Uninstalling unwanted programs is one of the ways to speed up the Windows operating system and free up disk space. Computer users who used Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 for a long time before upgrading to Windows 10 might need assistance for the first time to uninstall programs in Windows 10.
The following are the three ways to uninstall classic desktop programs in Windows 10. The first method is to uninstall traditional programs via the new Settings app. In the second method, we will see how to uninstall programs via the Control Panel.
Skip to the last method to uninstall programs using the popular CCleaner.
Method 1 of 3
Uninstall classic applications via Settings.
The new Settings allows users to uninstall not just apps installed from the Windows Store but also traditional desktop programs. Here is how to uninstall the program via Settings.
Step 1: Open the Start menu and then click on the Settings icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can use the Windows logo and I hotkey (Windows logo + I) to quickly launch Settings.
Step 2: Go to Apps > Apps & features page to view all installed apps from the store as well as traditional desktop programs.
Step 3: Click on an application that you want to remove or uninstall to see the Uninstall button.
Step 4: Lastly, click on the Uninstall button to see the confirmation dialog. Click the Uninstall button again to begin removing the selected application.
Method 2 of 3
Uninstall programs via Control Panel
Although the above way of uninstalling programs via the Settings app works without any issues, most users prefer using the Control Panel to remove traditional desktop programs. The steps to uninstall programs via Control Panel in Windows 10 is the same as in previous versions of Windows.
NOTE: You can’t uninstall apps installed from Store via Control Panel.
Step 1: Open Control Panel. There are many ways to open the Control Panel in Windows 10. The easiest way is to type Control Panel in the Start menu or taskbar search box and then press Enter key.
If the search is not working, type Control in the Run command box (Windows + R) and then press the Enter key.
Step 2: Once the Control Panel is launched, click Uninstall a program, as shown in the picture below.
If the Control Panel is being displayed with small icons (as shown in the picture below), please click Programs and Features.
Step 3: Right-click on the program that you want to remove from your Windows 10 PC and then click the Uninstall button.
Click the Yes button if you see the confirmation dialog. Once uninstalled, some programs might ask you to restart your PC. If asked, please reboot once to complete the uninstallation.
Method 3 of 3
Uninstall programs using CCleaner
At times, some applications refuse to get uninstalled when following above mentioned standard procedure. In that case, you need to use third-party applications such as CCleaner to get rid of the program.
As you likely know, the free version of CCleaner for Windows 10 supports uninstalling both apps installed from Store as well as traditional desktop programs. Complete the given below instructions to remove desktop applications using CCleaner.
Step 1: Download and install CCleaner, if not installed already.
Step 2: Launch CCleaner. Click Tools and then click Uninstall to view all installed programs and apps.
Step 3: Click on the program that you want to get rid of and then click the Uninstall button. Click Yes if and when you see the confirmation dialog.
