How to Force Uninstall Programs on Windows 10/11 Computers

🔧 Method 1: Use Windows Settings (Standard Uninstall)

Forcing the uninstallation of a program on Windows 10 or 11 can be necessary when standard methods fail, such as through Settings or Control Panel, due to corrupted installations, missing uninstallers, or stubborn applications. Below are several methods you can use to force uninstall programs:Before proceeding with more advanced steps, try the standard method:

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Find the app you want to remove, click it, and select Uninstall.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.

If this doesn’t work, proceed to the next methods.

🧰 Method 2: Use Control Panel

1. Press Win + S, type Control Panel, and open it.
2. Click Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Locate the program in the list, right-click it, and choose Uninstall.

💻 Method 3: Use Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell

You can use PowerShell or Command Prompt to forcefully uninstall apps, especially built-in or UWP apps.

For Built-in Apps (UWP):

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

• Press Win + X → Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

1. Run the following command to list installed apps:

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

3. Once you find the package name, run:

Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName

Example:

Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.Calculator_10.2103.0.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

Note: This removes the app only for the current user. To remove it system-wide, add the -AllUsers flag.

🧨 Method 4: Use Third-Party Uninstaller Tools

Some programs don’t uninstall cleanly using built-in tools. These third-party tools can help:

✅ Recommended Tools:

👉 Steps with Revo Uninstaller (as an example):

1. Download and install Revo Uninstaller.
2. Launch it → Right-click the program → Choose Uninstall.
3. When prompted, select Advanced Uninstall or Forced Uninstall mode.
4. Follow the prompts and clean any leftover files/registry entries.

🗃️ Method 5: Delete Manually via Registry Editor (Advanced)

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry is risky. Always back up before making changes.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

And also check:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

3. Look for the program’s name in the list.
4. Right-click the key and select Delete.
5. Also delete the program’s folder from C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86).

🧹 Method 6: Use DISM & PowerShell to Remove System Apps

For deeply integrated apps (like Xbox, Cortana), use Deployment Imaging Service and Management (DISM):

1. Open PowerShell as Admin.
2. Run:

Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Select DisplayName, PackageName

3. Remove the package:

Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -PackageName "PackageNameHere" -Online

🛡️ Tips Before You Force Uninstall

• Make sure the program isn’t running in the background.
• Create a system restore point before manually editing the registry.
• Some pre-installed apps are part of the OS; removing them may affect system functionality.

❓ Common Questions

Can I reinstall a forcibly uninstalled app?

Yes, if you removed it via PowerShell or third-party tools, you can usually reinstall it via the Microsoft Store or official installer.

Why won’t my program uninstall?

Possible reasons include:

• Corrupted installation
• Missing or damaged uninstaller
• Lack of admin rights
• Conflicting software or drivers

Would you like help identifying the exact program you’re trying to remove? Let me know its name, and I can provide specific instructions.