DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
Redmond desk3 min

How to Install and Uninstall Windows Features with PowerShell

Use DISM PowerShell cmdlets to query, enable, disable, or remove Windows optional features on a running system or mounted image.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use the DISM PowerShell cmdlets to manage Windows optional features: query the target first, then enable, disable, or disable and remove its payload files. Use -Online for the running Windows installation and -Path for a mounted offline image. Windows capabilities and Windows Server roles are different servicing objects and use different cmdlets.

Check the target and identify the exact feature name

Open PowerShell with permissions appropriate to service the target. Query the running Windows installation with:

Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online

To inspect one feature, supply its exact name:

Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName <FeatureName>

For a mounted offline Windows image, query by mount path instead:

Get-WindowsOptionalFeature -Path <MountPath>

Use the feature name returned by the query, not a guessed display label. Microsoft documents Get-WindowsOptionalFeature for both running systems and mounted images.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Enable or restore an optional feature

On the running Windows installation

Run:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName <FeatureName>

If the feature requires parent features and you want DISM to enable them too, add -All:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName <FeatureName> -All

In a mounted offline image

Replace -Online with -Path <MountPath>:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Path <MountPath> -FeatureName <FeatureName>

When feature files are unavailable locally

If the payload is missing or was removed, use -Source <path> to identify source files. Add -LimitAccess if Windows Update must not be used as a source. Confirm that the source matches the image and that policy allows the intended source behavior. Microsoft documents these parameters in its Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature reference.

Rank #2
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
  • 256 GB SSD of storage.
  • Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.

Disable a feature, or remove its payload files too

Disable and keep the payload

To turn off an optional feature while retaining its payload files, run:

Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName <FeatureName>

Disable and remove the payload

To also remove the feature’s payload files, add -Remove:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName <FeatureName> -Remove

Use -Path <MountPath> instead of -Online when targeting a mounted image. Microsoft says -Remove removes the feature files but not the manifest. The feature can later be restored from a remote source, such as Windows Update or a network share, so removal can make a future enable operation dependent on access to a repair source. See Microsoft’s Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature reference.

Choose the right cmdlet family

“Windows feature” can refer to different servicing objects. These commands manage optional features; they are not interchangeable with capability or server-role commands.

Rank #4
15.6 Inch Laptop Computer, N4020, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB eMMC,with Windows 11
  • EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
  • 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
  • RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
  • ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Object Typical cmdlet family Important distinction
Windows optional feature Get-WindowsOptionalFeature, Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature, Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature Use the exact optional feature name returned by the query.
Windows capability Get-WindowsCapability, Add-WindowsCapability Capabilities use a separate cmdlet family; installation requires the full package name.
Windows Server role or feature Server feature management cmdlets, such as the WindowsFeature DSC resource Do not assume client optional-feature cmdlets manage Server roles and features.

Microsoft’s PowerShell module compatibility guidance gives examples distinguishing optional features from capabilities. Its WindowsOptionalFeature DSC reference distinguishes that resource from WindowsFeature, which manages Windows Server roles and features.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Running Windows versus a mounted image

The target parameter determines what gets changed: -Online means the current running operating system, while -Path points to a mounted Windows image. For example, to disable a feature in an image, use:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
  • 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
  • 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
  • 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
  • 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Path <MountPath> -FeatureName <FeatureName>

Verify the mount path before running a change against an offline image. Microsoft’s DISM module reference lists the module’s servicing cmdlets.

Restart and restoration considerations

The enable and disable cmdlets document -NoRestart, which can suppress an automatic restart when appropriate so an administrator can schedule one. Restart requirements depend on the feature and system state; the parameter does not mean a restart will never be needed. After using -Remove, confirm that Windows Update or the intended network-share source is available before relying on later restoration.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
$285.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
$245.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.