What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
To remove most software from a Windows 10 PC, open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the program, choose Uninstall, and complete its removal wizard. If Settings cannot remove it, use Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
This guide removes an app or desktop program—not Windows 10 itself. Menu wording can vary slightly by Windows 10 update and application type. Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, but these removal procedures remain the normal way to manage software on existing installations.
Before you uninstall
Uninstalling runs the program’s removal process. It is different from deleting a shortcut or dragging the installation folder to the Recycle Bin.
- Deleting a shortcut removes only the icon; the software remains installed.
- Deleting the installation folder can leave services, drivers, scheduled tasks, registry entries, and broken uninstall records.
- Personal data may remain. Documents, project files, game saves, profiles, caches, licenses, and cloud-synced files are often stored separately.
Save or export important data, close the program, confirm the exact publisher and name, and have administrator credentials available. For software that handles databases, business files, games, security, networking, or hardware, check the publisher’s backup and removal instructions first. Do not remove unfamiliar shared components such as Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables unless you know nothing depends on them.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Fastest method: Settings
- Select Start, then open Settings.
- Select Apps, then Apps & features.
- Scroll or use the search box to find the application.
- Select the app and choose Uninstall.
- Confirm again if Windows asks, then complete the application’s own wizard.
- Restart Windows if the uninstaller requests it.
Microsoft’s current support page combines Windows versions and may call the equivalent Windows 11 page Installed apps; Windows 10 normally uses Apps & features. Some programs cannot be removed from Settings and must use Control Panel or a publisher-specific uninstaller. See Microsoft’s instructions at Microsoft Support.
Uninstall from the Start menu
- Open Start and find the app in the program list.
- Right-click it and select Uninstall.
- Follow the Windows prompt or the program’s removal wizard.
This command may open Apps & features instead of uninstalling immediately. A shortcut, Windows component, or app managed by another launcher may not offer the option.
Use Control Panel for classic desktop programs
Traditional Win32 software often appears more reliably in Control Panel than in Settings.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
- Search the taskbar for Control Panel and open it.
- Select Programs > Programs and Features.
- Choose the program.
- Select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change, then follow the prompts.
This route is useful when Settings does not list the program or its Uninstall button fails. If neither location works, look for an uninstaller in the program’s Start-menu folder or installation directory, without deleting the folder itself.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Microsoft Store apps and desktop apps
A Store-packaged app, a website-downloaded desktop program, and a desktop application distributed through the Microsoft Store can use different removal mechanisms. Try Start > right-click the app > Uninstall, then use Settings > Apps > Apps & features if necessary.
For supported apps, select the app in Apps & features, choose Advanced options, and try Repair before Reset. Repair attempts to fix the app without removing its data; Reset can remove that app’s data and settings. These controls are not available for every desktop program.
Rank #3
- MICROSOFT WINDOWS 11 PRO (INGLES) FPP 64-BIT ENG INTL USB FLASH DRIVE
Do not remove the Microsoft Store itself as a routine cleanup step. Microsoft says its removal is not recommended and that there is no normal supported workaround to reinstall it after removal; recovery may require resetting or reinstalling Windows. See Microsoft’s Store guidance.
Optional command-line method: WinGet
WinGet is useful for experienced users, administrators, and repeatable work, but it is not the safest first choice for everyone. Microsoft documents support on Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763) or later, with the required Windows Package Manager/App Installer components available.
winget listList installed applications, including some not originally installed through WinGet. Search for a name:
Rank #4
- [Dual Flash Drive] This 2-in-1 USB flash drive is designed with a Type-C plug and a USB-A plug at each end, working across all your Type-C Android phones, iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16Pro/16E, tablets, iPad Pro, Macs and USB-A computers, game consoles, car audios, and more (Not for Lightning iPhone/iPad).
- [Fast Speed] Optimizing the USB 3.0 technology, this USB-C flash drive fast transfers and backs up your high-res photos, videos, music, and heavy files at a read speed of up to 130MB/s and a write speed of up to 35MB/s, 10X faster than USB 2.0 flash drives.
- [Wide Use] This Type-C flash drive supports Windows, Android, Linux, and Mac OS, and is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports. Plug and play, no need to install any software, working seamlessly with USB-C and USB-A devices.
- [Durable and Reliable] This dual USB 3.0 flash drive adopts superb memory chips thus ensuring extremely reliable performance, plus the premium plastic enclosure offers excellent heat dissipation. The cap protects the connectors from dust and damage, providing extended durability and security.
