You’re just a few clicks away from a FASTER PC!
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Microsoft and third-party companies cram your computer with atruck-load of useless apps, bloatware and plain old crapware.
Why?
Because if you use them—they stand to profit. So, making them easy to uninstall isn’t intheir best interest.
Most obnoxious apps and programs bundled with Windows 10 don’ttake much space. But they’re a menace toproductivity.
If you’re as compelled as we are to delete useless apps fromyour machine, we’ve curated 8 of our favorite removal methods so you can findthe best fit for your situation.
To make this information more useful for you:
- We provided a link for uninstallers requiring a download.
- We’ll review each method for uninstalling apps.
- We’ll share the pitfalls we’ve encountered.
Sound good? Let’sdive in.
(We DO NOT receive a commission for any of the links on this page.)
THE SIMPLEST WAY TO SHRED APPS LIKE A NINJA
Before we begin the crusade for a cleaner PC, don’t be hasty like we were.
Think about how the apps you want to eliminate relate to the ones you want to use:
For instance, deleting Bing News might cripple Cortana’s ability to bring you stories. Deleting an app like Alarms and Clock might damage the digital assistant’s ability to set reminders.
You’ll be grateful that you exhibited the foresight tocreate a recovery point if something goes wrong. We recommend that you take this time to do soright now.
Here’s how:
Go to: Control Panel > Recovery > Configure SystemRestore > System Protection tab > and Create.
NOTE: Some apps like Cortana, Edge browser, Camera, Photos, Contact support, and Feedback cannot be removed.
METHOD 1: THE SETTINGS APP
The ability to uninstall the apps you don’t want is an essential feature that comes with almost all operating systems.
After deciding which Windows 10 apps to uninstall, by farthe easiest way we’ve found to delete useless apps cluttering up our PC is thetraditional uninstall method.
The Settings app is Windows’ very own built-in uninstaller.
It’s uncomplicated to use and works easily for several apps, including: Money, News, and Sports. It also uninstalls Windows Store apps (which are added with forced Windows updates) like 3D Builder, Photos and Mail.
PROS:
The Settings app is our #1 go to method for un-gumming PCsfrom the oppression of pointless apps. We love how QUCIKLY you can uninstall modern apps from the MicrosoftStore and classic desktop applications. (It also works like gangbusters to remove Windows 10 bloatware andsimilar apps.)
CONS:
The thing to remember is that Windows 10 also includes inbox apps like: Mail, Calendar, Xbox, Camera, Maps, Movies & TV, Calculator, Pain 3D, Snip & Sketch, Voice recorder and the like which are deeply baked into the operating system–the ones Microsoft considers part of the core Windows 10 experience have the uninstall option purposely grayed out.
Add to this the fact that not all programs show up in the Programs and Features Control Panel. So, what do you do once you’ve exhausted all normal avenues for removing unwanted apps from your PC?
You’ll just need more oomph to get rid of them.
Let’s get aggressive.
Use the Settings app as the first line of defense for removing irritating apps.
MUST READ: How Big Is Hard Drive Space?
THE SECRET TO UNINSTALLING BUILT-IN APPS ONLY THE INSIDERS KNOW ABOUT
Despite the graphical nature of Windows, COMMAND LINE offersthe kind of power and flexibility that just can’t be achieved with apoint-and-click interface.
Useless Apps On Mac Takes Storage
METHOD 2: WINDOWS 10 POWERSHELL
We’ve discovered that when applications simply won’t budge with aclick of the mouse, the one-two punch of PowerShell along with the use of somespecific commands rightly does the trick.
On the surface, Command Prompt and PowerShell look undistinguishably similar. But in practice, the tools are vastly different.
PowerShell(formerly: Monad) is a free open-source project that can be installed onWindows, MacOS and Linux platforms. Itallows you to use a series of commands and scripts to hide or delete bundles ofunnecessary apps taking up precious storage space, INDIVIDUALLY orSIMULTANEOUSLY.
Butthe most important feature of PowerShell for our situation is PackageManagement. Formerly OneGet, PackageManagement letsyou browse packages instead of hopping from website to website.
PROS:
You can uninstall Windows 10 apps with PowerShell,even the ones that don’t offer an “Uninstall” option. It’s a convenient way to manage allthe apps you download, install, and delete. And it offers more for power users like: the ability to create commandsand scripts using C# programming language for remote execution tasks;background tasks; task automation; command piping and more. You can use commands to remove and reinstallan app to fix a specific problem.
