Learn How to Delete Programs in Windows 10

Understanding Windows 10 Program Removal Basics

Windows 10 contains built-in tools that let you remove programs you no longer want on your computer. Every program takes up storage space on your hard drive, and removing unused software can help free up that space for other uses. According to Microsoft's documentation, the average Windows 10 user has between 30 and 50 programs installed, though many people use only a fraction of what's installed.

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Before you start removing programs, it's worth understanding what "programs" means in this context. Windows 10 distinguishes between traditional desktop applications (like Microsoft Office or Adobe Reader) and apps from the Microsoft Store (like Weather or Maps). Both types can be removed, but the process differs slightly. Desktop applications are programs you typically installed from a disc, website, or setup file, while Store apps are downloaded through the Microsoft Store application.

You should know that removing a program deletes the application files from your computer, but it may not delete all files associated with that program. Some programs create configuration files, user data, or preferences that remain on your system even after uninstallation. This is often intentional—if you reinstall the program later, your settings may still be there. However, you can manually delete these remaining files if you want to completely remove all traces of a program.

Before removing anything, consider backing up your computer or creating a system restore point. A system restore point is a snapshot of your computer's settings and files at a specific time. If something goes wrong after removing a program, you can use this restore point to return your system to how it was. This is especially important if you're unsure about removing something.

Practical Takeaway: Spend a few minutes reviewing the programs currently installed on your computer. Make a list of programs you no longer use. This preparation makes the removal process faster and helps you avoid accidentally deleting something you need.

Using the Settings App to Remove Programs

The Settings app is the main location for managing programs in Windows 10. This method works for most desktop applications and is the recommended approach for most users. To open the Settings app, click the Windows Start button (bottom left corner of your screen) and then click the gear icon, or you can press the Windows key and the letter "I" at the same time.

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Once Settings opens, look for "Apps" in the menu on the left side. Click on "Apps" to see a list of installed programs organized alphabetically. You'll see the program name and, in many cases, the size of the program. This size information is helpful because it shows you how much storage space each program uses. Programs that take up several gigabytes might be worth removing if you don't use them.

To remove a program, simply click on it from the list. A window will appear with options, including an "Uninstall" button. Click "Uninstall," and Windows will ask you to confirm. Some programs may show additional options at this stage, such as asking whether you want to keep your user data or remove everything. Read these options carefully before confirming. Once you click "Uninstall" for the final time, Windows will remove the program from your computer.

The process typically takes anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the program's size and complexity. While the removal is happening, you may see a progress bar, or the screen might appear unchanged. Don't interrupt this process by restarting your computer or closing the Settings app. Let it complete fully. After the program is removed, you may be prompted to restart your computer, though this isn't always necessary.

One useful feature in the Settings app is the ability to sort programs by size. At the top of the Apps list, you'll see sorting options. Clicking "Size" will arrange programs from largest to smallest. This helps you identify programs that are taking up the most space if your goal is to free up storage on your hard drive.

Practical Takeaway: Start with the Settings app method for any program you want to remove. It's the safest and most straightforward approach. Plan to spend about 5 to 10 minutes per program, accounting for any restart prompts.

Removing Microsoft Store Apps Separately

Microsoft Store apps are treated differently from traditional desktop applications in Windows 10. Apps like Weather, Maps, News, and Games are pre-installed on many Windows 10 computers. While some people find these useful, others prefer to remove them to reduce clutter and free up storage space. The good news is that removing Store apps is generally faster and simpler than removing desktop programs.

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To remove a Microsoft Store app, right-click on the app's tile in your Start menu. If you don't see the app in your Start menu, you can search for it by clicking the Windows Start button and typing the app's name. Once you find it and right-click, a menu will appear with an "Uninstall" option. Click "Uninstall," and the system will ask you to confirm. Click "Uninstall" again, and the app will be removed within seconds.

Alternatively, you can remove Store apps through the Settings app using the same method described in the previous section. Windows 10 lists both Store apps and desktop applications in the Apps section, so you don't need to go to a different location. Simply find the app's name, click it, and then click "Uninstall."

One thing to know about Microsoft Store apps is that some are more deeply integrated into Windows 10 than others. Apps like Cortana (the voice assistant) or Edge (the web browser) cannot be removed through normal methods because Windows depends on them for certain functions. If you try to uninstall these, you'll see a message explaining that they can't be removed. This is a safety feature to prevent accidentally disabling important system functions.

If you remove a Store app and later decide you want it back, you can reinstall it for free through the Microsoft Store. Simply open the Microsoft Store app, search for the app by name, and click "Get" or "Install." This makes Store apps a low-risk option for removal—you can always change your mind without any cost.

Practical Takeaway: Review the apps in your Start menu and remove any that you haven't used in the past month. Store apps take just seconds to remove and can be reinstalled at no cost if you change your mind.

Using Control Panel as an Alternative Method

For users who prefer a traditional interface or need more detailed control over program removal, Windows 10 still includes the Control Panel, a holdover from earlier Windows versions. While Microsoft now emphasizes the Settings app, Control Panel remains a valid tool for removing programs and offers some options that Settings doesn't provide.

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To open Control Panel, click the Windows Start button and type "Control Panel" in the search box. Click on "Control Panel" when it appears in the results. Once open, look for "Programs and Features" or "Uninstall a program." Clicking this option shows a complete list of installed desktop applications, similar to the Settings app but with additional information columns visible by default.

In Control Panel's Programs and Features window, you'll see each program's name, publisher (the company that made it), installed date, and size. Some programs also show a version number. This information can be helpful if you have multiple versions of the same program installed and need to decide which ones to keep. To remove a program, click on it to select it, and then click the "Uninstall" button at the top of the list.

One advantage of using Control Panel is that some programs include additional uninstall options here that aren't available through Settings. For example, you might see buttons labeled "Repair" or "Modify" in addition to "Uninstall." The "Repair" option can fix problems with a program without fully removing it, while "Modify" lets you choose which components of a program to install or remove. These options are helpful if a program is malfunctioning or if you want to keep only certain features.

Control Panel also displays programs in a scrollable list format, which some people find easier to navigate than the Settings app's interface. Additionally, Control Panel shows all programs in one view without the category separation that Settings uses. If you're looking for a specific program and can't remember its exact name, the full list in Control Panel might make it easier to find.

Practical Takeaway: If you encounter a program that seems to offer repair or modification options, try accessing it through Control Panel to see what options are available. This can sometimes fix problems without requiring a complete reinstallation.