel
Press Windows key + R, type control and press Enter. In the Control Panel, click Programs, then Programs and Features. Alternatively, type "Control Panel" in the Start Menu search bar.
Find and Select the Program
Browse the list or use the search box in the top-right corner. The list shows the program name, publisher, install date, size and version number. Click the program once to select it.
Click Uninstall (or Uninstall/Change)
With the program selected, click Uninstall in the toolbar above the list, or right-click the program and select Uninstall. Some programs offer an Uninstall/Change option that lets you modify or repair the installation as well.
Method 3: Start Menu Right-Click Uninstall (Fastest Method)
This is the quickest way to uninstall any program on Windows 10 — just two clicks from anywhere on the desktop.
Open the Start Menu and Find the Program
Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu. Either scroll through the All apps list or type the first few letters of the program name in the search bar. The app will appear in the search results or in your app list.
Right-Click and Select Uninstall
Right-click the program name (either in the search results or the All apps list). A context menu appears. Click Uninstall. For desktop Win32 apps, this takes you directly to the Programs and Features screen. For Microsoft Store apps, Windows uninstalls them immediately.
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Method 4: PowerShell to Uninstall Built-In Windows Apps
Windows 10 comes loaded with pre-installed apps — Xbox, Cortana, Maps, Mail, Money, 3D Viewer and more. Most cannot be removed through Settings. PowerShell is the correct tool for this job.
Open PowerShell as Administrator
Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin). Click Yes when UAC asks for permission. The window that opens has a blue background and shows "Administrator" in the title bar.
List All Installed AppX Packages
To see every removable pre-installed app and its exact package name, run this command:
Remove the Specific App
Use the command below, substituting the package name keyword for the app you want to remove. Common examples are shown after the command.
Replace *KEYWORD* with the app you want to remove:
- Cortana:
*549981C3F5F10* - Xbox app:
*XboxApp* - Maps:
*WindowsMaps* - Mail and Calendar:
*windowscommunicationsapps* - 3D Viewer:
*Microsoft3DViewer* - Candy Crush:
*CandyCrush*
-AllUsers:Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *KEYWORD* | Remove-AppxPackage
Method 5: Third-Party Uninstallers — Revo and Geek Uninstaller
When standard uninstallers fail or leave behind a mess of registry keys and hidden folders, a dedicated uninstaller tool is the right choice. Two free tools dominate this category.
Revo Uninstaller (Free Version)
Revo runs the program's built-in uninstaller first, then performs a scan to find and delete leftover registry keys, folders, and files. The free version covers the vast majority of use cases.
Download and Install Revo Uninstaller
Go to revouninstaller.com and download the free version. Install and open it. Revo displays all installed programs with additional details the Windows list does not show.
Select the Program and Click Uninstall
Find the program in the list, double-click it (or right-click and select Uninstall). Revo first runs the program's own uninstaller. After it completes, Revo will scan the registry and file system for leftovers.
Select Scan Mode and Delete Leftovers
Choose a scan mode — Moderate is recommended for most users. Revo shows a list of leftover registry entries and files. Select all and click Delete. The program is now fully removed.
Geek Uninstaller (Portable, No Install Required)
Geek Uninstaller is a single .exe file — no installation needed. It is particularly useful for removing programs that are missing from the Windows Programs list, using its built-in Force Removal feature.
Download from geekuninstaller.com, run the executable, select any program, and click Uninstall. For programs that refuse to uninstall normally, right-click them and choose Force Removal.
Method 6: Run the Program's Own Uninstaller from Program Files
If a program has disappeared from the Apps list but its files are still on your computer, you can often run its built-in uninstaller directly from the installation folder.
Navigate to the Program Files Folder
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ (for 32-bit apps on a 64-bit system). Find the folder belonging to the program you want to remove.
Find and Run the Uninstaller
Inside the program folder, look for a file named uninstall.exe, uninst.exe, uninstaller.exe, or setup.exe. Double-click it to launch the uninstall wizard and follow the prompts.
Delete Any Remaining Folder
After the uninstaller completes, check if the folder still exists. If it does, right-click it and select Delete. Also check C:\Users\YourName\AppData\ for any leftover data folders from that program.
Method 7: Command Line Uninstall Using WMIC
The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool allows you to uninstall programs from Command Prompt. This is particularly useful for IT administrators or for scripted environments where a GUI is not available.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin). Type cmd and press Enter if you are in PowerShell.
List All Installed Programs
To see a full list of installed programs and their exact names as recognized by WMIC, run:
Uninstall the Specific Program
Use the exact program name from the list above. Replace "Program Name Here" with the exact name shown in the WMIC output:
Get-WmiObject as an alternative. WMIC still works on most Windows 10 machines as of 2026, but future updates may remove it entirely.
