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How to Uninstall System Apps on Windows

Quick Tips
  • On Windows, you can uninstall system apps using PowerShell
  • To remove all pre-installed apps simultaneously, run the PowerShell script: Get-AppxPackage | Remove-AppxPackage.
  • For uninstalling apps from a specific local user, use the command: Get-AppxPackage -user <UserName> <AppName> | Remove-AppxPackage.

Uninstall Pre-installed Windows Apps One at a Time

Step 1: Open PowerShell as an administrator. For this, search for PowerShell and select Run as administrator.

open powershell and run it as administrator

Step 2: In the PowerShell window, type the following command to view a list of all pre-installed apps on your computer.

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

Step 3: Scroll through the list and find the app you want to uninstall. Also, note its full package name.

copy full package name

Step 4: Type the following command and replace <PackageFullName> with the actual name of the app. Then, hit Enter.

Remove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName>
example of how to uninstall yourphone app

Uninstall All Pre-installed Windows Apps at Once

Step 1: In the PowerShell window, type the below command and hit Enter.

Get-AppxPackage | Remove-AppxPackage

Step 2: Restart your computer to clean the residue of icons and shortcuts of the deleted apps.

Uninstall Apps From a Local User on a Windows PC

Additionally, you can delete system apps from a local account while keeping them active on other user profiles. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell on your computer.

Step 2: Run the following command to get a list of all the apps.

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

Step 3: Identify the app you want to remove and note its full package name.

copy app name

Step 4: Run the command below and replace <UserName> with the local account name, and <AppName> with the app name you copied.

Get-AppxPackage -user <UserName> <AppName> | Remove-AppxPackage
example to uninstall zune music app

Step 5: Restart your computer once the process is complete.

Restore Deleted System Apps in Windows

Note: You need an active internet connection to restore system apps. This process takes around 10 minutes, during which you must keep the PowerShell Window open.

Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell and run it as administrator.

open powershell and run it as administrator

Step 2: Copy and paste the command given below in PowerShell. This will re-install all the deleted or missing system apps in Windows.

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
restore deleted system apps in windows

Step 3: Close Windows PowerShell and restart your computer.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to uninstall system apps in Windows?

Yes, it is completely safe to uninstall system apps in Windows that you do not need. However, it is advised to use Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt to delete them. If you are planning to use a third-party app to remove apps from your Windows computer, ensure that the app is coming from a reputed source. Otherwise, it could harm your Windows file system.

2. Will deleted apps get restored after Windows updates?

If you delete a system app in Windows, it will get restored if it’s a major Windows update. However, if the update only includes patches or bug fixes, your deleted app won’t be restored automatically. There’s no clear way to check whether an update restores an app. So, if you plan to update your Windows machine, you must manually delete the app again.

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Last updated on 30 August, 2024

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