Uninstalling an app in Windows 11 is a quick process that requires just a few clicks. You’ll need to access the Settings menu, find the app you want to remove, and confirm the uninstallation. After that, the app will be gone from your system, freeing up space and resources on your computer.
Step by Step Tutorial: Uninstall an App in Windows 11
Before we dive into the specific steps, it’s important to note that uninstalling an app will remove it entirely from your computer. This means all files, settings, and data associated with the app will be deleted. Make sure you’ve saved any important information before proceeding.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
The Settings menu is where you can manage all aspects of your Windows 11 system, from system updates to personalization options. It’s also where you can control which apps are installed on your computer.
Step 2: Click on ‘Apps’
In the Settings menu, click on the ‘Apps’ option to view all installed apps on your computer.
The ‘Apps’ section of the Settings menu will display a list of all the apps currently installed on your system. From here, you can manage each app’s settings or choose to uninstall them.
Step 3: Select ‘Apps & features’
Click on ‘Apps & features’ to see a list of your installed apps and manage them.
‘Apps & features’ is the subsection of the ‘Apps’ menu where you can see more details about each app, including the amount of space it takes up and when it was last used.
Step 4: Find the app you want to uninstall
Scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar to find the app you want to uninstall.
If you have a lot of apps installed, it might take a moment to find the one you’re looking for. You can use the search bar to quickly locate it by typing in the app’s name.
Step 5: Click on the three dots and select ‘Uninstall’
Once you’ve found the app, click on the three dots next to it and select ‘Uninstall’ from the dropdown menu.
When you click ‘Uninstall,’ a confirmation prompt will appear. This is to ensure you don’t accidentally remove an app you want to keep.
Step 6: Confirm the uninstallation
Confirm that you want to uninstall the app by clicking on the ‘Uninstall’ button in the prompt.
After you confirm, Windows 11 will start the process of removing the app from your system. This might take a few moments, depending on the size and complexity of the app.
After you’ve completed these steps, the app will be uninstalled from your Windows 11 computer. You’ll have more space available and maybe even a faster-running system. If you ever change your mind, you can always reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or the app’s original installation source.
Tips: Quick Way to Uninstall an App in Windows 11
- Make sure to back up any important data from the app before uninstalling it.
- Some built-in Windows apps cannot be uninstalled using this method.
- If you can’t find the app in the ‘Apps & features’ list, it might be a part of Windows and not a separate app.
- Check if the app has a dedicated uninstaller, which might be required for a complete removal.
- After uninstalling, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I uninstall system apps using this method?
No, system apps or built-in Windows features may require a different process to uninstall, and some cannot be removed at all.
What if the app doesn’t show up in the list of installed apps?
If the app doesn’t show up in the list, it might be a system app or it might be installed in a way that doesn’t register with Windows settings. You might need to use an alternative uninstallation method.
Can I reinstall an app after uninstalling it?
Yes, as long as you have the original installation source or it’s available on the Microsoft Store, you can reinstall an uninstalled app.
Why should I restart my computer after uninstalling an app?
Restarting your computer ensures that any residual files or processes related to the app are completely cleared out of your system.
Is it safe to uninstall apps from my computer?
It’s safe to uninstall apps as long as they’re not essential to the system’s operation. If you’re unsure, it’s best to do a bit of research before removing an app.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Click on ‘Apps’
- Select ‘Apps & features’
- Find the app you want to uninstall
- Click on the three dots and select ‘Uninstall’
- Confirm the uninstallation
Conclusion
Uninstalling an app in Windows 11 is a breeze when you follow the steps outlined above. Remember, keeping your computer clutter-free by regularly uninstalling apps you no longer use can help maintain your system’s performance and stability. It’s also a good practice to back up any important data before removing an app to prevent any unintentional loss of information. Whether you’re trying to save space, improve your computer’s speed, or simply getting rid of an app you don’t need anymore, the process is straightforward and quick. Happy uninstalling!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.