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How to Delete Programs on Windows 10 | A Complete Guide

Wondering how to remove a program from Windows 10? Here are 12 methods to completely delete and force uninstall apps on your PC.

Last updated: 2025-07-19 03:36:59

how to delete programs on windows 10

Many of us have deleted programs and apps to keep our computers running quicker and with fewer problems. Freeing up disk space helps improve system speed, and the Windows built-in standard uninstall tools work seamlessly for this. However, the problem comes with stubborn programs that spread their residue files throughout the system. This is when some of us question how to delete programs on Windows 10 that won’t uninstall otherwise.

But no worries. Here are 12 proven methods to remove a program on Windows 10, depending on the underlying issue. So, dive right in.

3 Quick Methods on How to Delete a Program on Windows 10

Windows 10 has a few built-in options to delete unwanted programs on Windows 10. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Method 1: Uninstall Apps Using the Start Menu

Deleting programs from the Start menu is the easiest method for Windows 10, as you do not have to open any additional windows. However, doing so will not remove all associated files from the registry. Here is how it goes.

Step 1: Locate the Program

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Step 2: Uninstall the Program from the Start Menu

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Method 2: Delete Programs Using Control Panel

Using the control panel is yet another straightforward method to delete programs on Windows 10. However, it does not show Windows universal apps and leaves traces in the system. Follow these simple steps to use this system utility and delete installed programs on Windows 10. 

Step 1: Access the Control Panel

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Step 2: Uninstall Programs from the Control Panel

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Tips
Tips: If you can’t find a program you want from the list, use the search box at the top.

Method 3: Uninstall Programs Using Windows Settings

Windows Settings offers an organized space for users to view all installed apps. So, you can easily remove apps that weren’t present in the control panel. However, though better than the previous two methods, it also leaves residue in the computer and does not completely delete a program from Windows.

Step 1: Locate Apps from Windows Settings

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Step 2: Uninstall Apps from Windows Settings

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How to Remove a Program from Windows 10 That Won’t Uninstall: 9 Tried-and-Tested Methods

When you install an app or a program, it makes some changes to your system. Sometimes, the files are stored in a specific folder within the Program Files utility, while other times, they create duplicate shared libraries called common files. Stubborn programs even get copied into the System32 and ProgramData directories. What’s worse is that Windows hides these files by default, so users remain unaware.

Hence, understanding these changes in the system registries can help you identify what is causing problems during uninstallation. Here are some popular reasons preventing such programs from being removed.

Fortunately, you can treat these issues to successfully delete stubborn programs from Windows 10. Let’s discuss 10 tried-and-tested methods to delete all programs on Windows 10. 

Method 1: Use Master Uninstaller

Where every method fails, third-party uninstaller apps are the way to go and delete programs on Windows 10. These programs are designed to pull all the program’s system traces and associated files to perform a successful uninstallation.

One such solution is Master Uninstaller. It works by repairing the damaged files of the program to be uninstalled and then deleting it from all the registries accordingly with zero input. Here is how you can use it to remove stubborn applications from your Windows 10.

Step 1: Register Your Email on Master Uninstaller

Step 2: Uninstall Programs

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Master Uninstaller | A Smart Solution to Completely Uninstall Programs

Often, your system struggles to completely delete programs that intentionally resist the uninstall process. This is because these programs spread their associated files throughout the PC, corrupt the Windows Installer, and populate the registry, making it complicated to delete them using standard methods.

Hence, people prefer using a third-party uninstaller to remove all residues from the system. Master Uninstaller is an advanced solution that repairs the damaged files first, making it easier to access residues from the system. Here is what makes it better than other options in the market.

Method 2: End Background Processes Via Task Manager

Some programs encounter uninstallation problems, especially when running in the background. Using the task manager to end the background tasks might help. However, it does not actually uninstall apps but rather ends tasks, and then you can follow up by deleting programs using any other standard method.

Here is how you can do it.  

Step 1: Locate Processes from the Task Manager

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Step 2: End Background Processes

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Method 3: Delete Programs Using Command Prompt

The command prompt helps delete programs with damaged files, but using it risks permanently removing other programs from your device. Here is a quick guide to using it to uninstall programs from Windows 10.

Step 1: Run CMD as Administrator

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Step 2: Run the Uninstallation Command

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product where name = product name call uninstall. 

Change the program name to the name of the program to be deleted. For instance, the command to uninstall IBM SPSS Statistics would be: product where name = “IBM SPSS Statistics 25” call uninstall.

