ARCHIVED: In Windows, how do I uninstall programs?

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Note: You may be prompted for an administrative login to uninstall a program.

On this page:


Using the Add/Remove Programs control panel

Windows 8

Note:
For help navigating, see ARCHIVED: Get around in Windows.
  1. From the Start screen or apps list, right-click or swipe the app and choose Uninstall.
  2. If you are uninstalling an app from the Windows Store, click Uninstall.

    If you are uninstalling a desktop app, the Programs and Features will appear. Select the appropriate app and click Uninstall.

Windows 7

  1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
  2. In Large or Small icon view, click Programs and Features. If you're using Category view, under "Programs", click Uninstall a program.
  3. Select the program you want to remove, and click Uninstall. Alternatively, right-click the program and select Uninstall.

Windows Vista

  1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
  2. In Classic View, double-click Programs and Features. In Control Panel Home view, under "Programs", click Uninstall a program.
  3. Select the program you want to remove, and click Uninstall. Alternatively, right-click the program and select Uninstall.

Windows XP in default XP view

  1. From the Start Menu, select Control Panel.
  2. Click the Add or Remove Programs icon.
  3. Select the program you wish to remove and click Remove.

Windows XP in Classic View

  1. From the Start menu, select Settings, and then Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
  3. Select the program you wish to remove and click Add/Remove.

Using an uninstall program

Many programs have an uninstall option. To look for such an option:

  1. From the Start menu, select Programs or All Programs.
  2. Find the folder for the program you wish to uninstall and highlight it.
  3. In many cases, on the menu that appears, you will see an uninstall option.

Other options

If the program has neither its own uninstall program, nor a listing in the Add/Remove Programs control panel, you might try installing it again, and then trying to uninstall it via the Add/Remove Programs control panel.

If all the above suggestions fail, call the technical support number for the program and ask how you can uninstall it, or contact your campus Support Center.

This is document aixt in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 13:03:08.