- [Compact and Portable] Constructed in a mini size of 63.5x17.8x8.4mm/2.5x0.7x0.3inch, this slim USB-C thumb drive can fit into your pocket, letting you enjoy the instant large capacity at any time.
winget search "Program Name"Then uninstall by name:
winget uninstall --name "Program Name"If several matches appear, verify the publisher and use an exact identifier:
winget uninstall --id Publisher.AppName --exactOther documented options include:
winget uninstall --name "Program Name" --source winget
winget uninstall --name "Program Name" --interactive
winget uninstall --name "Program Name" --silent- Interactive keeps normal prompts visible.
- Silent suppresses the normal interface, so do not use it when you need to review choices.
- Administrator elevation may be required.
- Never confirm a similarly named package without checking its exact identity.
Read the documented requirements and syntax at WinGet overview and WinGet uninstall reference.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When an app refuses to uninstall
1. Restart and try again
A locked file, pending update, or running service can block removal. Restart Windows, then retry Settings or Control Panel.
Best Value
- Large Data Storage Capacity: Flash Drive with 128GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer
- Easy to use: The thumb drive is plug and play without any software installation; Supports Windows 7/8/10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports; Storage is fast, safe and stable
- Wide Compatibility: USB flash drive support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device; It is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working
- Retractable Desgin: The usb drive's retractable design can effectively protect the USB interface; The capless design can avoid losing of cap; Weight: 7g, Size: 2.6 × 0.8 × 0.4 inch. Portable to take your digital world anywhere
- What You Get: 1 x 128GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, All of usb drives have been rigorously tested and formatted before leaving the factory; The default format of the USB stick is exFAT
2. Close the app and its processes
Exit it from the notification area. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager and end only processes clearly belonging to that application. Do not terminate Windows processes or security software blindly.
3. Run the publisher’s uninstaller
Antivirus products, VPNs, drivers, games, development tools, and corporate software may install services or protected components that require a dedicated removal utility. Obtain such a tool only from the publisher’s official support site.
4. Repair or reset a supported app
Use Settings > Apps > Apps & features > app > Advanced options, then try Repair and, if necessary, Reset. Reset affects the app’s data; it does not reset the entire PC.
5. Use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter
Microsoft’s troubleshooter can repair corrupted registry keys and uninstall data when an entry is missing, an earlier removal was interrupted, Windows says the product is already uninstalled, or a new version is blocked by remnants of an old one. If the program is not listed, it may request an MSI product code, which is an advanced step. Follow Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
6. Escalate to the publisher or IT
Contact the vendor for security software, network filters, hardware drivers, kernel-level components, and proprietary cleanup tools. On a work or school computer, policy may block removal or automatically reinstall the program; contact your administrator instead.
Special cases
| Situation | Recommended route | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Game installed through Steam, Epic, or another launcher | Use the launcher first | It manages manifests, files, and sometimes cloud saves. |
| Driver or hardware control panel | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions | Removing only the visible app may leave or damage the driver stack. |
| Antivirus or endpoint security | Use the vendor’s removal tool or support process | Protected services may prevent a normal uninstall. |
| Corporate-managed software | Contact IT | Policy, permissions, or automatic deployment may control it. |
| Program missing from Settings and Control Panel | Check its publisher uninstaller, then Microsoft’s troubleshooter | The entry may be corrupted or the app may have been installed for another user. |
If the software may be malware
Suspicious software is a security problem, not an ordinary uninstall. If active compromise is suspected, disconnect from the internet, run a scan with Windows Security or another reputable antivirus product, and follow the security vendor’s removal instructions. Do not merely delete executable files or disable security services. Microsoft’s uninstall guidance directs malware cases to security tools rather than relying only on normal program removal.
Quick Recap
What not to do
- Do not assume deleting a shortcut or program folder completes an uninstall.
- Do not edit random registry keys to make an entry disappear.
- Do not download an unverified “force uninstall” utility.
- Do not assume a stale Add/Remove Programs entry proves the application is still installed.
- Do not remove shared runtimes, drivers, or Windows components without checking what depends on them.
Choose the right method
- If the app is listed in Settings > Apps > Apps & features, use Settings.
- If Settings fails or the program is a classic desktop application, try Control Panel.
- If a launcher or publisher supplied the software, use its own uninstaller.
- If uninstall records are corrupted, run Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.
- If the program is suspicious or security-related, scan it and use the vendor’s security-removal process.
- If the PC is managed by an employer or school, contact IT.
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.
