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In today’s digital age, we rely heavily on various applications to perform tasks and enhance our productivity. However, with the abundance of apps available in the Microsoft Store, it is common to have a cluttered system with numerous apps that are no longer needed or rarely used. This not only takes up valuable storage space but can also slow down your computer’s performance.
Uninstalling unwanted apps from the Microsoft Store is a quick and straightforward process that can help optimize your system and free up storage space. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11, providing you with step-by-step instructions and additional tips to ensure a hassle-free experience.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Uninstall Apps from Microsoft Store Windows 11
There are several reasons why you might want to uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11. Let’s explore some of them:
1. Free up storage space: Over time, your system can accumulate a significant number of apps that are no longer used. By uninstalling these apps, you can reclaim valuable storage space and improve your computer’s performance.
2. Organize your system: Having a cluttered system with unnecessary apps can make it difficult to find and access the applications you need. Uninstalling unwanted apps can help declutter your system and make it easier to navigate.
3. Improve system performance: Unwanted apps running in the background can consume system resources and slow down your computer. By uninstalling these apps, you can improve system performance and responsiveness.
4. Enhanced privacy and security: Uninstalling apps that you no longer use reduces the potential attack surface for malicious actors. Removing unwanted apps ensures that your system is free from potential security vulnerabilities.
Now that we understand the importance of uninstalling apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11, let’s dive into the various methods you can use to accomplish this.
Method 1: Uninstalling Apps via the Start Menu
Uninstalling apps via the Start menu is one of the easiest and most convenient methods in Windows 11. Follow these steps to uninstall an app using this method:
Step 1: Click on the Start button in the taskbar to open the Start menu.
Step 2: Locate the app you want to uninstall. You can either scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app quickly.
Step 3: Right-click on the app icon and select the "Uninstall" option from the context menu.
Step 4: A confirmation pop-up will appear asking if you want to uninstall the app. Click on "Uninstall" to proceed.
Step 5: Windows will initiate the uninstallation process, and once completed, the app will be removed from your system.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to uninstall apps.
2. Quick access to the Start menu makes it convenient to find and uninstall apps.
3. No need to navigate through multiple settings menus.
Cons:
1. May not uninstall all associated files and folders, leaving behind remnants of the app.
2. Limited options for troubleshooting if the uninstallation process encounters errors.
Method 1: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to uninstall apps. | 1. May not uninstall all associated files and folders, leaving behind remnants of the app. |
| 2. Quick access to the Start menu makes it convenient to find and uninstall apps. | 2. Limited options for troubleshooting if the uninstallation process encounters errors. |
Method 2: Uninstalling Apps via the Settings Menu
Another method to uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 is through the Settings menu. Follow these steps to uninstall an app using this method:
Step 1: Open the Settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting the "Settings" gear icon.
Step 2: In the Settings menu, click on the "Apps" category.
Step 3: On the Apps page, navigate to the "Apps & features" section on the left-hand sidebar.
Step 4: Scroll through the list of installed apps or use the search bar to find the app you want to uninstall.
Step 5: Click on the app to expand its details, and then click on the "Uninstall" button.
Step 6: A confirmation pop-up will appear asking if you want to uninstall the app. Click on "Uninstall" to proceed.
Step 7: Windows will initiate the uninstallation process, and once completed, the app will be removed from your system.
Pros:
1. Provides detailed information about the app, including its size, version, and installation date.
2. Allows you to sort apps based on various criteria, such as name, size, or installation date.
3. Provides additional options for modifying or repairing apps if needed.
Cons:
1. Requires navigating through multiple settings menus, which may be less intuitive for some users.
2. Uninstallation process might take longer compared to other methods.
Method 2: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides detailed information about the app, including its size, version, and installation date. | 1. Requires navigating through multiple settings menus, which may be less intuitive for some users. |
| 2. Allows you to sort apps based on various criteria, such as name, size, or installation date. | 2. Uninstallation process might take longer compared to other methods. |
Method 3: Uninstalling Apps via the Microsoft Store
If you prefer a method that directly involves the Microsoft Store itself, you can uninstall apps through its interface. Follow these steps to uninstall an app using this method:
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store by clicking on its icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
Step 2: In the Microsoft Store, click on your profile picture or icon in the top right corner to open the account menu.
Step 3: From the account menu, select "My Library" to view a list of all the apps installed on your system.
Step 4: Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to uninstall.
Step 5: Click on the three-dot menu icon next to the app and select the "Uninstall" option.
Step 6: A confirmation pop-up will appear asking if you want to uninstall the app. Click on "Uninstall" to proceed.
Step 7: Windows will initiate the uninstallation process, and once completed, the app will be removed from your system.
Pros:
1. Provides access to the complete library of apps installed on your system, making it easier to manage and uninstall apps.
2. Allows you to quickly view app updates, ratings, and additional information directly within the Microsoft Store interface.
