How to Fix Programs That Won't Uninstall in Windows 10 and 11

Most programs uninstall in a few clicks. When one won't, part of it may still be running, its installation or registry keys may be damaged, or it may be one of the apps built into Windows that can't be removed. Work through the steps below in order. They cover Windows 11 and Windows 10.

1. Close the Program and Restart Your PC

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Microsoft's first suggestion when a program won't uninstall is to restart your PC. Close the program first, so no part of it is still running in the background.

1. Save your work and close the program. Check the notification area next to the clock for its icon too, and close it there.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. On the Processes tab, select anything that belongs to the program and choose End task.
3. If it still won't uninstall, select Start > Power > Restart, then try again before opening anything else.

Expected result: the uninstall starts without a message saying the program is in use.

2. Uninstall From Settings or the Start Menu

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1. Windows 11: select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the program, select More options (…) > Uninstall.
2. Windows 10: select Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the program, then Uninstall.
3. Or select Start > All apps, right-click (or press and hold) the program and choose Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen steps. If Windows asks for permission or an administrator password, give it.

Microsoft notes that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled.

Expected result: the program disappears from the apps list.

3. Try Control Panel Instead

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Microsoft notes that some programs can't be uninstalled from Settings and need Control Panel.

1. Search for Control Panel on the taskbar and open it.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Right-click the program and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change, then follow the prompts.

Expected result: the program's own uninstaller runs and finishes.

4. Repair or Reset the Program, Then Uninstall

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If the uninstaller crashes or reports missing files, the installation may be damaged. Microsoft suggests repairing a program that isn't working correctly before you uninstall it.

1. Windows 11: in Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select More options (…) > Advanced options next to the program, then Repair. If that doesn't help, choose Reset. Not every desktop program has these options.
2. Windows 10: in Settings > Apps > Apps & features, select the program, then Advanced options > Repair or Reset.
3. For older desktop programs, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, right-click the program and select Repair, or Change if Repair isn't there.
4. After the repair, try uninstalling again with step 2 or 3.

Expected result: the uninstaller now runs to the end.

5. Run Microsoft's Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter

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Microsoft offers a troubleshooter that repairs problems that block programs from being removed, including damaged registry keys. Microsoft lists it for Windows 10; on Windows 11, Microsoft points you to Repair and Reset (step 4) and to any troubleshooting steps Windows suggests in the error message.

1. Open Microsoft's page Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed (linked in the sources below) and download the troubleshooter.
2. Select Run or Open when prompted.
3. Follow the troubleshooter's steps and pick the program you want to remove from its list.
4. If the program isn't listed, the troubleshooter asks for its product code. You can find it in the property table of the program's MSI file with a tool that reads MSI files.

Expected result: the troubleshooter removes the program or fixes what was blocking it, so a normal uninstall works.

6. Scan for Malware With Windows Security

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If a program you don't remember installing keeps coming back, or blocks removal, it may be unwanted software. Microsoft recommends running a scan with Windows Security and removing the app only after threats are cleaned.

1. Windows 11: select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
2. Windows 10: select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
3. When the scan is clean, try uninstalling the program again.

Expected result: Windows Security reports no current threats, or removes what it found.

Still Won't Uninstall? What to Try Next

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• Find a conflicting program: a clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and startup apps, which helps if background software is getting in the way. The steps are in How to Fix 100% CPU Usage (section 8). Return to a normal startup when you're done.
• Undo a recent change: if the trouble started after a recent install or update, a restore point may help. See How to Use a System Restore Point in Windows 11.