In Windows 11, effectively uninstalling software is crucial for maintaining a clean and efficient system. Here are several methods to help you achieve this:
1. Uninstall via Settings
- Step 1: Open Settings
- Click the Start icon on the taskbar and then select the Settings gear icon. You can also use the keyboard shortcut
Win + Ito quickly open the Settings app.
- Click the Start icon on the taskbar and then select the Settings gear icon. You can also use the keyboard shortcut
- Step 2: Navigate to Apps
- In the Settings window, click on “Apps” on the left – hand side.
- Step 3: Access Installed Apps
- On the right – hand side, click on “Installed apps”. Here, you’ll see a comprehensive list of all the applications installed on your Windows 11 PC.
- Step 4: Locate and Uninstall the Desired Software
- Scroll through the list to find the software you want to uninstall. You can also use the search bar at the top to quickly find the specific application. Once located, click on the three – dot menu icon next to the software name and select “Uninstall”.
- A confirmation dialog box will appear. Click “Uninstall” again to initiate the uninstallation process. Depending on the software, you may be prompted to restart your computer after the uninstallation is complete.
2. Uninstall via Control Panel
- Step 1: Open Control Panel
- Press the
Winkey on your keyboard, type “Control Panel” in the search box, and then click on the Control Panel app in the search results.
- Press the
- Step 2: Access Programs and Features
- In the Control Panel window, under the “Programs” category, click on “Uninstall a program” (which is part of “Programs and Features”).
- Step 3: Find and Uninstall the Software
- You’ll see a list of all the installed programs. Locate the software you wish to uninstall, right – click on it, and select “Uninstall”. Follow the on – screen prompts provided by the uninstaller wizard to complete the process. Some older or more complex software may require additional steps during the uninstallation, such as choosing to repair or change the installation before uninstalling.
3. Uninstall via File Explorer
- Step 1: Locate the Software’s Installation Folder
- Press
Win + Eto open File Explorer. Navigate to the “This PC” section. Usually, software is installed in either the “Program Files” (for 64 – bit applications on 64 – bit systems) or “Program Files (x86)” (for 32 – bit applications or on 32 – bit systems) folder. - Find the folder of the software you want to uninstall. You can also use the search bar in File Explorer to search for the software’s name if you’re not sure where it’s installed.
- Press
- Step 2: Run the Uninstaller
- Inside the software’s installation folder, look for an executable file named “uninstall.exe” or something similar (e.g., “unins000.exe”). Double – click on this file to start the uninstallation process.
- A User Account Control (UAC) prompt may appear, asking if you want to allow the program to make changes to your device. Click “Yes” to continue. Then, follow the prompts in the uninstaller window to complete the removal of the software.
4. Uninstall via Start Menu
- Step 1: Open the Start Menu
- Click the Start button on the taskbar or press the
Winkey.
- Click the Start button on the taskbar or press the
- Step 2: Find the Software in the Start Menu
- Scroll through the list of apps in the Start Menu. You can also use the search bar at the top of the Start Menu to search for the software.
- Step 3: Uninstall the Software
- Right – click on the software’s icon. In the context menu that appears, if there is an “Uninstall” option, select it. If not, look for “More” and then select “Uninstall” from the sub – menu. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.
5. Uninstall via Command Prompt (Admin)
- Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press the
Winkey, type “Command Prompt” in the search box. Right – click on “Command Prompt” in the search results and select “Run as administrator”.
- Press the
- Step 2: Use the WMIC Command to List Installed Programs
- In the Command Prompt window, type “wmic” and press Enter. Then, type “product get name” and press Enter again. This will display a list of all the installed programs on your computer.
- Step 3: Uninstall the Desired Software
- Note down the exact name of the software you want to uninstall. Then, type “product where name = ‘program name’ call uninstall” (replace ‘program name’ with the actual name of the software you noted earlier) and press Enter. When prompted to confirm the uninstallation, type “Y” and press Enter.
6. Uninstall via Registry Editor (Advanced Users Only)
Warning: Editing the Windows registry can be extremely dangerous. Incorrect changes can cause serious problems with your system, including preventing it from booting. Only attempt this method if you are very familiar with the registry.
- Step 1: Open Registry Editor
- Press the
Winkey, type “regedit” in the search box, and then click on “Registry Editor” in the search results.
- Press the
- Step 2: Navigate to the Uninstall Key
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall - Here, you’ll find sub – keys for each installed program.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
- Step 3: Find and Uninstall the Software
- Locate the sub – key corresponding to the software you want to uninstall. Right – click on it and select “Delete”. However, this may not completely uninstall the software. You may also need to look for the “UninstallString” value within the sub – key. Double – click on it, copy the value data, close the Registry Editor, press
Win + Rto open the Run dialog, paste the copied value in the Run dialog, and press Enter. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
- Locate the sub – key corresponding to the software you want to uninstall. Right – click on it and select “Delete”. However, this may not completely uninstall the software. You may also need to look for the “UninstallString” value within the sub – key. Double – click on it, copy the value data, close the Registry Editor, press
7. Using Third – Party Uninstall Tools
There are also third – party uninstall tools available, such as Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, and Geek Uninstaller. These tools often offer more advanced features, like the ability to completely remove leftover files and registry entries that may be left behind by the standard Windows uninstall process.
- Step 1: Download and Install the Third – Party Uninstaller
- Visit the official website of the uninstaller tool you choose (e.g., revo – uninstaller.com for Revo Uninstaller). Download the appropriate version for your Windows 11 system (32 – bit or 64 – bit). Run the installer and follow the on – screen instructions to install the tool.
- Step 2: Use the Uninstaller Tool
- Open the third – party uninstaller. It will display a list of all the installed programs on your computer. Find the software you want to uninstall in the list, select it, and click the “Uninstall” button in the tool. The tool will then guide you through the uninstallation process, which may include scanning for and removing leftover files and registry entries.
By using these methods, you can effectively uninstall software on your Windows 11 computer, helping to free up disk space, improve system performance, and keep your system clean and organized.
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