It’s frustrating when you want to uninstall an app, but you can't find any way to get rid of it. It's even worse when you try to uninstall a program, and it refuses to leave your PC whatsoever.

So, how do you easily get rid of these unwanted apps from your Windows device? You’d be glad to know that there are various ways to tackle this issue. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can easily delete apps on Windows.

1. Use the Programs and Features Tool

Your first port of call when removing software is through the Programs and Features window. This tool is one of the best and easiest ways to find and remove almost any installed program on your device.

To get started, here are some simple steps to follow:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
  3. Next, locate the app you want to remove, right-click on it, and select Uninstall.
Deleting a Program Using the Programs and Features Window

Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC when you finish.

2. Uninstall the Program From the Start Menu

Not only can you quickly access programs through the Windows Start Menu, but you can also delete your apps via this menu too.

To delete apps via the Start Menu:

  1. Press the Windows key or click the Windows Start Menu icon on the taskbar.
  2. Locate your program either on the Apps list or in the tiled section on the right.
  3. Right-click on the program and select Uninstall.
Deleting Programs via the Start Menu

You may have used the Windows Search Bar in the past to find any program on your device quickly. However, you might not be aware that it can also help you easily delete your apps.

To delete an app via the search bar:

  1. Click the Windows search bar and type the name of the program you want to delete.
  2. When your app appears, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
Deleting Programs via the Windows search bar

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and then restart your PC.

4. Use the Default Program Uninstaller

Most of the apps that you download come with an uninstaller executable file. Usually, this is located within the same folder that contains all the contents of that specific program. As such, if the above tricks don't seem to work, it's worth looking for an official uninstaller file.

To find an uninstaller file:

  1. Click the Windows search bar and type the name of the program you want to uninstall.
  2. Right-click on the program and select Open file location.

When you get to the target folder, look for a file named uninstall.exe, uninstall, uninstaller, unins, or unins000. When you find it, double-click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the process. Reboot your PC when you finish.

Clicking the uninstall executable file

5. Use the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

You probably know that you can uninstall programs using third-party uninstallers. But did you know that Windows has an official Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter?

This troubleshooter is an excellent tool that helps troubleshoot installation and uninstallation problems in Windows. But that’s not all—this program also helps you easily remove unwanted apps from your device.

To get started with this tool:

  1. Download the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter if you don’t have it on your device.
  2. Run the troubleshooter and click Next.
  3. From there, click Uninstalling from the options that appear.
Clicking the Uninstall option in the Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter

In the next window, select the program you want to delete and then click Next. If the program isn’t on the list, select the Not listed option, click Next, and then search for the program.

Selecting a program to uninstall

In the next window, click Yes, try to uninstall to start the uninstallation process. From there, follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the process.

6. Use the Command Prompt

You probably know that you can use the Command Prompt to configure your PC settings or repair corrupted system files. But did you know that it also comes in handy for deleting problematic files on your PC?

Here’s how to delete files using the Command Prompt:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter:
        wmic
    

When you finish, type the following command and press Enter:

        product get name
    

This will show a list of the programs that are installed on your device. From there, type the following command and press Enter:

        product where name=”name of program” call uninstall
    

Replace the name of program command with the actual name of the program you want to delete. For example, to delete a program called SplitCam, your command should look like this:

        product where name=”SplitCam” call uninstall
    

Press Enter when you finish.

You’ll now be prompted to either press Y or N. Press Y to continue, wait for the process to complete, and then restart your PC.

Deleting a program via the Command Prompt

7. Delete the Program’s Registry Keys

As a last resort, you could consider deleting the program’s registry keys. But since configuring the Registry can be a bit complicated, start by backing up your Registry.

Otherwise, here’s how you can get rid of any unwanted program via the Registry Editor:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type Regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Uninstall.
  4. You’ll notice there are many keys under the Uninstall option—scroll down and select the key with the name of your application. Then, finally, right-click the key and click Delete.
Deleting the Registry keys of a program

If you can’t find the Registry key for your application, you might have to dig deeper. Under the Uninstall key, you’ll notice several keys that are labeled using numbers.

Left-click on each and check the Display name value on the right-hand side pane. This should display the name of that particular program.

Displaying the name of a key in the Registry Editor

Once you find the relevant key, right-click on it and then select Delete. Restart your PC when you finish.

Easily Delete Any Program on Windows

If deleting apps on your Windows PC was a challenge, that shouldn’t be the case anymore. Whether the program is hidden away on your PC, or it just doesn't want to leave, there are plenty of ways you can forcefully evict it from your computer.