How To Uninstall Apps That Won’t Uninstall in Windows 10 or 11
The trick is to follow these simple procedures
You try toremove a program, but that program won’t uninstall on your Windows PC. This happens for various reasons, some of which are not related to the program but to your computer.
This tutorial highlights ways to removestubborn applications that won’t uninstallon Windows 10 and 11 computers.
Force Close the Program and Then Uninstall It
Windows usually prohibits uninstalling open applications running in the foreground on your computer. Likewise, you might be unable to uninstall applications whose core processes are active/running in the background.
To resolve the issue,force-close the app(especially if it’s freezing or unresponsive) before uninstalling it from Settings or Control Panel.
If you installed an app from the Microsoft Store, you can terminate it and its related process through the Windows Settings menu.
Go toSettings>Apps>Installed apps, select the three-dot menu icon next to the app, and select Advanced options.
Select theTerminatebutton in the “Terminate” section to force-close the app.
Afterward, uninstall the app through Windows Settings or Control Panel to remove the program from your PC.
Uninstall Programs the Regular Way
The easiest way toremove apps in Windowsis through the built-in Settings app and Control Panel. See the headings below for step-by-step instructions.
If your PC runs Windows 10, go toSettings>Apps, select the program you want to remove and chooseUninstall.
Try removing the affected application(s) through the Control Panel if it won’t uninstall through Windows Settings.
Alternative Uninstallation Options
Explore the options below to remove stubborn programs that won’t uninstall through Control Panel or Windows Settings.
Many apps come bundled with adedicated uninstall tool. You can use this tool to remove that program from your PC. It’s worth using this tool if Settings or Control Panel doesn’t uninstall the app.
Many applications have their dedicated uninstaller in the directory where they’re installed on your computer.
For example, theAvidemuxapp has its uninstaller (namedUninstall Avidemux VC++ 64bits.exe) in the following directory:
C:\Program Files\Avidemux 2.7 VC++ 64bits
You can find an app’s file directory by searching the app in the Start menu and choosingOpen file location.
Opening that tool launches a wizard that helps uninstall the program and deletes its files from your computer.
Microsoft offers a “Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter” that repairs or fixes issues preventing you from uninstalling programs from your PC. The tool checks for corrupt registry, control update data,
You can run acommand in Command Promptto remove stubborn apps from your computer.
wmic
Third-party processes, malware, and system configuration issues can interfere with an app’s removal.Booting your PC into Safe Modecan stop this interference and allow the uninstallation of stubborn programs.
Go toSettings>Update & Security>Recovery> Restart now if you have a Windows 10 PC.
When your PC is in safe mode, use either Settings or Control Panel to remove your stubborn program. Restart your PC to bring it back to normal mode.
Remove Programs That Won’t Uninstall
Problematic apps are everywhere; some just don’t want to leave your PC. If you ever encounter one, you know how to get it off your computer forever. After uninstalling the app, consider running a malware scan using theWindows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio
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