Uninstall Modern Apps in Windows 10 & 11

This guide shows you how to remove built-in and Store-installed apps (sometimes called modern or UWP apps) from Windows 10 and Windows 11. You’ll learn the standard Settings method, the Start menu shortcut, and PowerShell for stubborn apps. No special tools are needed—just a Windows account with administrator rights for some steps.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC
• An administrator account (for PowerShell commands and some system apps)
• Optional: a backup of any app data you want to keep

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Using Settings (Recommended)

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Click Apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
3. Scroll through the list or use the search box to find the app you want to remove.
4. Click the three-dot menu (Windows 11) or the app name (Windows 10), then select Uninstall.
5. Confirm the prompt if it appears. The app will be removed.

Method 2: Using the Start Menu

1. Click the Start button (or press Win).
2. Find the app in the pinned list or the All apps list.
3. Right-click the app icon.
4. Select Uninstall from the context menu.
5. Confirm the prompt if it appears.

Method 3: Using PowerShell (for stubborn or system apps)

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
3. To see all apps installed for the current user, type: Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName and press Enter.
4. Find the exact name of the app you want to remove (e.g., Microsoft.BingWeather).
5. To uninstall it for the current user, type: Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage and press Enter. Replace appname with the actual name.
6. To remove for all users, you need to run PowerShell as an administrator and use: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong PowerShell command – Typing the app name incorrectly or forgetting the wildcards (*) can result in no action or an error.
• Removing system-critical apps – Some apps like the Store or Settings are needed for Windows to function properly. Uninstalling them can cause issues.
• Forgetting to check for dependencies – Some apps rely on others; removing one may break another (e.g., removing the Store can affect app updates).
• Not running PowerShell as admin – For system-wide removal, you must have elevated privileges.

Tips

• Before uninstalling, consider if you might need the app later. You can always reinstall from the Microsoft Store.
• If an app won’t uninstall, try restarting your PC first—this often clears temporary locks.
• Use the Settings method for most apps; it’s the safest and most straightforward.
• For bulk removal, PowerShell is faster, but test with one app first.
• After uninstalling, you may want to run Disk Cleanup to remove leftover files.

Troubleshooting

App doesn’t appear in the list

Some system apps are hidden from the Settings list. Use PowerShell to see all apps, and uninstall from there.

Uninstall button is greyed out

This usually means the app is a system component or is being managed by your organization. If it’s a system app, you can try PowerShell, but some cannot be removed without breaking Windows.

PowerShell gives an error

Check that you typed the app name correctly and used wildcards. Also ensure you’re running PowerShell as administrator. If the error mentions “not found,” the app may already be uninstalled.

App reappears after restart

Some apps are re-provisioned by Windows updates or manufacturer software. You can block re-installation by removing the app’s provisioned package using Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage in DISM, but this is advanced and may affect new user accounts.

Store won’t reinstall an app

Try resetting the Microsoft Store cache by running wsreset.exe from the Run dialog (Win+R). Then try installing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall all built-in Windows apps?

No. Some apps like Settings, File Explorer, and the Start menu are essential. Others like Calculator and Photos can be removed, but Windows may reinstall them during feature updates.

Will uninstalling a modern app improve performance?

Usually not significantly. These apps are lightweight and run only when used. The main benefit is decluttering your Start menu and reducing background activity for apps you never use.

How do I reinstall a modern app I removed?

Open the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and click Install. For system apps, you can also use PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *appname* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Is it safe to uninstall apps using PowerShell?

Yes, if you target the correct app and are careful not to remove system-critical components. Always double-check the app name before running the command.

Why can’t I uninstall some apps from Settings?

Apps that are part of Windows itself (like Cortana or Edge) are protected. You can sometimes disable them via Settings or Group Policy, but they cannot be fully uninstalled.

Will uninstalling an app delete my personal data?

Usually no, but some apps store data in your user folder. If you want to keep the data, back it up before uninstalling. The app’s own files are removed, but documents, photos, etc., remain.

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