How to Uninstall Software on Windows 11 & 10
Method 1: The Modern Settings Menu (Recommended)

This is the standard method for Windows 10 and 11 and works for both traditional desktop programs (.exe) and modern Microsoft Store apps.

For Windows 11:

  1. Press the Windows Key or click Start and select Settings (the gear icon).
  2. In the left sidebar, click on Apps.
  3. Select Installed apps.
  4. Scroll to find the program you wish to remove, or use the search bar at the top.
  5. Click the three dots (...) next to the program name and select Uninstall.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish the removal.

For Windows 10:

  1. Click Start > Settings > Apps.
  2. Click Apps & features in the sidebar.
  3. Click on the program you want to remove.
  4. Click the Uninstall button that appears.
Method 2: The Classic Control Panel

For older legacy software that doesn't appear correctly in the new Settings menu, the classic Control Panel is still the most reliable method.

  1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter. (This is a shortcut to open "Programs and Features" directly).
  3. Locate the software in the list.
  4. Right-click the entry and select Uninstall or Change/Remove.
  5. Follow the wizard instructions to complete the process.
Method 3: Cleaning Up "Leftovers" (Advanced)

Standard uninstallers often leave behind temporary files, empty folders, and registry entries. If you want a completely clean system, follow these additional steps.

1. Remove Leftover Files
After uninstalling, check these common directories for leftover folders:

  • C:\Program Files\
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\
  • C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\
  • C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\
Note: The AppData folder is hidden. To see it, open File Explorer, click View > Show > Hidden items.

2. Clean Registry Keys (Proceed with Caution)

Warning: Incorrectly editing the registry can damage your system. Only do this if you are comfortable.
  1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
  3. Look for a folder with the name of the vendor or program you just uninstalled. If found, right-click and delete it.
  4. Repeat the check in this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
Method 4: Using Third-Party Uninstaller Tools

If a program refuses to uninstall or you want to automate the "Leftover" cleanup, dedicated uninstaller tools are highly recommended. These tools scan for residual files automatically.

  • Revo Uninstaller (Free/Paid): Excellent for removing stubborn programs and automatically scanning for leftover registry keys.
  • Geek Uninstaller (Free): A lightweight, portable tool that is very fast and simple to use.
  • BCUninstaller (Open Source): Great for bulk-uninstalling multiple programs at once.
Troubleshooting: "I can't uninstall a program!"

If the uninstall process freezes, fails, or the program keeps reappearing:

  • Restart in Safe Mode: Boot Windows into Safe Mode and try uninstalling the program again. This prevents third-party background processes from interfering.
  • Use the Microsoft Troubleshooter: Microsoft offers a "Program Install and Uninstall" troubleshooter that can fix corrupted registry keys blocking removal.
  • Check Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look for processes related to the software, right-click them, and select End Task before trying to uninstall again.