Add or Remove Programs from Your Windows 11/10 Computer
Installing and removing software is one of the most common tasks you may need to perform on a Windows computer. Whether you want to install a new application, remove a program you no longer use, or troubleshoot an application that is causing problems, Windows 11 and Windows 10 provide several built-in ways to manage installed programs.
For a new Windows user, the process may initially seem confusing because applications can be installed from different sources, including the Microsoft Store, official websites, and installation files. Similarly, some programs can be removed from the Settings app, while others may require a traditional uninstaller.
In this guide, you will learn how to add or remove programs from a Windows 11/10 computer using simple, step-by-step methods.
Add or Remove Programs from Your Windows 11/10 Computer
To add a program in Windows 11 or Windows 10, download the application from a trusted source, open its installation file, and follow the setup instructions. To remove a program, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, select the program, and choose Uninstall. You can also use Control Panel > Programs and Features to remove traditional desktop programs.
Windows gives you multiple options for managing applications. The easiest method for most beginners is the Settings app, but some older programs may only appear in Control Panel.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings App
The first step is to open Settings, where Windows provides controls for installed applications.
In Windows 11, click the Start button on the taskbar. You can also press the Windows key on your keyboard. Once the Start menu opens, click Settings.
If you cannot immediately find Settings, click the search box in the Start menu and type Settings. Select the Settings application from the search results.
In Windows 10, click the Start button and select the Settings icon. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
The Settings window contains several categories. For managing applications, you need to open the Apps section.
Step 2: Open the Installed Apps Section
After opening Settings, look for Apps in the left-hand menu.
Windows 11 users should click Apps and then select Installed apps. This page displays applications currently installed on the computer.
Windows 10 users should click Apps and then select Apps & features.
You will now see a list of applications installed on your computer. Depending on how many programs you have installed, this list may contain dozens or even hundreds of entries.
Do not worry if you see programs that you do not recognize. Some entries are Windows components, drivers, utilities, or supporting applications required by other programs.
Step 3: Find the Program You Want to Remove
The next step is to locate the application you want to uninstall.
In Windows 11, you can scroll through the Installed apps list or use the search box near the top of the page. Type the name of the program you want to remove.
For example, if you want to remove VLC Media Player, type VLC into the search field.
In Windows 10, use the Search this list box under Apps & features and enter the name of the application.
Searching is usually easier than manually scrolling, especially when you have many programs installed.
Before removing an application, make sure you have selected the correct program. Some applications may have similar names, and uninstalling the wrong program could cause another application or Windows feature to stop working.
Step 4: Start the Uninstallation Process
Once you find the program, select it.
In Windows 11, click the three-dot menu next to the application and select Uninstall.
In Windows 10, click the application and select Uninstall.
Windows may display a confirmation message asking whether you really want to remove the program. Read the message carefully and click Uninstall again if you are certain.
Some applications may open their own uninstall wizard instead of being removed immediately.
Step 5: Follow the Program’s Uninstaller
Not every application is removed directly by Windows. Traditional desktop programs often have their own uninstaller.
If an uninstaller appears, follow the instructions shown on the screen.
You may see options such as Remove, Uninstall, Next, or Finish. Select the appropriate option to continue.
Some uninstallers may ask whether you want to keep personal settings, saved files, or configuration information. If you plan to reinstall the application later, keeping certain settings may be useful. If you are permanently removing the program, you can usually choose the option that removes its associated data when available.
Wait until the uninstallation process finishes. Do not shut down the computer while the program is being removed.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer if Necessary
After uninstalling a program, Windows may ask you to restart your computer.
Restarting is not always necessary, but you should do it when Windows or the application’s uninstaller specifically requests it.
A restart allows Windows to complete pending changes and release files that were being used by the program.
If you do not receive a restart message, you can generally continue using your computer normally.
Step 7: Add a New Program to Windows
Adding a program generally means installing an application on your computer.
Before downloading anything, make sure you obtain the program from a trusted source. Whenever possible, use the Microsoft Store or the software developer’s official website.
