Uninstall Pre-Installed Apps Windows 10: Full Guide

Yes, you can uninstall most pre-installed apps in Windows 10, including the ones that come with the operating system (like Xbox, Groove Music, and Candy Crush). This guide shows you the exact steps for removing them individually or in bulk, what to do when the Uninstall button is grayed out, and which apps are safe to remove without breaking Windows.

Why Windows 10 Comes With Pre-Installed Apps

Windows 10 includes a set of built-in applications (often called “bloatware” or “provisioned apps”) for two main reasons. First, Microsoft wants every new PC to offer a complete experience out of the box—so you get a mail client, a photo viewer, a music app, and a browser without downloading anything. Second, many apps are promotional: manufacturers pay to have games and trials like Candy Crush Saga, Spotify, or Disney Magic Kingdoms pre-loaded on new machines. These are not part of the core operating system; they are just installed for each user account.

Because they are installed per-user, they can usually be removed without affecting system stability. However, a few apps—like Cortana, the Microsoft Store, and Settings—are deeply integrated into Windows and cannot be uninstalled through normal methods, and trying to force-remove them can cause problems.

How to Uninstall a Single Pre-Installed App

The simplest way to remove one app is through the Start menu. This works for most apps, including the promotional ones.

1. Click the Start button (Windows logo) in the lower-left corner.
2. Scroll through the alphabetical list of apps, or type the app’s name in the search box.
3. Right-click the app you want to remove (for example, Solitaire Collection or Spotify).
4. Select Uninstall from the context menu.
5. If a confirmation dialog appears, click Uninstall again.

This method works for most third-party pre-installed apps and many Microsoft apps like Xbox, Skype, and OneNote. For some apps, especially those that came with a manufacturer (like a Dell or HP utility), the right-click menu may show only “Open” or “Pin to Start”—that means the app is a traditional desktop program, not a Store app, and you’ll need to uninstall it through the Control Panel or Settings.

How to Uninstall Apps From Settings

If the right-click method doesn’t work, or you prefer a more detailed view, use the Settings app:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click Apps (or Apps & features in older versions).
3. Scroll through the list or use the search box to find the app.
4. Click on the app name, then click Uninstall.
5. Confirm if prompted.

This list shows both Store apps and traditional desktop programs. For Store apps, the Uninstall button removes them completely. For desktop programs, clicking Uninstall launches the program’s own uninstaller, which may ask additional questions.

How to Remove Pre-Installed Apps With PowerShell

Some apps—like the Camera, Mail, Calendar, and even the Microsoft Store itself—do not appear with an Uninstall option in the Start menu or Settings. To remove these, you need to use PowerShell, a command-line tool built into Windows. This is safe if you stick to the commands below.

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 a list of all apps installed for your user account, type:
   Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName
4. To uninstall a specific app, use the command:
   Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage
   For example, to remove the Camera app, type:
   Get-AppxPackage *camera* | Remove-AppxPackage

This removes the app for the current user only. If you want to remove it for all future users on the PC, you can add the -AllUsers flag, but that requires administrative privileges and may not be reversible through the Store. Stick to per-user removal unless you are sure.

What to Do When the Uninstall Button Is Grayed Out

If you find an app that cannot be uninstalled through the normal methods, try these steps in order:

• Check if it’s a system app. Apps like Cortana, Settings, and the Microsoft Store are protected. They do not have an Uninstall option on purpose. Do not try to force-remove them with PowerShell unless you are prepared to reinstall Windows or use a restore point.
• Use PowerShell with the exact package name. Some apps have a different internal name than what appears in the Start menu. For example, “Your Phone” is actually Microsoft.YourPhone. Use the Get-AppxPackage command to find the exact name, then use the remove command.
• Reinstall the app first. Sometimes a partially updated app loses its uninstaller. Go to the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and click “Update” or “Get”. Once it’s updated, try uninstalling again.
• Use a third-party uninstaller. Tools like CCleaner or Revo Uninstaller can sometimes remove stubborn apps, but they are not officially supported by Microsoft and may cause issues. Use them at your own risk.

Which Pre-Installed Apps Are Safe to Remove?

Most apps are safe to remove, but some are more important than others. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Safe to remove: Xbox, Xbox Game Bar, Groove Music, Movies & TV, Skype, OneNote (if you don’t use it), Solitaire Collection, Candy Crush, Spotify, and any other third-party games or trials.
• Removable but think twice: Mail, Calendar, Photos, Camera, Voice Recorder, Alarms & Clock. These are useful but not essential; you can reinstall them from the Microsoft Store if you change your mind.
• Do not remove: Microsoft Store, Settings, Cortana (even if you don’t use it, some search features depend on it), and any app with “System” in its name. Removing these can break Windows Update, login, or the Start menu.

If you’re unsure about an app, leave it. Removing a system app can cause errors that are difficult to fix.

How to Reinstall a Removed App

If you uninstall an app and later want it back, you have two options:

• From the Microsoft Store: Open the Store, search for the app (e.g., “Camera” or “Photos”), and click “Install”. This works for most Store apps.
• Using PowerShell: If the app is not in the Store (rare), you can reinstall it by running:
  Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *appname* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
  This command re-registers the app for all users. It requires admin rights.

For apps that came pre-installed by the manufacturer (like a Dell utility), you may need to go to the manufacturer’s website to download the installer again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I uninstall all pre-installed apps at once?

Yes, you can use a PowerShell command to remove all apps for your user, but it’s not recommended because it will also remove the Microsoft Store and other essential apps. A safer approach is to remove them in groups using a filter, like Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage.

Will uninstalling pre-installed apps speed up my PC?

Usually not noticeably. These apps take up little disk space and only run when you open them. However, removing them can reduce clutter in the Start menu and prevent background tasks like Xbox Game Bar from running automatically.

Why do some apps come back after a Windows update?

Windows 10 may reinstall some built-in apps during major feature updates. This is by design. You can prevent this by using a tool like Remove-AppxPackage with the -AllUsers flag, but it may still reappear after a reset or upgrade.

Is it safe to uninstall the Microsoft Store?

No. The Microsoft Store is required for updating built-in apps and installing new ones. Removing it can cause system instability and prevent Windows from updating properly.

Can I uninstall pre-installed apps on Windows 10 Home?

Yes, the methods above work on Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Enterprise. The only difference is that some enterprise versions may have additional management policies that block uninstallation.

What if I accidentally uninstall an important app?

You can usually reinstall it from the Microsoft Store. If the app is not in the Store, you can use the PowerShell reinstall command above. If that fails, you can run the sfc /scannow command in an admin Command Prompt to repair system files, or use System Restore to revert to a point before you removed it.

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