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Summary
When your computer runs out of space, or you want to remove an old app that keeps launching at startup, you need to uninstall it. Deleting the icon from your desktop doesn't remove the program. This guide shows you the correct way to uninstall software in Windows, and what to do if an app refuses to leave.
Before You Start
- A Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer
- You must be signed in with an administrator account (in a corporate environment, some uninstalls require IT approval)
Instructions
Method 1: The Modern Way (Settings App)
This is the easiest and most reliable way to remove software on modern Windows computers.
- Click the Start button.
- Click the Gear icon (Settings).
- Click Apps on the left menu (in Windows 10, click the Apps icon).
- Click Installed apps (or Apps & features).
- Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the program you want to remove.
- Click the three dots next to the app's name (in Windows 10, click the app name).
- Select Uninstall.
- A pop-up will ask you to confirm. Click Uninstall again.
- Follow any on-screen prompts from the software's uninstaller wizard.
Method 2: The Classic Way (Control Panel)
If an older program isn't showing up in the Settings app, you can use the legacy Control Panel.
- Click the Start button and type
Control Panel. Press Enter. - Look for the Programs section and click Uninstall a program.
- You will see a list of installed software. Click the column header Installed On to sort by date, or Size to find large apps.
- Right-click the program you want to remove and select Uninstall (or Uninstall/Change).
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Method 3: Uninstalling Windows Store Apps
Apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store (like Netflix or Spotify) can be uninstalled incredibly quickly right from the Start menu.
- Click the Start button.
- Click All apps in the top right corner.
- Scroll down the alphabetical list to find the app.
- Right-click the app's icon and select Uninstall.
- Confirm the uninstallation.
Why Won't It Let Me Uninstall?
In a corporate environment, you might click "Uninstall" and see a prompt asking for an administrator username and password.
Why this happens: To prevent viruses from installing themselves (or employees from accidentally deleting critical security software), IT locks down the ability to install or uninstall software. How to fix it: You cannot bypass this prompt. Submit a ticket to your IT helpdesk stating: "I need administrator credentials entered so I can uninstall [App Name] to free up disk space."
Troubleshooting
WARNING
Never try to manually delete a program by going to C:\Program Files and dragging a folder to the trash. This leaves behind hundreds of broken registry entries and hidden files that will slow down your computer and cause errors. Always use the official uninstaller.
| Symptom / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| App asks for an admin password | You lack administrator rights | Raise a ticket naming the app and why you need it gone, and ask IT to remove it for you or push the removal to your device |
| "The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable" | Corrupted installer registry | Copy the full error message into a ticket and ask IT to run the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter against that app |
| "The program is currently running" | App is open in the background | Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find the app, click "End Task", then try uninstalling again |
| App is uninstalled but icon remains | Broken shortcut | Right-click the leftover icon on your desktop or Start menu and select Delete or "Unpin" |