How-toSoftware Installation

How to uninstall programs on Windows and Mac

Remove programs you no longer use from Windows 11, Windows 10 or a Mac, and know what to try when Windows will not let you uninstall one.

  • Updated
  • 8 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Mac

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Remove programs you no longer use on Windows 11, Windows 10 and Mac, and learn what to do when a program refuses to uninstall.

Windows 10 no longer receives security updates

Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. The steps below still work, but avoid banking and other sensitive tasks on an unsupported system, and plan to move on. See what to do about Windows 10 end of support.

The four stages of removing a program4 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.The four stages of removing aprogram1Quit itClose the program so nothingis using its files2Find itLook in Installed apps(Windows) or Applications(Mac)3UninstallChoose Uninstall or move theapp to the Trash4CheckConfirm it is gone from the listand the Start menu
Most programs come off in a minute or two.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Quit it: Close the program so nothing is using its files
  2. Find it: Look in Installed apps (Windows) or Applications (Mac)
  3. Uninstall: Choose Uninstall or move the app to the Trash
  4. Check: Confirm it is gone from the list and the Start menu

Before you start

Removing a program does not usually delete the documents you made with it. On a Mac, Apple notes that you may still need the program to open those documents. Uninstalling also does not cancel a subscription you bought through the program, so cancel that separately.

  • Save your work and quit the program first.
  • If you are unsure what a program is, search for its name before you remove it. Do not remove anything that came from your PC maker or that Windows needs, unless you know what it does.
  • If you may want the program again, find out where you downloaded it and whether you still have the license details.

Uninstall a program on Windows

Microsoft gives three routes that work in both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Start with the first one. Use the others if it does not work.

Method 1: from the Start menu

  1. Select Start, then select All apps.
  2. Find the program in the list.
  3. Right-click the program and select Uninstall.
  4. Follow any prompts. Windows may ask you to confirm, or the program's own removal window may open.

Method 2: from Settings

  1. Open Settings then Apps then Installed apps. On Windows 10 the page may be named Apps & features.
  2. Find the program. You can scroll the list or type its name in the search box.
  3. Select the More button (three dots) next to the program, then select Uninstall. On Windows 10, select the program first, then select Uninstall.
  4. Select Uninstall again to confirm, and follow the prompts.

When it finishes, the program disappears from the list. Some programs ask you to restart the PC to complete the removal.

Method 3: from Control Panel

Use this for older desktop programs that do not show a working button in Settings.

  1. Select the search box on the taskbar, type Control Panel, and open it.
  2. Select Programs then Programs and Features.
  3. Right-click the program and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change.
  4. Follow the on-screen directions.

Some apps cannot be removed

Microsoft says some apps and programs are built into Windows and cannot be uninstalled. If an app has no Uninstall option, that is the usual reason. It is not a fault.

Uninstall a program on a Mac

On a Mac, most programs are removed by moving them to the Trash. This is Apple's main method.

  1. Quit the program. If it will not quit, see the note below.
  2. Open Finder and select Applications in the sidebar.
  3. Look inside the program's folder, if it has one, for an app named Uninstall or Uninstaller. Apple says that if an app includes an uninstaller, you should use it to delete the app. If you find one, open it and follow its prompts, then skip the next step.
  4. Otherwise, drag the program to the Trash, or select it and choose File then Move to Trash.
  5. If asked, enter the name and password of an administrator account on the Mac.
  6. To free the space, choose Finder then Empty Trash. Emptying the Trash cannot be undone, so check that nothing else is in it first.

Apple notes you generally cannot delete the apps that came with your Mac, such as Mail, Music or Notes, or anything in the System folder. If macOS says an app is in use, quit it. If that fails, restart the Mac, or start in Safe Mode, and try again.

If a program will not uninstall

When Windows will not remove a programA top-to-bottom flow chart with 8 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.When Windows will not removea programNoNoNo1Restart the PC and tryagain2Is the program gone?Yes: You are done3Try Repair, then Reset, inInstalled apps4Is the program gone?Yes: You are done5Try the Control Panelroute6Is the program gone?Yes: You are done7Run a malware scan withWindows SecurityStill stuck? Use the supportpage on the publisher'swebsite.
Stop as soon as the program is gone.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Restart the PC and try again
  2. Question 2: Is the program gone? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  3. Step 3: Try Repair, then Reset, in Installed apps
  4. Question 4: Is the program gone? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  5. Step 5: Try the Control Panel route
  6. Question 6: Is the program gone? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  7. Step 7: Run a malware scan with Windows Security
  8. If nothing worked: Still stuck? Use the support page on the publisher's website.

Repair or reset the app

Microsoft suggests trying a repair first when a program is not running correctly. In Windows 11 Settings, Repair and Reset are offered for some apps only.

  1. Open Settings then Apps then Installed apps.
  2. Select the More button (three dots) next to the app, then select Advanced options. If you do not see this link, the app does not support repair.
  3. Select Repair and wait for it to finish. If the problem continues, select Reset. Reset may delete the app's own settings and data.
  4. Try the uninstall again.

On Windows 10: the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a download on its page Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed. It can repair damaged registry keys and other problems that block removal. Download it only from that Microsoft page, and follow its prompts. If a program is not listed, the tool may ask for a product code, which is an advanced detail. In that case, use the publisher's support page instead.

If you suspect the program is malware

If you do not recognize a program, or it came from a pop-up or a stranger's instructions, run a scan with Windows Security first and remove the program only after any threats are cleaned. See how to run a malware scan.

A command-line option

If you already use winget, the Windows package manager, it can also remove programs. See how to install software with winget and the Microsoft Store. The Settings route above is simpler for most people.

Check that it worked

  1. Windows: open Settings then Apps then Installed apps and confirm the program is no longer listed.
  2. Mac: open Applications in Finder and confirm the program is gone.
  3. If you wanted the space back, check your free space. See how to free up disk space on Windows.

Frequently asked questions

Will uninstalling delete my documents?

Not normally. Programs usually keep your files in your own folders, such as Documents. Some programs offer to remove their own data during uninstall, so read each prompt. If a file matters, back it up first.

Why is there no Uninstall button for an app?

The app is probably built into Windows, or it is managed by your workplace or school. Microsoft says some built-in apps cannot be uninstalled. Try the Control Panel route. If it is still missing, leave the app alone.

Does dragging a program to the Trash on a Mac remove everything?

It removes the app. Apple says to use a program's own uninstaller, if it has one. Dragging an app to the Trash does not cancel any subscription you bought through it.

Do I need to restart afterward?

Only if the program or Windows asks you to. Restarting also helps if a removal failed because a file was in use.

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Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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