Check Installed Programs in Windows 10

To see every program installed on your Windows 10 PC, open the Start menu, type Apps & features, and press Enter. This opens the Settings page that lists all installed applications, letting you sort, search, uninstall, or modify them.

Why You Might Need This List

Knowing what is installed on your computer helps you manage disk space, troubleshoot performance issues, and remove software you no longer use. Over time, programs accumulate from downloads, bundled installers, and Windows updates, and an accurate inventory is the first step toward cleaning up. The list also shows you the version and publisher of each app, which is useful when checking for updates or verifying that a suspicious program is legitimate.

Using Settings: The Main Method

The Apps & features page is the primary way to view installed programs in Windows 10. Here is how to get there:

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) at the bottom-left.
2. Click the gear icon (Settings) or type “Apps & features” and press Enter.
3. In Settings, go to Apps > Apps & features.

You will see a scrollable list of all applications. At the top, there is a search box and a drop-down menu to filter by drive. You can also sort the list by name, size, or install date. Clicking on any app reveals buttons to Modify or Uninstall (if the program supports it).

Using the Control Panel (Classic View)

If you prefer the older interface, the Control Panel still works:

1. Open the Start menu and type Control Panel, then press Enter.
2. Under Programs, click Uninstall a program.

This opens a list similar to the Settings one, but with a few extra columns like version and publisher. It does not include Windows Store apps (UWP apps) by default, so you may see fewer items than in Settings. For a complete view of both classic and Store apps, use the Settings method.

Sorting and Searching the List

The list can be long, so use the built-in tools to find what you need:

• Search box: Type part of the program name (e.g., “Chrome”) to filter instantly.
• Sort by: Choose to sort by name, size, or install date. Sorting by size helps identify large programs that consume disk space.
• Filter by drive: If you have multiple drives, you can limit the list to programs on a specific drive.

Remember that the size shown is the approximate disk usage of the app; it may not include user data stored in your Documents or AppData folders.

What About Windows Store Apps?

Windows 10 includes two types of programs: traditional desktop apps (like Chrome or Office) and UWP apps (like the built-in Mail or Calculator). The Apps & features page shows both, but the Control Panel only lists traditional apps. If you want to see only Store apps, you can go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and look for items that say “Microsoft Store” in the source column (if you have that option enabled).

Common Problems and Solutions

Sometimes the list doesn’t show everything or an app won’t uninstall. Here are typical issues:

• Missing programs: Some apps are installed per-user and may not appear if you are not logged into the correct account. Check other user accounts.
• “Uninstall” is grayed out: This happens with some built-in Windows components. You can disable them via Turn Windows features on or off in the Control Panel.
• App won’t uninstall: Try the program’s own uninstaller (often in its Start menu folder) or run the uninstaller as administrator.
• List is too long: Use the search box or sort by size to narrow it down.

Using Command-Line Tools (Advanced)

If you prefer the command prompt or PowerShell, you can generate a text file of installed programs:

1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator.
2. Type wmic product get name,version and press Enter. This lists all MSI-installed programs, but it may take a while and may not include all apps.
3. Alternatively, use PowerShell: Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion | Sort-Object DisplayName. This is faster and includes more programs.

These methods are useful if you need to export the list to a file for record-keeping: wmic product get name,version > installed.txt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see the size of each installed program?

In Apps & features, the list shows the size next to each app, but only if Windows has that information. If a size is not shown, it means the app didn’t report it. You can sort by size to see the largest ones first.

Why does the list show duplicate programs?

Duplicates can happen when a program installs both a 32-bit and 64-bit version, or when one is a Store app and another is a desktop version. Check the publisher and version to confirm they are different. Uninstall the one you don’t need.

Can I uninstall multiple programs at once?

No, Windows does not have a built-in bulk uninstall feature. You must uninstall each program individually. Third-party uninstaller tools can do this, but they are not part of Windows.

How do I find hidden or system programs?

Some drivers and system components are not shown in the standard list. To see them, open Device Manager or use the Programs and Features view in Control Panel. Hidden programs are usually not meant for users to uninstall.

Is it safe to uninstall programs from the list?

Yes, if you know what the program is and you no longer need it. Avoid uninstalling anything labeled “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable” or “Microsoft .NET Framework” unless you are certain, as other programs may rely on them.

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