CONS:
Cutting unwelcome apps with PowerShell is a straight-forward process. But it’s not that efficient since any user can reinstall an app at any time with a few commands. And, important built-in apps like Cortana, Contact Support, Microsoft Edge, and Windows Feedback won’t budge. Even if you try to delete them, an error message will let you know that they can’t be removed. Of course, you could always find ways to uninstall apps like these. But it will likely cause more harm than good.
PowerShell has abit of a learning curve–it requires some fiddling to get it right. Don’t expect to understand how to use itimmediately.
METHOD 3: DISM POWERSHELL SCRIPT
Standard commands in PowerShell do a good job of hidingvexing apps with the obvious advantage of obscuring them from view without thecommitment of deleting anything from your PC.
The problem is: You or any user of the system can easily relocate apps at any time with a few commands.
Dependingon your situation, to truly expel an undesired app from your system requiresthe might of a little-known command tool known as DISM.
Deployment Imaging Service and Management (DISM) is a different command tool that allows you to remove all built-in apps from the Windows image itself.
These apps will never appear again and won’t let you restorethem using commands (even if you create a new account or log into your PC viaanother account).
PROS:
BE FOREWARNED: running a DISM script/command is powerfulstuff. Not only will it completely“obliterate” the loathsome app from your account. It’s a PowerShell script to completely removeWindows 10 apps for ALL users on your PC.
CONS:
The glaring caveat for using this tool to unnecessaryWindows 10 programs is you better be POSITIVE you no longer want them and can’tforesee any need for them in the future.
Use DISM commandsto eradicate irrelevant apps completely from your system.
METHOD 4: WINDOWS10DEBLOATER POWERSHELL SCRIPT
After learning what the DISM PowerShell script can do fordeleting apps, you might be wondering, whatcould be more powerful than that?
Enter Windows10Debloater.
Windows10Debloater is a free collection of PowerShell Windows 10 bloatware removal scripts developed by Sycnex.
It automates the DISM process to remove almost every additional Windows 10 package from the operating system.
Since the program will remove certain apps, components andtasks, and makes changes to the Windows Registry. Creating a system backup before you runWindows10Debloater is HIGHLYrecommended.
But here’s a catch-22 situation for you: Ideally, you want to use Windows10Debloaterright after a Windows 10 installation. But script execution is blocked by Windows 10 by default. So, you won’t be able to run theWindows10Debloater scripts on a regular Windows 10 installation.
FORTUNATELY, the author of the scripts lists several methodsfor executing the scripts on the GitHub page. There are 3 scripts that (at first blush) seem to do the samething. The difference is in the level ofcontrol you get once you choose one to run on your PC.
PROS:
Windows10Debloater is a specialized tool designed to removethe components and features of an app from Windows 10. It goes one step further than the DISMPowerShell script to eliminate associated Windows Registry entries after theapp gets axed. And since it’s aPowerShell script, customizing it is easy.
CONS:
Since this script removes all Windows 10 apps for all users,(including apps you might find useful, like TuneInRadio, PowerBI, and theWindows Netflix app). Keeping the oneyou like will require re-enabling and reinstalling them after running thescript. Or you could manually remove theapps you don’t want. Either way will betime consuming.
Use Windows10Debloaterwhen you’re not sure where to get PowerShell scripts for Windows 10. And only if you’re super comfortable runningcommands on your PC.
THE ONLY KILLER TOOLS YOU’LL EVER NEED TO DELETE USELESS APPS
If using command line and scripts isn’t your style, checkout these tools.
During our research we discovered many useful Windows 10 appremovers. We also found utility suiteslike CleanMyPC, AVG TuneUp, and MagicUtilities. They offer app removalfeatures along with a host of other functions to manage your PC.
But we wanted to keep this post strictly focused on programsthat help uninstall apps. If you’d liketo see the utility suites either included in this post, or on a future article. Please let us know in the commentsection.
We know, we know. Downloadingone app to get rid of another seems circular and counter-intuitive. It’s not unlike sending a mouse to catch acricket. Then sending a snake to catchthe mouse.
But if it works…
METHOD 5: 10APPSMANAGER
Useless Apps On Laptop
Another one of the easiest methods we’ve found to delete useless apps cluttering up the Start menu in Windows 10 is to use the 10AppsManager.
Developed by The Windows Club, it’s a program like the Windows 10 App Remover, which was developed by Jonah McPartlin.
Just like Windows 10 App Remover, 10AppsManager is aportable executable, which means you can run it from a USB flash drive.
It’s freeware that removes Windows 10 apps quickly andquietly with a simple, clean interface. Default applications display on start. And all it takes to rid yourself of vexing apps is to click on theoffender.
That’s it.
