How to Recover Uninstalled Programs/Apps Windows 11 & 10?
Whether you removed an app on Windows 11 or Windows 10 by mistake, reset your PC, ran a cleanup utility, or lost software after a Windows update, there are several ways to restore your applications.
In this guide, I will easily tell you those methods!
How to Recover Uninstalled Programs/Apps Windows 11 & 10?
Quick way: To recover uninstalled programs or apps in Windows 11 and Windows 10, open Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore and restore your PC to a point before the program was removed. You can also reinstall apps from the Microsoft Store, recover software using backup tools, or reinstall desktop programs from their official websites. If app data was deleted, you may use Windows File History or recovery software to restore related files.
Method 1: Recover Uninstalled Programs Using System Restore
One of the easiest ways to recover accidentally removed programs is by using System Restore. This Windows feature creates restore points that save system settings, drivers, and installed applications. If the program was removed recently, restoring your PC to an earlier date may bring it back automatically.
Step 1: Open the System Restore Window
Click the Search icon on the taskbar and type Create a restore point. Open the matching result from the search list.
You will now see the System Properties window. Under the System Protection tab, click the System Restore button.
Path:
Search > Create a restore point > System Properties > System Restore
System Restore does not usually remove your personal files, such as photos or documents, but it can restore deleted programs and drivers that were previously installed on the system.
Step 2: Choose a Restore Point
After the System Restore wizard opens, click Next to continue.
You will now see a list of available restore points. Choose a restore point that was created before the program or app was uninstalled. You can also enable Show more restore points if available.
Path:
System Restore Window > Next > Select Restore Point
Windows may also display which programs and drivers will be restored or affected during the process. This helps you confirm that the missing application can be recovered.
Step 3: Start the Restoration Process
Click Next, then click Finish to begin restoring your system.
Your computer will restart automatically during the recovery process. Once Windows loads again, check whether the missing application has returned.
Path:
System Restore > Next > Finish
This method works especially well for traditional desktop software such as browsers, editing tools, utilities, and productivity apps.
Method 2: Reinstall Apps from the Microsoft Store
If you uninstalled a Microsoft Store app, recovering it is usually very simple because the app remains linked to your Microsoft account.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store
Click the Start button and open the Microsoft Store.
You can also search for it using Windows Search.
Path:
Start Menu > Microsoft Store
Once the store opens, make sure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account previously used on the PC.
Step 2: Access Your Library
Inside the Microsoft Store, click your profile icon in the upper right corner and choose Library.
This section shows apps and games associated with your Microsoft account.
Path:
Microsoft Store > Profile Icon > Library
You can browse previously installed apps and locate the one you accidentally removed.
Step 3: Reinstall the Removed App
Find the missing app and click the Install button next to it.
Windows will automatically download and reinstall the app.
Path:
Microsoft Store > Library > Install
This method is useful for recovering apps such as Netflix, Spotify, WhatsApp, Clipchamp, and many other Microsoft Store applications.
Method 3: Recover Programs Using File History Backup
If the uninstalled application included important saved files, settings, or data folders, you may be able to restore them using File History.
Step 1: Open File History
Type Control Panel into Windows Search and open it.
Change the view mode to Large icons or Small icons, then click File History.
Path:
Search > Control Panel > File History
File History works only if it was previously enabled on your computer.
Step 2: Browse Backed Up Files
Click Restore personal files from the left side menu.
You can now browse through backed-up folders and locate files related to the deleted program.
Path:
Control Panel > File History > Restore personal files
Some applications store important data inside folders such as Documents, AppData, or Desktop.
Step 3: Restore the Files
Select the files or folders you want to recover and click the green Restore button.
Windows will place the files back in their original location.
Path:
File History > Select Files > Restore
This method does not usually reinstall the actual software, but it can recover important app-related data and settings.
Method 4: Recover Programs After Resetting Windows
Many users lose installed applications after using the Reset this PC feature. In this situation, you may need to manually reinstall the software.
Step 1: Check the Removed Apps List
After resetting Windows, the system often creates a list of removed apps on the desktop.
Open the file named Removed Apps.html.
Path:
Desktop > Removed Apps.html
This file helps you identify which programs need to be reinstalled.
Step 2: Download the Official Installer
Open your web browser and visit the official website of the software you want to recover.
Download the latest installer version for Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Always use official sources to avoid malware or fake installers.
Step 3: Install the Program Again
Open the downloaded setup file and follow the installation instructions shown on screen.
Path:
Downloads Folder > Setup File > Run Installer
If your program stores cloud-synced settings, signing into your account may automatically restore your preferences and saved data.
Method 5: Recover Uninstalled Programs Using Windows Recovery Software
If application folders or installation files were permanently deleted, data recovery software may help restore them.
Step 1: Download Recovery Software
Install trusted recovery software on your PC. Popular tools include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
Avoid installing the recovery software on the same drive where the deleted files were stored, if possible.
Step 2: Scan the Drive
Open the recovery tool and select the drive where the uninstalled program was originally installed.
Start a deep scan to search for deleted files.
The scan may take some time, depending on your storage size.
Step 3: Recover Important Files
After the scan completes, browse the recoverable files and restore the needed folders or setup files.
Path:
Recovery Software > Scan Results > Recover
This method is more useful for recovering deleted application data rather than fully restoring installed software.
Method 6: Restore Default Windows Apps Using PowerShell
Some built-in Windows apps can be recovered using Windows PowerShell.
Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
Click the Search icon and type PowerShell.
Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
Path:
Search > PowerShell > Run as administrator
Administrator access is required to reinstall system apps.
Step 2: Enter the Reinstallation Command
Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
Press Enter to run the command.
This process reinstalls many default Windows apps that may have been removed accidentally.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
After the process finishes, restart your PC.
Path:
Start > Power > Restart
Once Windows restarts, check whether the missing built-in apps have returned.
Method 7: Use Programs and Features to Verify the App Was Removed
Sometimes users think a program was uninstalled when it is simply hidden or disabled.
Step 1: Open Programs and Features
Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
Path:
Windows + R > appwiz.cpl > Enter
This opens the list of installed desktop programs.
Step 2: Search for the Program
Carefully browse the installed software list.
If the program is still installed, you may simply need to recreate its desktop shortcut.
Path:
Programs and Features > Installed Programs List
You can also sort programs by installation date or name for easier searching.
Step 3: Launch or Repair the Program
If the application appears in the list, select it and click Repair if available.
You can also open the program directly from the Start menu.
Path:
Start Menu > Program Name
Repairing the application may restore missing files or fix launch problems.
FAQs
Can I recover permanently uninstalled programs in Windows 11?
Yes, in some situations. You can use System Restore, reinstall the software manually, or recover deleted installation files using recovery tools. However, if the program data has been overwritten, complete recovery may not always be possible.
Does System Restore recover personal files?
No. System Restore mainly affects system files, installed programs, drivers, and settings. Your personal files, such as photos, videos, and documents, are usually not removed.
How do I reinstall Microsoft Store apps?
Open Microsoft Store > Library, then locate the app and click Install.
Can I recover apps after resetting my PC?
Yes. You can reinstall programs manually using the list of removed apps generated by Windows after the reset process.
Why did my apps disappear after a Windows update?
Some updates may temporarily remove incompatible software or reset certain settings. Reinstalling the latest compatible version of the application usually fixes the problem.
Is recovery software safe to use?
Trusted recovery tools are generally safe when downloaded from official websites. Avoid cracked or unofficial versions because they may contain malware.
Can Windows Security remove programs automatically?
Windows Security may quarantine suspicious software if it detects potential threats. You can check this by going to:
Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Protection History