How do I remove uninstalled apps from Windows 11?

To remove remnants of uninstalled apps from Windows 11, you'll want to clean up residual files and registry entries. Here's how to do it:

1. Uninstall through Settings (Primary Method): This is the standard way to remove apps, and should be your first step.

   • Open the Start Menu.
   • Click Settings.
   • Click Apps.
   • Select Apps & features from the left-hand menu.
   • Select the app you want to uninstall from the list.
   • Click the Uninstall button that appears. Follow any on-screen prompts.

2. Using the Control Panel (Alternative Method):

   • Search for "Control Panel" in the Start Menu and open it.
   • Under "Programs," click "Uninstall a program."
   • Select the app you want to uninstall and click "Uninstall." Follow any on-screen prompts.

3. Revo Uninstaller (Advanced Cleaning - Third Party): If the regular uninstall process fails or leaves behind a lot of files, consider using a third-party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller (Free or Pro version). The free version generally suffices for most users.

   • Download and install Revo Uninstaller.
   • Run Revo Uninstaller.
   • Select the application you want to remove.
   • Choose from the options displayed (Built-in, Safe, Moderate, Advanced). The "Moderate" option is usually a good balance.
   • Let Revo Uninstaller run the program's own uninstaller first.
   • Once that's done, Revo will scan for leftover registry items and files. Review the list carefully and delete what it finds that is related to the uninstalled app. Be cautious about deleting registry entries, and if unsure, leave them alone.

4. Clean Up Remaining Files (Manual Removal): After uninstalling, manually check the following locations for leftover files and folders related to the app:

   • C:\Program Files

   • C:\Program Files (x86)

   • C:\ProgramData

   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local

   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming

   • Caution: Be very careful when deleting files from these locations. Only delete folders and files you are absolutely certain are associated with the uninstalled application.

5. Registry Editor (Advanced - Use with Caution): Editing the registry is risky and can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Back up your registry before making any changes.

   • Type regedit in the Start Menu search and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   • Search (Ctrl+F) for the name of the uninstalled app.
   • Carefully review the search results and delete any keys or values associated with the app.
   • Warning: Be extremely cautious and only delete entries you are certain are related to the app. Incorrectly deleting registry entries can damage your system. Only perform this step if you are comfortable working with the Registry Editor. It is recommended to create a system restore point before making changes to the registry.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove uninstalled apps and their associated files from your Windows 11 system. Remember to proceed with caution, especially when editing the registry.