PRO:
Eliminating apps using 10AppsManager is easy. There’s even a prompt that requires yourconfirmation before the app is uninstalled completely. Then you won’t be able to find it in theStart menu. And get this–the programeven lets you restore an app if you decide you need it after all!
CONS:
The problem is you must repeat this process over and over again for each app you want to delete (imagine doing that for 15 apps). Plus, there are few options: For instance, there’s no help or support. And though you can reinstall apps, doing so requires running PowerShell commands.
Use 10AppsManager to vanquish an overabundance of apps without any hubbub. But deleting more than a handful will require another app removal method.
METHOD 6: MICROSOFT PROGRAM INSTALL AND UNINSTALL TROUBLESHOOTER
When an app stubbornly refuses to remove itself because aRegistry key is broken, or after you’ve asked it to move politely–Microsoftsays, Hold my potato chips.
Formerly called “Fix It”, Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter is a hidden gem of a tool. It addresses a lot of common issues preventing an app from uninstalling correctly with a diagnosis.
Like a good physician, Troubleshooter fixes other problemstoo, like:
- Corrupted registry keys on 64-bit operatingsystems
- Corrupted registry keys that control the updatedata
- Problems that prevent new programs from beinginstalled
- Problems that prevent existing programs frombeing completely uninstalled or updated
- Problems that block you from uninstalling aprogram through Add or Remove Programs (or the Programs and Featuresmethod) in control panel
It’s part of Microsoft’s larger collection of “fix-itutilities”. But surprisingly, it’s notpart of the universal Fix-it Center toolkit. In fact, finding out about it is almost like having to know the bouncerin order to get into a cool club.
But now that you do, you’ll need to download it separately from Microsoft. Then run it and follow the prompts to uninstall an app.
PROS:
The Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooterisn’t a third-party program. It’scompatible with Windows 10 and earlier versions of Windows up to Windows7.
CONS:
Part of what adds to its exclusivity is that Vista users areleft out in the cold. Troubleshooterworks easily enough. But it’s worthnoting that you can only remove classic desktop apps. And it can’t be used for un-seating built-inapps or apps installed from Store in Windows 10.
Use Microsoft ProgramInstall and Uninstall Troubleshooter when you want to abolish determinedapps while staying comfortably within the Microsoft ecosystem.
METHOD 7: REVO UNINSTALLER FREE
Revo Uninstaller Free is a handy freebie that offers basic features for finding and removing irksome apps. There’s even a portable version for USB drives so you can run it on any PC without installation.
It does a thorough cleanup of unwanted apps by automaticallyhunting leftover Registry entries and program files to ensure nothing isleftover.
Don’t know about you, but we’ve had the situation where wefound a piece of crapware and agonized over whether to remove it.
Revo eliminates all that guess-work by tapping into thecollective wisdom of other users: Appsare color coded according to the percentage of users that have removed them(the ones in red are the most uninstalled).
Useless Apps On Macbook
PROS:
What we like most about Revo Uninstaller is that 1) the ForceUninstall feature goes one step further than most app uninstallers toremove leftover files after a classic uninstall. 2) Multiple uninstall features remove severalprograms simultaneously. 3) And itcreates a system restore point before each removal. You even get the option of creating a fullregistry backup before deleting an application. Plus, the free version comes with Hunter mode to remove an app even ifit’s not in the apps list.
CONS:
Coming up with a list of negatives for this impressive tool was challenging. But if we had to nitpick–you need to download the Pro Version to remove leftover services, drivers, file associations, shell extensions, etc. And you need a program like Autorun Manager to organize startup applications (more about Autorun Manger below).
Use Revo Uninstallerto quickly search and uninstall Windows applications along with any old filesit may have created from your PC when terminating apps the normal way isn’t anavailable option.
METHOD 8: IOBIT UNINSTALLER FREE
A direct competitor to Revo is IObit Uninstaller Free.
When apps can’t be uninstalled normally, Iobit is adead-shot.
It’s a free, lightweight, portable alternative. The program comes with a batch of uninstallfeatures to help you easily and securely dispatch unwanted Windows apps.
It hunts every piece of the app and terminates them leavingno useless junk files behind so you’re left with a clean and secure PC.
Use it in Standard modefor basic uninstalls,or Advancedmode to look for leftover Registry entries and files to ensure the bothersomeapp is completely ejected from your PC.
Forced Uninstall and EasyUninstall are two worthwhile featuresready to further enhance the uninstallation process depending on your specificsituation.
PROS:
What we love about this tool is that it ousts apps thatdon’t come with an uninstaller. Or thatcan’t be found in Windows’ Programs and Features. For headstrong apps like these, a tidbit wefound helpful is to click ForcedUninstall to select the app file after a deep scan. IObit will then find the Registry entries andfiles needed to remove the app.