Cons:
1. Requires opening the Microsoft Store separately, which may not be as convenient as other methods.
2. Relies on a stable internet connection to access the Microsoft Store and initiate the uninstallation process.
Method 3: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides access to the complete library of apps installed on your system, making it easier to manage and uninstall apps. | 1. Requires opening the Microsoft Store separately, which may not be as convenient as other methods. |
| 2. Allows you to quickly view app updates, ratings, and additional information directly within the Microsoft Store interface. | 2. Relies on a stable internet connection to access the Microsoft Store and initiate the uninstallation process. |
Method 4: Uninstalling Apps via PowerShell
For advanced users who prefer command-line interfaces, PowerShell offers a powerful method to uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store. Follow these steps to uninstall an app using PowerShell:
Step 1: Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start menu and then click on the "Windows PowerShell" app.
Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type the following command to list all installed apps:
"`
Get-AppxPackage
"`
Step 3: Press Enter to run the command. PowerShell will list all the installed apps along with their respective PackageFullName values.
Step 4: Locate the app you want to uninstall from the list.
Step 5: Copy the PackageFullName value of the app.
Step 6: In the PowerShell window, type the following command to uninstall the app, replacing "PackageFullName" with the actual PackageFullName of the app:
"`
Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName
"`
Step 7: Press Enter to run the command. PowerShell will uninstall the app from your system.
Pros:
1. Provides advanced control and flexibility for managing apps, especially for power users and automation scripts.
2. Allows batch uninstallation of multiple apps using PowerShell scripts.
Cons:
1. Requires knowledge of PowerShell commands and syntax.
2. Incorrectly using PowerShell commands can have unintended consequences and may cause system instability if used improperly.
Method 4: Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides advanced control and flexibility for managing apps, especially for power users and automation scripts. | 1. Requires knowledge of PowerShell commands and syntax. |
| 2. Allows batch uninstallation of multiple apps using PowerShell scripts. | 2. Incorrectly using PowerShell commands can have unintended consequences and may cause system instability if used improperly. |
What to Do If You Can’t Uninstall Apps from Microsoft Store Windows 11
At times, you may encounter issues while trying to uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11. Here are some fixes you can try:
1. Use the Settings Troubleshooter: Windows 11 provides built-in troubleshooters to automatically diagnose and fix common issues. Open the Settings menu, navigate to the "System" category, click on "Troubleshoot", and select the "Additional Troubleshooters" option. Choose the "Windows Store Apps" troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the uninstallation issue.
2. Check for Updates: It is essential to keep your operating system up to date. Go to the Settings menu, click on the "Windows Update" category, and select the "Check for Updates" button. Install any pending updates and restart your computer before attempting to uninstall apps again.
3. Use PowerShell for Stubborn Apps: If a particular app refuses to uninstall through conventional methods, you can try using PowerShell. Open PowerShell with administrator privileges and use the appropriate commands to force uninstall the app manually.
Bonus Tips
To enhance your app uninstallation experience, here are some bonus tips:
1. Clear App Data: After uninstalling an app, you can also delete its leftover data manually. Open File Explorer, navigate to the following directory:
"`
C:Users[Your Username]AppDataLocalPackages
"`
Locate the folder corresponding to the uninstalled app and delete it. This ensures that no residue of the app remains on your system.
2. Reinstall Troublesome Apps: If you encounter issues with an app but still wish to use it, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling the app from the Microsoft Store. This helps resolve any conflicts or corrupt installation files that may have caused the issue.
3. Manage Startup Apps: Some apps may automatically start with your system, consuming resources and slowing down the boot process. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, navigate to the "Startup" tab, and disable apps that you don’t want to start with your computer.
5 FAQs
Q1: How can I reinstall a previously uninstalled app?
A1: To reinstall an app that you uninstalled from the Microsoft Store, open the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and click on the "Install" button. The app will be downloaded and installed on your system.
Q2: Can I reinstall an app that was removed by a system update?
A2: Yes, in most cases, you can reinstall an app that was removed by a system update. However, if the app is no longer available in the Microsoft Store or is not compatible with the updated version of Windows, you may not be able to reinstall it.
Q3: Is it safe to uninstall pre-installed Microsoft Store apps?
A3: Yes, it is safe to uninstall pre-installed Microsoft Store apps if you do not use them and want to free up storage space. However, be cautious while uninstalling system apps that are critical for the functioning of Windows, as removing them may cause stability or functionality issues.
Q4: Can I reinstall a previously uninstalled app without losing my data?
A4: When you uninstall an app, its associated data is also removed from your system. Therefore, if you reinstall the app, you may lose any previous data or settings associated with it. However, some apps may store data in the cloud, allowing you to retain your data even after reinstalling the app.
Q5: Can I uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store that were installed using other methods?
A5: No, you can only uninstall apps from the Microsoft Store that were installed through the store itself. Apps installed using other methods, such as downloading installation files from third-party websites, need to be uninstalled using their respective uninstallation methods.
Final Thoughts
Uninstalling apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 is a simple task that can greatly improve system performance, organize your computer, and enhance your overall user experience. Whether you choose to uninstall apps via the Start menu, Settings menu, Microsoft Store, or PowerShell, make sure to follow the provided steps carefully to ensure successful removal of unwanted apps.
Remember to periodically review your installed apps and uninstall any that are no longer required or rarely used to keep your system running smoothly. By optimizing your app collection, you can free up storage space, improve system performance, and enhance your productivity in Windows 11.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":null}
