How to Find & Remove Unused Programs From Windows in 2026?

In this post, we will learn how to find unused programs and remove them completely.

Over time, every computer becomes cluttered with software that is no longer needed. Some programs are installed for a one-time task and then forgotten, while others come preinstalled and are rarely used. These unused applications take up storage space, slow down system performance, and sometimes run background processes that affect your computer’s speed.

After finding and identifying such programs, you can clean them for better performance.

Let’s start finding such programs!

How to Find Unused Programs?

Finding unused programs is the first step before removing them. Many users uninstall apps randomly, but checking which software is actually unused helps you avoid deleting important programs.

Step 1: Check the installed apps list

Start by opening the Settings app on your computer. Press the Windows key and I together to open Settings quickly. Go to Apps and then select Installed apps or Apps and features, depending on your Windows version.

This section shows all programs currently installed on your computer. You can scroll through the list to review each application and identify ones you no longer use.

Look for programs you do not recognize or remember installing. Also, note the software that you have not used for months. These are usually safe candidates for removal.

Step 2: Sort programs by size or installation date

Sorting installed apps makes it easier to spot unused software. In the installed apps section, you can sort by Size, Name, or install date.

Sorting by size helps you identify large programs that consume a lot of storage. If you find large applications you no longer use, removing them can quickly free up space.

Sorting by install date helps you find older software that you might have forgotten. If a program was installed long ago and has not been used recently, it may be unnecessary.

This step helps you prioritize which applications to remove first.

Step 3: Review program usage manually

Windows does not always show how often a program is used, so you may need to check manually. Think about your daily and weekly computer activities.

If you do not remember the last time you opened a specific program, it might be unused. Check for duplicate tools such as multiple browsers, media players, or editing software. Keeping only the ones you actually use can improve performance.

You can also open certain programs to confirm whether they are needed. If they no longer serve a purpose, mark them for removal.

Step 4: Check startup programs

Some unused programs run automatically when your computer starts. These can slow down boot time and consume system resources.

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Esc together. Click the Startup tab to see programs that launch during startup.

Review this list carefully. If you see software that you do not use often, it may be unnecessary. Disabling or removing such programs helps improve system speed.

Step 5: Identify temporary and leftover files

Unused programs often leave behind temporary files and data. Open Storage settings in Windows by going to Settings, then System, and then Storage.

Check the storage breakdown to see how much space apps and temporary files are using. If storage is filled with unnecessary data, it is a sign that you have unused programs and leftover files that should be removed.

How to remove unused programs and files in Windows 11 or 10?

To remove unused programs and files completely in Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Settings, go to Apps, uninstall unwanted software, then clean leftover files using Storage settings or Disk Cleanup to free space and improve performance.

Removing unused programs is not just about uninstalling them. Many applications leave behind folders, registry entries, and temporary files. Following the steps below ensures complete removal.

Step 1: Uninstall programs using Settings

Open Settings on your computer and go to Apps. Click on Installed apps or Apps and features.

Scroll through the list and find the program you want to remove. Click on the three-dot menu next to the application name and select Uninstall.

Follow the instructions to complete the removal process. Some programs may ask for confirmation or additional steps before uninstalling.

Repeat this process for each unused program. Removing unnecessary software helps free up storage and improves overall performance.

Step 2: Use the Control Panel for traditional uninstall

Some older programs do not appear properly in the Settings app. For such software, use the Control Panel.

Press the Windows key and type Control Panel. Open it and select Programs followed by Programs and Features.

You will see a list of installed desktop programs. Right-click on the application you want to remove and choose Uninstall. Follow the instructions provided by the uninstall wizard.

This method is especially useful for legacy software and traditional desktop applications.

Step 3: Remove leftover files manually

After uninstalling a program, some files may remain on your system. These leftover files can take up space and slow down performance over time.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the Program Files and Program Files x86 folders on your C drive. Look for folders related to the uninstalled program.

If you find any leftover folders, delete them manually. Also, check the AppData folder by typing percent appdata percent in the Run dialog box. Remove any remaining files related to the removed software.

Be careful not to delete files from programs you still use. Removing only known leftover files ensures a clean system.

Step 4: Clean temporary files using Storage settings

Temporary files accumulate as you use your computer. Removing them helps free storage and remove traces of uninstalled programs.

Open Settings, go to System, and then click Storage. Select Temporary files. Windows will scan and display items that can be safely removed.

Select the files you want to delete and click Remove files. This process clears temporary data and improves system efficiency.

You can also enable Storage Sense to automatically clean temporary files and unused data in the future.

Step 5: Use the Disk Cleanup tool

Windows includes a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup. This tool helps remove unnecessary files and system data.

Press the Windows key and search for Disk Cleanup. Open the tool and select the drive you want to clean, usually the C drive. Click OK and wait for the scan to complete.

Select file types you want to remove, such as temporary files, recycle bin items, and system cache. Click OK and confirm deletion.

Using Disk Cleanup regularly helps maintain a clean and optimized system.

Step 6: Check startup and background processes again

After uninstalling programs, revisit Task Manager and check the Startup tab. Ensure no removed programs still appear in the startup list.

Also, review background processes in Task Manager. If you notice unfamiliar processes, they may belong to leftover software. Removing them ensures complete cleanup.

Step 7: Restart your computer

Restarting your computer completes the removal process. It clears cached data and ensures all changes take effect.

Once the system restarts, you should notice improved performance, faster startup time, and more available storage space.

Faqs

Why should I remove unused programs from my computer?

Removing unused programs improves system performance, frees storage space, and reduces security risks. Some unused software runs background processes that slow down your computer.

How often should I check for unused programs?

It is a good practice to check for unused programs every few months. Regular maintenance keeps your system clean and prevents clutter from building up.

Can removing programs improve computer speed?

Yes, removing unnecessary software reduces background processes and frees system resources. This can lead to faster startup time and smoother performance.

Is it safe to delete leftover files after uninstalling programs?

It is safe to delete leftover files if they belong to programs you have already removed. However, always double-check file names and folders before deleting anything.

What should I do if a program does not uninstall properly?

If a program fails to uninstall, try using the Control Panel method or restarting your computer and try again. Some users also use third-party uninstall tools for stubborn programs.