The fastest way to delete an app on Windows 10

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select it from the results. Go to Apps in the left sidebar, then Apps & features. Find the app you want to remove in the list, click it once, and a Uninstall button will appear. Click that button, and Windows will walk you through removing it.

This method works for most programs you install yourself — Microsoft Store apps, software from websites, and programs that came with Windows. Some built-in Windows apps (like Mail or Calendar) can be removed this way too, though you can reinstall them later from the Microsoft Store if you change your mind.

The whole process usually takes less than a minute. You may see a confirmation dialog asking if you're sure, or the app's own uninstaller may open with additional options. Just follow the prompts and click through to completion.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings app is the main place to uninstall programs on Windows 10 — open Settings, go to Apps, then Apps & features, find your program, and click Uninstall.
  • Microsoft Store apps uninstall instantly from the same Settings menu, while other programs may show their own uninstaller dialog with extra options.
  • You can reinstall most apps later if you delete them by mistake, including built-in Windows apps available through the Microsoft Store.
  • Some system programs cannot be uninstalled through Settings, but you can disable them or hide them from your Start menu instead.

Removing Microsoft Store apps

Apps you installed from the Microsoft Store (like Candy Crush, Spotify, or Slack) uninstall the same way as other programs. Open Settings, go to Apps > Apps & features, find the app, click it, and select Uninstall. The app disappears immediately without any additional dialog.

If you want to reinstall a Microsoft Store app later, you can find it in the Microsoft Store and download it again for free (or purchase it again if it was paid). Your account remembers which apps you've owned, so you won't have to pay twice for paid apps.

Uninstalling programs that came with Windows

Windows 10 includes built-in apps like Mail, Calendar, Maps, Photos, and Groove Music. You can remove these the same way you remove any other app — through Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Click the app and select Uninstall.

If you delete a built-in app and later want it back, open the Microsoft Store, search for the app by name, and reinstall it for free. This is one of the main reasons Microsoft made these apps removable — you can customize Windows to include only what you actually use.

A few system apps (like Settings itself or Cortana) cannot be uninstalled through this menu, but you can disable them or remove their shortcuts from your Start menu if you don't want to see them.

What happens to your files when you uninstall

When you uninstall an app, Windows removes the program files but usually leaves your personal files behind. If you used that app to create documents, photos, or other data, those files stay on your computer in their original folders — uninstalling the app doesn't delete them.

Some apps store settings and preferences in hidden folders that may or may not be removed. If you reinstall the app later, it might remember some of your old settings, or it might start fresh. This varies by program.

If you want to be thorough and remove all traces of an app, you can manually delete its folder after uninstalling. These are usually found in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86), but only delete a folder if you're certain it belongs to the app you want to remove.

Using Control Panel to uninstall (the older method)

Windows 10 still includes the older Control Panel uninstall method from previous Windows versions. Open Control Panel by pressing the Windows key and typing "Control Panel", then select Programs > Programs and Features. Find the app in the list, click it, and select Uninstall.

This method works identically to the Settings method for most programs. The Settings app is newer and simpler, so most people use that instead. Control Panel is still there if you prefer it or if an app doesn't show up in the Settings list for some reason.

Apps that won't uninstall or are stuck

Occasionally an app will refuse to uninstall, or the uninstall button will be grayed out. This usually happens with system programs that Windows needs to function. If you don't need the app but can't remove it, you can hide it from your Start menu by right-clicking its tile and selecting Unpin from Start.

If an app is truly stuck and you've tried both Settings and Control Panel, restart your computer and try again. Sometimes a program is still running in the background and won't uninstall until it's fully closed. After restarting, the uninstall should work.

For apps that still won't budge, you can disable them instead of uninstalling them. Open Settings, go to Apps > Apps & features, find the app, click it, and look for an Advanced options link. Some apps have a Disable button there that prevents them from running without fully removing them.

Uninstalling programs from the Start menu

You can also uninstall an app directly from your Start menu without opening Settings. Right-click the app's tile in the Start menu and select Uninstall. A confirmation dialog will appear — click Uninstall again to confirm.

This shortcut works for most apps but not all. If you don't see an Uninstall option when you right-click, use the Settings method instead. This quick method is handy when you're browsing your Start menu and decide you want to remove something immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall Windows 10 itself?

No, you cannot uninstall Windows 10 from within Windows 10. If you want to remove it, you would need to install a different operating system (like Windows 11, Linux, or macOS on a Mac) using installation media, which erases your drive. To go back to a previous Windows version, you can use the Reset this PC option in Settings, which lets you choose to reinstall Windows 10 from scratch.

What if I accidentally delete an app I need?

Most apps can be reinstalled. If it came from the Microsoft Store, search for it there and download it again. If it was a program from a website, go back to that website and download the installer again. Your files created by that app will still be on your computer even though the program is gone.

Does uninstalling an app free up storage space?

Yes, uninstalling removes the program files from your hard drive, which frees up the space they were using. The amount varies — some apps take up only a few megabytes, while others can use several gigabytes. You can see how much space an app uses before you uninstall it by clicking it in Settings > Apps & features.

Why can't I uninstall some Windows apps?

Some built-in apps are considered part of Windows itself and cannot be uninstalled through the normal method. These include Cortana, Settings, and File Explorer. You can disable them or hide them from your Start menu, but you cannot fully remove them without using advanced tools or reinstalling Windows.