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Method 4: Force Uninstall Apps Using Registry Editor

Registry Editor is a utility of Windows 10 that stores changes and preferences made by installed programs. You may use it to edit settings and delete stubborn programs, but it can be tricky. Incorrect registry editing can cause system errors or crashes. So, be extra mindful while following these steps to manually remove a program from Windows 10.

Step 1: Open the System Registry

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Step 2: Locate Programs from the Registry

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Step 3: Uninstall Programs

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While deleting a program via the registry editor, you must also delete its associated keys. Typically, these registry keys are automatically removed. But if this is not the case, you can do it manually.

Step 1: Locate the Uninstall Tab

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Step 2: Delete Program’s Registry Keys

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Method 5: Uninstall the Programs in Safe Mode

Sometimes, the uninstalling process of a program interferes with third-party processes, causing it to fail. The solution to this problem is to delete this program while the system is booted into Safe Mode.  

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode

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Step 2: Restart PC in Safe Mode

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Step 3: Uninstall Programs from the Control Panel

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Method 6: Use the Manufacturer's Uninstaller Tool

Most software you install on your PC comes with its uninstaller file. You can easily access this file from the application root folder. Follow these simple steps to access the software uninstaller and delete programs on Windows 10.

Step 1: Locate Program Files

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Tips
Tips: You can also delete Program Files on Windows 10 for a specific tool, if nothing else works.

Step 2: Search for the Manufacturer’s Uninstaller File

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Method 7: Set Up a System Restore Point

Restoring your Windows 10 PC to a previous state would automatically undo recent changes, such as installing a program. However, it may risk losing personal data, so you must back up all important data before setting up a system restore. Here is how it goes.

Step 1: Create a Restore Point for Your System

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Tips
Tips: Manually allocate specific storage for the recovery using the slider in the Disk Space Usage section. Also, delete any previous restore points to free up space on your computer.

Step 2: Activate System Restore

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Method 8: Use Microsoft Install/ Uninstall Troubleshooter

Microsoft has its dedicated uninstaller and installer troubleshooter to resolve issues relevant to overwriting or changes made by programs into the system. You can use it to delete hard-to-remove programs. Follow these simple steps to do this.

Step 1: Download the Microsoft Install/ Uninstall Troubleshooter

Step 2: Uninstall Programs Using Troubleshooter

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Method 9: Restart the Windows Installer

Windows Installer is your system’s crucial utility for installing and uninstalling programs. So, if it is disabled, even accidentally, you will face issues deleting a program. Hence, you must restart or re-register the Windows installer to resolve the issue.

Step 1: Restart the Windows Installer

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Now, the program should be uninstalled as usual. However, re-register the Windows Installer service if it has not been deleted. Here is how it goes.

Step 2: Re-register the Windows Installer

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FAQs

Q: How Do I Uninstall a Program on Windows 10?
To uninstall a program on Windows 10, search for Control Panel in the Start menu and open it. Visit the Programs tab and choose Programs and Features. Locate and right-click the program you want to delete, and click Uninstall.  
Q: Why Can’t I Delete Apps on Windows 10?
There are various reasons why you can’t delete apps on Windows 10, including;
1. The uninstall process interferes with third-party processes.
2. The program has processes running in the background.
3. You do not have admin access to uninstall the specific program.
4. The Windows Installer or system registry is corrupted.
Q: How to Remove a Program from the Startup in Windows 10?
To remove unwanted startup programs in Windows 10, open the Settings panel by pressing Windows + I, and visit the Apps tab. Go to the Startup section and locate the program to be deleted. Select this program from the list and click Uninstall > Uninstall.  
Q: How to Fully Remove a Program from Windows 10?
You must use a third-party uninstaller like Master Uninstaller to completely remove a program from Windows 10. It works by repairing the damaged files of a program to be deleted, making it easier for the system to pull residues and associated files. Simply visit its dashboard, select All Programs, and click the Delete icon next to the app you want to uninstall.
Q: How Do I Remove All Programs from the Start Menu in Windows 10?
To delete programs on Windows 10 using the Start menu, visit the Start button and type the program's name to be deleted in the search box. Click Uninstall from the right-side menu and confirm it.

Final Thoughts

Imagine this: You’ve installed a new app and have been using it for quite some time. You decide to uninstall it, only to find out that it refuses to delete with the standard Windows method.

Now, you may be wondering how to delete programs on Windows 10 that won’t uninstall otherwise. While there are many ways to do so, the best possible method is using a third-party uninstaller like Master Uninstaller. It requires zero effort and removes all the program-associated files, system traces, and residues from the PC within seconds.   

So, give it a try and see how it works for you.

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