How to Uninstall Windows 10 Store Apps: A Comprehensive Guide
Windows 10 comes pre-loaded with a variety of applications, some of which are useful while others are not. These apps, often referred to as Windows Store apps or Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, are distinct from traditional desktop applications. While some are beneficial, you might find yourself wanting to remove others to free up storage space, improve system performance, or simply declutter your Start menu. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to uninstall Windows 10 Store apps, providing detailed steps and instructions for each approach.
## Understanding Windows 10 Store Apps
Before diving into the uninstallation process, it’s essential to understand what Windows 10 Store apps are and how they differ from traditional desktop applications. UWP apps are designed to run on multiple Windows devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and even Xbox consoles. They are typically downloaded and installed from the Microsoft Store. These apps are often sandboxed, meaning they have limited access to system resources, enhancing security.
However, this sandboxing can sometimes make them more challenging to uninstall compared to traditional desktop applications. Unlike .exe based programs that come with their own uninstallers, Store apps rely on the operating system to manage their removal. This means you need to use specific methods provided by Windows 10 to get rid of them.
## Why Uninstall Windows 10 Store Apps?
There are several compelling reasons why you might want to uninstall Windows 10 Store apps:
* **Free Up Storage Space:** Some pre-installed apps, especially games or media-rich applications, can consume significant storage space. Uninstalling these can free up valuable disk space, particularly on devices with limited storage capacity, such as SSDs.
* **Improve System Performance:** While individual Store apps generally have a minimal impact on system performance, having numerous apps running in the background or consuming system resources can collectively slow down your computer. Removing unnecessary apps can contribute to a snappier and more responsive system.
* **Reduce Clutter:** A cluttered Start menu or app list can make it challenging to find the applications you use regularly. Uninstalling unwanted apps can help streamline your user experience and make it easier to locate the apps you need.
* **Remove Bloatware:** Some PC manufacturers pre-install a variety of third-party apps, often referred to as bloatware. These apps are not always useful and can take up valuable resources. Removing them can improve your system’s performance and reduce distractions.
* **Privacy Concerns:** Some pre-installed apps may collect and transmit user data. If you are concerned about privacy, you might want to uninstall these apps to prevent them from collecting your information.
## Methods to Uninstall Windows 10 Store Apps
Windows 10 offers several methods to uninstall Store apps, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll cover the most common and effective techniques:
1. **Uninstalling via the Start Menu**
2. **Uninstalling via the Settings App**
3. **Uninstalling via PowerShell**
4. **Uninstalling via Third-Party Uninstaller Tools**
Let’s examine each method in detail.
### 1. Uninstalling via the Start Menu
This is the simplest and most straightforward method for uninstalling Windows 10 Store apps. It’s quick and easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.
**Steps:**
1. **Open the Start Menu:** Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. **Locate the App:** Scroll through the list of apps until you find the app you want to uninstall. You can also use the search bar to quickly find the app by typing its name.
3. **Right-Click the App:** Once you’ve found the app, right-click on its icon. A context menu will appear.
4. **Select Uninstall:** In the context menu, select the “Uninstall” option. If the app is a traditional desktop application, you’ll be prompted to confirm the uninstallation. If it’s a Store app, Windows 10 will immediately begin the uninstallation process.
5. **Confirm (If Necessary):** If the app is a traditional desktop application, a separate uninstaller window might appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation. For Store apps, the process is usually automatic, and you won’t see any additional prompts.
**Limitations:**
* This method may not work for all pre-installed apps. Some core Windows apps, such as the Microsoft Store or the Edge browser, cannot be uninstalled using this method.
* It can be time-consuming if you need to uninstall multiple apps, as you have to repeat the process for each app individually.
### 2. Uninstalling via the Settings App
The Settings app provides a more centralized interface for managing your installed applications. This method is particularly useful for uninstalling multiple apps at once.
**Steps:**
1. **Open the Settings App:** Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, then click the gear-shaped icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to directly open the Settings app.
2. **Navigate to Apps:** In the Settings app, click on the “Apps” category. This will open the Apps & Features settings page.