CONS:
Obviously, there’s much to like about IObitUninstaller. But setbacks include thatother programs might ask to be installed during setup. And the free version only alerts you aboutPIECES of bundleware without letting you remove them.
If Revo UninstallerFree doesn’t work. Use IObitUninstaller for rude apps that don’t come with their own uninstall feature.
METHOD 9: GEEK UNINSTALLER
Geek Uninstaller is a completely FREE uninstaller that’s popular for its ability to completely evict apps from the Windows OS without much fuss.
And unlike many app uninstallers, it’s completely portableso you don’t have to download it on your PC.
The file size less than 10 MB!
It can forcibly uninstall corrupt apps and software thataren’t uninstalling properly in Windows 7-10, including Windows Vista, WindowsXP and most Windows Server versions.
The View menu gives you the flexibilityof switching between uninstalling desktop apps and Windows store apps. Right-click on any app from the list to viewit in the Registry Editor, open its installation folder, and search theInternet for more information about the app.
PROS:
We love that the simple user interface is relatively easyfor anyone to use. The export featuregenerates an HTML file that’s formatted in a way that’s easy to read. It includes everything you need to know aboutthe app you want to delete including: the name, size, install date as well as total hard drive space used byall the apps on your PC. And GeekUninstaller updates often with new versions.
CONS:
It’s a wonderful tool you’ll be positively buzzing to havework for you. The downside is somefeatures like batch uninstall only function in the professional version. And it doesn’t create a restore point beforeremoving a program.
Use Geek Uninstaller when the situation calls for forcibly removing an app and you’d like to do so with as little fan-fair as possible.
IT’S TIME TO GET IN THERE WITH A SWITCHBLADE
The following tools are designed to help you delete uselessapps manually when encountering specific problems that prevent you fromuninstalling an app with its own installer.
METHOD 10: WISE REGISTRY CLEANER FREE
Certain registry entries are left once you uninstall an appor program from your PC.
Wise Registry Cleaner scans yourregistry and removes leftovers and obsolete entries then deletes them.
But cleaning your registry isn’t a simple task: Removing certain entries can cause other problemswith your current installation of Windows 10.
Wise Registry Cleaner not only gives you the option of Safeand Deepscans, you can even add exclusions. It also supports automatic cleaning, so youcan easily schedule the next cleaning session for routine systemmaintenance.
PROS:
We love Wise Registry Cleaner for its ability to automaticallybacks up your Registry before cleaning it. This way if an issue appears after cleaning, you can easily restore itby using the tool.
CONS:
The tool is free to use. But for tasks like simply scanning and fixing the Registry of otherusers on your own computer. You’ll needto purchase a license.
WARNING: Onlyemploy Wise Registry Cleaner if youknow what you’re doing.
METHOD 11: AUTORUNS
Autoruns (developer: SystInternals) was recently acquired by Microsoft.
This eagle-eyed program is invaluable to your softwaretoolkit for tracking and controlling apps (and their components) that startautomatically with Windows.
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Autoruns proves handy for hunting down any startup items anapp you removed has lurking behind. Ingeneral, it helps you see what’s set to start with your PC.
Autoruns is a standalone utility, which means it doesn’tneed to be installed on your PC. Thismakes it ideal for adding to your collection of portable fix-it programs onyour thumb drive.
This solution is mostly geared toward advanced users.
METHOD 12: FILE GOVERNOR
Using File Governor should be yourabsolute last hope.
It can delete just about any app or file.
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Some apps won’t uninstall simply because other files are inuse. When this happens, reboot your PCand try again. Or look for a Notification icon to shut the appdown.
If this should fail, right-clickthe Taskbar and select Task Manager > then the Processes tab. Locate theapp’s process, select it and click EndTask.
Then try again to remove the app.
Useless Apps On Mac Takes Storage
If that doesn’t work, send in File Governor.
ARE YOU READY TO DECLARE WAR ON TEDIOUS APPS?
You’ve put up with the tyranny of worthless new-fangled appslong enough.
Many of them you’ve never used since your PC was new. Some are outdated. And others are downright malicious ordangerous.
Yet there they are, stingily clogging up your hard drive andstealing resources from the apps and programs you actually need to use even atthis moment.
But no more.
Once, you just had to learn to live with pernicious apps robbing your computer of the efficiency you could be using for time-sensitive tasks that need your immediate attention.
You now have 8 different ways to delete useless apps literally at your fingertips–you’re just a few clicks away from a FASTER PC!
Are you ready to delete useless apps from your PC now?
Then be a hero, let’s do this.