How to Remove Leftover Files and Registry Entries
Standard uninstallers rarely clean up everything. After uninstalling a program, it commonly leaves behind data in several locations. Here is where to check and how to clean them up manually.
Leftover Files and Folders
Check these locations for leftover folders after uninstalling:
C:\Program Files\ProgramName\— delete if the folder still existsC:\Program Files (x86)\ProgramName\— for 32-bit apps on 64-bit WindowsC:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\ProgramName\— user-specific dataC:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\ProgramName\— roaming app dataC:\ProgramData\ProgramName\— system-wide app data
%appdata% and press Enter. This opens the Roaming folder directly.
Leftover Registry Entries
Registry leftovers do not typically slow down your computer, but they can accumulate over time and cause issues with reinstallation. To clean them:
- Press Windows key + R, type
regeditand press Enter - Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\and look for a key matching the program name - Also check
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\ - Right-click the key and select Delete
How to Uninstall Built-In Windows Apps (Cortana, Xbox, and More)
Windows 10 ships with a range of pre-installed apps that many users never touch — Cortana, Xbox, 3D Viewer, Mixed Reality Portal, Candy Crush, and others. These apps cannot be removed through the normal Settings interface. The PowerShell method (Method 4 above) is the correct approach.
Here are the most commonly removed built-in apps and their PowerShell removal commands:
How to Force-Uninstall Programs That Won't Uninstall
Some programs refuse to uninstall normally. The error might say "This program is still running," "Access denied," "Uninstall failed," or the Uninstall button might be greyed out entirely. Here is a systematic approach to force-remove them.
Step 1: End All Related Processes First
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look for any processes related to the program you want to uninstall. Right-click each one and select End Task. This ensures no running process is locking the files and preventing removal.
Step 2: Try Uninstalling as Administrator
Right-click the uninstaller (found in the program's folder in Program Files) and select Run as administrator. Some programs require elevated privileges to uninstall, even though they do not explicitly say so.
Step 3: Use Revo Uninstaller's Force Removal Mode
If the standard uninstall still fails, open Revo Uninstaller, find the program, right-click and select Force Uninstall. This mode bypasses the program's own uninstaller entirely and directly removes all associated files and registry entries that Revo can identify.
Step 4: Use Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Microsoft offers a free official tool specifically for this problem: the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter. Download it from support.microsoft.com (search for "fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed"). It automatically diagnoses and repairs corrupted uninstaller entries in the registry.
Step 5: Boot into Safe Mode and Uninstall
As a last resort, restart Windows in Safe Mode (press F8 during startup or hold Shift while clicking Restart, then go to Troubleshoot › Advanced options › Startup Settings › Restart › Press 4). In Safe Mode, only essential Windows processes run — the problematic software will not load, making it easier to delete its files and remove its registry entries manually.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A program may refuse to uninstall if its uninstaller is corrupted, if another process is currently using the software, if it was only partially installed, or if it is a protected system component. Try ending all related processes in Task Manager first, then retry the uninstall as Administrator. If it still fails, use Revo Uninstaller's Force Removal mode or Microsoft's official Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.
Built-in Windows apps cannot be removed through Settings or Control Panel. You must use PowerShell as Administrator with the Get-AppxPackage command. For example, to remove Cortana: open PowerShell as Admin and run Get-AppxPackage *549981C3F5F10* | Remove-AppxPackage. Removed apps can always be reinstalled for free from the Microsoft Store later.
Not always. Standard uninstallers frequently leave behind folders in C:\Program Files, leftover entries in the Windows Registry, and data in the AppData or ProgramData folders. To ensure complete removal, use a tool like Revo Uninstaller which scans for and deletes these leftovers automatically, or manually check the AppData folder (%appdata% and %localappdata%) and delete any remaining program folders.
Without administrator rights, your options are limited. You can uninstall apps that were installed only for your user account via Settings › Apps › Apps & features — these do not require admin rights. For system-wide software installed by an administrator, you will need to ask your IT department or the account administrator to remove it for you.
A greyed-out Uninstall button usually means the program is a protected Windows component, another user session is actively using it, or you lack administrator privileges. Try logging in as an Administrator, ending all related processes in Task Manager first, or using a third-party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller, which can force-remove programs even when the standard Uninstall button is unavailable.
Windows does not include a built-in bulk uninstall feature. For batch removal, use Geek Uninstaller or Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCU) — both free tools that let you select multiple programs and remove them in a single operation. BCU in particular can uninstall dozens of apps silently in the background. PowerShell scripts using Get-AppxPackage can also automate bulk removal of Microsoft Store apps.