3. **Find the App:** The Apps & Features page displays a list of all installed applications, including both Store apps and traditional desktop applications. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app you want to uninstall. You can also sort the apps by name, size, or installation date to make it easier to find the app you’re looking for.
4. **Select the App:** Once you’ve found the app, click on its name. This will reveal an “Uninstall” button (for most apps) and an “Advanced Options” button (for some apps).
5. **Click Uninstall:** Click the “Uninstall” button. A confirmation prompt might appear, asking you to confirm that you want to uninstall the app. Click “Uninstall” again to confirm.
6. **Follow On-Screen Instructions (If Necessary):** If the app is a traditional desktop application, a separate uninstaller window might appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation. For Store apps, the process is usually automatic, and you won’t see any additional prompts.
**Advanced Options:**
For some Store apps, you’ll see an “Advanced Options” button instead of (or in addition to) the “Uninstall” button. Clicking this button will take you to a page where you can:
* **Reset the App:** This option resets the app to its default settings, deleting all of your data and preferences.
* **Manage App Permissions:** This allows you to control which system resources the app can access, such as your microphone, camera, or location.
* **Terminate the App:** This stops the app from running in the background.
**Limitations:**
* Similar to the Start menu method, this method may not work for all pre-installed apps.
* The process can still be a bit tedious if you need to uninstall a large number of apps.
### 3. Uninstalling via PowerShell
PowerShell is a powerful command-line shell and scripting language built into Windows. It provides a more advanced and flexible way to uninstall Windows 10 Store apps, particularly when dealing with multiple apps or stubborn apps that cannot be removed using the Start menu or Settings app.
**Steps:**
1. **Open PowerShell as Administrator:** Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, type “PowerShell,” right-click on “Windows PowerShell,” and select “Run as administrator.” It’s crucial to run PowerShell as an administrator to have the necessary permissions to uninstall apps.
2. **List Installed Apps:** In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
powershell
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName
This command will display a list of all installed Store apps, along with their full package names. The package name is a unique identifier for each app, which you’ll need to use in the uninstallation command.
3. **Find the App’s Package Name:** Scroll through the list to find the app you want to uninstall and note its full package name. The package name is a long string of characters that uniquely identifies the app.
4. **Uninstall the App:** Type the following command in the PowerShell window, replacing `
powershell
Remove-AppxPackage
For example, to uninstall the Microsoft Solitaire Collection, you might use the following command:
powershell
Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection_2024.412.10.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe
Press Enter to execute the command. PowerShell will uninstall the app without any further prompts.
5. **Verify Uninstallation:** To verify that the app has been successfully uninstalled, you can run the `Get-AppxPackage` command again and check if the app is no longer listed. You can also check the Start menu or the Apps & Features page in the Settings app.
**Uninstalling Multiple Apps:**
PowerShell can also be used to uninstall multiple apps at once using a single command. This is particularly useful if you want to remove a large number of pre-installed apps.
1. **Create a List of Package Names:** Create a list of the package names of all the apps you want to uninstall. You can copy and paste these package names into a text file.
2. **Use a Loop to Uninstall the Apps:** Type the following command in the PowerShell window, replacing `
powershell
For example:
powershell
Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection_2024.412.10.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe, Microsoft.SkypeApp_15.97.141.0_x64__kzf8qxf38zg5c, Microsoft.YourPhone_1.24022.126.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe | ForEach { Remove-AppxPackage $_ }
Press Enter to execute the command. PowerShell will uninstall all the specified apps without any further prompts.
**Uninstalling All Apps for a Specific User:**
If you want to uninstall all Store apps for a specific user account, you can use the following command:
powershell
Get-AppxPackage -User
Replace `
powershell
Get-AppxPackage -User JohnDoe | Remove-AppxPackage
**Uninstalling All Provisioned Apps:**
Provisioned apps are apps that are installed for all new user accounts created on the system. To uninstall all provisioned apps, use the following command:
powershell
Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online
**Limitations:**
* This method requires some familiarity with the command line and PowerShell syntax.
* It can be risky if you accidentally uninstall critical system apps. Always double-check the package name before uninstalling an app.
* Some apps may require additional steps to be completely removed, such as deleting associated files and folders.
