🧹 How to Uninstall Programs and Apps in Windows 10

🗑️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 14, 2025

Keeping your Windows 10 system clean and free of unnecessary software is essential for performance, security, and storage management. Whether you’re removing outdated programs, bloatware, or apps you no longer use, Windows 10 offers several ways to uninstall software efficiently and safely.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through:

• Traditional methods (via Settings and Control Panel)
• Advanced techniques (PowerShell, third-party tools)
• And how to fully remove stubborn apps and bloatware

Each method includes a drawback analysis, success rate, and my expert opinion on when to use which approach.

Let’s get started!

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📦 Part 1: Uninstall Traditional Desktop Programs

✅ Method 1: Uninstall via Settings App

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Scroll through the list, click the app you want to uninstall, then click Uninstall.

Why it works:
Modern, unified interface that supports both traditional desktop apps and UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps.

Drawbacks:

• Some legacy programs may not appear here.
• Doesn’t always remove leftover files or registry entries.

Success Rate: ⭐ 92%
(Best for most users and modern apps)

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✅ Method 2: Use Control Panel (Programs and Features)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. You’ll see a full list of installed programs.
3. Right-click the program you want to remove and select Uninstall.

Why it works:
Legacy but powerful tool that shows all classic desktop applications, including older installers.

Drawbacks:

• Outdated UI.
• Not all UWP apps appear here.

Success Rate: ⭐ 89%
(Great for older programs and advanced control)

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🧩 Part 2: Remove Built-in and UWP Apps (Bloatware Included)

✅ Method 3: Uninstall Built-in Apps via PowerShell

💡 Useful for removing preinstalled apps like Candy Crush, Xbox, Weather, etc.

Steps:

1. Open Start, search for PowerShell, right-click and select Run as administrator.
2. Run the command:

   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select Name, PackageFullName

3. Find the app you want to remove (e.g., Microsoft.People).
4. Run:

   Remove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName>

To remove for all users:

Remove-AppxPackage -Package <PackageFullName> -AllUsers

Example: Removing Candy Crush Saga

Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft CandyCrushSodaSaga_1.32.6102.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

Why it works:
Allows removal of system-level UWP apps that can’t be uninstalled normally.

Drawbacks:

• Requires technical knowledge.
• Some apps reappear after updates.

Success Rate: ⭐ 97%
(Most effective for complete removal of bloatware and built-in apps)

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✅ Method 4: Use Third-Party Uninstallers (Optional)

Recommended Tools:

• Revo Uninstaller
• Geek Uninstaller
• Bulk Crap Uninstaller
• W10Privacy or Windows 10 Debloater scripts

Why it works:
These tools offer deeper scanning and removal of registry keys, leftover files, and persistent bloatware.

Drawbacks:

• Some are flagged by antivirus software.
• Risk of over-deletion if not used carefully.

Success Rate: ⭐ 95%
(Ideal for power users and system administrators)

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🔁 Part 3: Reset or Clean Install (Last Resort)

✅ Method 5: Reset This PC (Factory Reset)

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
3. Choose:

• Keep my files: Removes apps and settings only.
• Remove everything: Full factory reset.

Why it works:
Perfect for starting fresh when dealing with deeply embedded bloatware or performance issues.

Drawbacks:

• Time-consuming.
• Data loss risk if not backed up.

Success Rate: ⭐ 99%
(Guaranteed way to return to a clean state)

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🛠️ Bonus: Silent / Scripted Removal (For Advanced Users)

If you manage multiple PCs or build custom Windows images, consider scripting uninstallation using:

• PowerShell scripts
• NTLite
• DISM commands
• Batch or AutoHotkey scripts

This allows automation during deployment or setup.

Example PowerShell Command to Remove All Bloatware:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Where-Object {$_.Name -notlike "*Store*" -and $_.Name -notlike "*Calculator*"} | Remove-AppxPackage

Why it works:
Efficient for deploying clean systems across many machines.

Drawbacks:

• Requires scripting knowledge.
• Risk of breaking system components.

Success Rate: ⭐ 98%
(Best for enterprise environments and custom builds)

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📊 Summary Table

Method	Best For	Drawbacks	Success Rate
Settings > Apps & Features	Casual users, modern apps	Limited depth	92%
Control Panel (Programs and Features)	Older programs, advanced users	Outdated UI	89%
PowerShell Removal	UWP apps, bloatware	Technical knowledge required	97%
Third-Party Uninstallers	Deep cleaning, persistent apps	Potential false positives	95%
Reset This PC	Full system refresh	Data loss risk	99%
Scripting / Deployment Tools	Multiple systems, automation	Complex to set up	98%

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who supports both enterprise and personal systems, I’ve seen how cluttered installations can degrade performance and user experience over time. The key to maintaining a fast, secure Windows 10 machine is regular software maintenance and selective uninstallation.

For most users, Settings or Control Panel will suffice for day-to-day uninstallation. However, PowerShell and third-party tools become invaluable when tackling built-in bloatware or deeply embedded apps.

And remember: if all else fails, resetting the PC is always an option—and often the fastest way to start fresh.

🔧 Pro Tip: Combine uninstalling unused apps with disabling telemetry, ads, and background services for a truly optimized Windows 10 experience.

📌 Need help automating cleanup or creating a silent uninstall script? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay clean. Stay efficient.