For a program downloaded from a website, you may receive a file ending in .exe or .msi.
Locate the downloaded file, usually in your Downloads folder, and double-click it.
Windows may display a security prompt asking whether you want to allow the application to make changes to your device. Verify that the program and publisher are trustworthy before selecting Yes.
Step 8: Complete the Installation Wizard
After starting the installer, follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Many installation programs ask you to choose an installation location. Beginners can usually keep the default location unless they have a specific reason to change it.
You may also see options for creating a desktop shortcut, starting the application with Windows, or installing additional components.
Read these options carefully rather than automatically clicking through every screen.
When you reach the final screen, click Install or the equivalent button. Wait while Windows installs the application.
Once the installation is complete, click Finish. You can then open the newly installed program from the Start menu.
Step 9: Add Programs Through the Microsoft Store
Windows 11 and Windows 10 also allow you to install many applications through the Microsoft Store.
Open the Start menu and search for Microsoft Store. Open it and use the search box to find the application you want.
Select the application and review its name and publisher before installing it. This is particularly important because multiple applications can have similar names.
Select Get, Install, or the appropriate installation button. Windows will download and install the application automatically.
After installation, you can launch the program from the Microsoft Store or find it through the Start menu.
Step 10: Use Control Panel for Older Programs
Some traditional desktop applications may not appear normally in the modern Windows Settings interface. In such cases, Control Panel can be useful.
Open the Start menu and search for Control Panel. Open it and select Programs.
Next, click Programs and Features.
You will see a list of traditional desktop applications installed on your computer. Find the program you want to remove, select it, and click Uninstall near the top of the window.
Follow the application’s uninstall wizard until the process is complete.
This method is especially useful for older software that was designed before the modern Windows Settings interface was introduced.
Step 11: Check the Computer After Removing a Program
After uninstalling software, it is a good idea to check whether the application has actually been removed.
Return to Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.
Search for the application again. If it no longer appears, the main application has been removed.
Keep in mind that uninstalling a program does not necessarily remove every personal file the application created. Documents, saved projects, downloads, or other user-created files may remain.
Never manually delete folders from C:\Windows, C:\Program Files, or other system locations simply because they appear related to an application. Deleting the wrong files can create additional problems.
FAQs
Can I uninstall any program from Windows?
Most user-installed applications can be uninstalled, but you should not randomly remove Windows system components, hardware drivers, or essential Microsoft components unless you know what they do.
Why can’t I uninstall a program from Settings?
Some older desktop programs may use a traditional uninstaller and may not work directly through Settings. Try Control Panel > Programs and Features instead.
Can I reinstall a program after uninstalling it?
Yes. If you uninstall an application, you can generally download and install it again later. You may need to sign in or enter a license key again.
Does uninstalling a program delete my personal files?
Not necessarily. An application’s personal files, documents, projects, saved games, or configuration data may remain after the main application is removed.
How do I know whether a program is safe to install?
Download software from the Microsoft Store or the application’s official website whenever possible. Avoid unfamiliar download sites and carefully review the publisher before installing software.
Should I use a third-party uninstaller?
Windows’ built-in uninstall options are sufficient for most users. A third-party uninstaller may provide additional cleanup features, but it is not normally required for routine software removal.
What should I do if a program refuses to uninstall?
First, restart Windows and try again. If that does not work, look for an uninstall option in the application’s installation folder or use Control Panel > Programs and Features. You can also check the software developer’s official support instructions.
Summary
Adding and removing programs in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is relatively straightforward once you know where to look. For most applications, Settings > Apps provides the easiest way to install, manage, and uninstall software.
When removing a program, find the application, choose Uninstall, and follow its uninstall wizard. When adding a program, download it from a trusted source, run the installer, and carefully follow the setup instructions.
If an older application does not appear in Settings, Control Panel > Programs and Features can provide another way to remove it.
Most importantly, avoid deleting program folders manually and always verify that software comes from a trustworthy source.