### 4. Uninstalling via Third-Party Uninstaller Tools
Several third-party uninstaller tools can simplify the process of uninstalling Windows 10 Store apps. These tools often provide a user-friendly interface and additional features, such as the ability to remove stubborn apps, delete leftover files and registry entries, and manage startup programs.
**Popular Third-Party Uninstaller Tools:**
* **Revo Uninstaller:** A popular and powerful uninstaller tool that can remove both traditional desktop applications and Store apps. It offers a variety of features, including a hunter mode for uninstalling apps from the desktop or system tray, a forced uninstall mode for removing stubborn apps, and a registry cleaner for removing leftover registry entries.
* **IObit Uninstaller:** Another popular uninstaller tool that can remove unwanted programs, including Store apps, browser toolbars, and plugins. It features a deep scan mode for removing leftover files and registry entries, and a software updater for keeping your installed programs up to date.
* **CCleaner:** A well-known system optimization tool that also includes an uninstaller feature. It can remove both traditional desktop applications and Store apps, and it offers a variety of other features, such as a registry cleaner, a junk file cleaner, and a startup manager.
**Using a Third-Party Uninstaller Tool:**
The specific steps for using a third-party uninstaller tool will vary depending on the tool you choose. However, the general process is usually as follows:
1. **Download and Install the Tool:** Download the uninstaller tool from its official website and install it on your computer.
2. **Launch the Tool:** Launch the uninstaller tool.
3. **Select the App:** The uninstaller tool will display a list of all installed applications. Select the app you want to uninstall.
4. **Uninstall the App:** Click the “Uninstall” button. The uninstaller tool will typically perform a scan for leftover files and registry entries after the uninstallation process is complete.
5. **Remove Leftover Files and Registry Entries:** Follow the on-screen instructions to remove any leftover files and registry entries.
**Advantages:**
* User-friendly interface.
* Can remove stubborn apps that cannot be uninstalled using other methods.
* Can remove leftover files and registry entries.
* May offer additional features, such as startup management and software updates.
**Disadvantages:**
* May require purchasing a license for advanced features.
* Some tools may come bundled with unwanted software.
* It’s essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy tool to avoid installing malware or adware.
## Preventing Unwanted Apps from Reinstalling
After uninstalling Windows 10 Store apps, you might want to prevent them from automatically reinstalling in the future. This is particularly relevant for pre-installed apps that tend to reappear after a system update or reset.
**Disabling Automatic App Updates:**
One way to prevent apps from reinstalling is to disable automatic app updates in the Microsoft Store.
1. **Open the Microsoft Store:** Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, type “Microsoft Store,” and click on the Microsoft Store app.
2. **Open Settings:** Click on the three dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the Microsoft Store window and select “Settings.”
3. **Disable App Updates:** In the Settings page, toggle the “App updates” option to the off position. This will prevent the Microsoft Store from automatically updating and reinstalling apps.
**Using Group Policy Editor (for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education Editions):**
If you are using a Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, you can use the Group Policy Editor to prevent apps from reinstalling.
1. **Open Group Policy Editor:** Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type “gpedit.msc,” and press Enter.
2. **Navigate to App Runtime:** In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:
`Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Runtime`
3. **Prevent App Reinstall:** In the right pane, double-click on the “Turn off automatic download and install of updates” policy.
4. **Enable the Policy:** In the policy settings window, select the “Enabled” option and click “Apply” and “OK.”
## Conclusion
Uninstalling Windows 10 Store apps is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to choose the right method based on your needs and technical expertise. The Start menu and Settings app provide simple and user-friendly options for uninstalling individual apps. PowerShell offers a more powerful and flexible approach for uninstalling multiple apps or stubborn apps. Third-party uninstaller tools can simplify the process and provide additional features. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively uninstall unwanted apps from your Windows 10 system and free up storage space, improve system performance, and reduce clutter.
Remember to exercise caution when using PowerShell or third-party uninstaller tools, as these methods can potentially remove critical system apps or cause other issues if used incorrectly. Always double-check the package name or the app you’re uninstalling before proceeding. By taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and effectively manage the apps installed on your Windows 10 system.