How to get rid of apps not used

Myrtle Folston 0 Reputation points
2026-10-30T18:29:18.0366667+00:00

I want to clear my apps and be able to choose which ones I want to get rid of

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps
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  1. Hendrix-V 20,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-31T03:33:57.5+00:00

    Hi Myrtle Folston,

    For apps you do not recognize, I recommend checking the app name and publisher before removing it. Some entries may be components installed by your PC manufacturer, hardware drivers, or other software and may still be required even if you do not open them directly.

    If an app is unfamiliar, please share its exact name here and we can help determine whether it is generally safe to remove.

    I hope this helps you clean things up without accidentally removing something your system needs.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-30T18:29:47.4933333+00:00

    Windows 11 can identify unused apps for review, while still letting you choose exactly which apps to uninstall.

    Review apps Windows considers unused

    1. Select Start → Settings → System → Storage.
    2. Open Cleanup recommendations.
    3. Expand Unused apps.
    4. Review the suggestions and select only the apps you want removed.
    5. Select Clean up.

    Windows displays the estimated space you can recover before removal.^1^

    Choose apps directly from the complete list

    If an app does not appear under Cleanup recommendations:

    1. Select Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
    2. Find the app, or enter its name in the search box.
    3. Select the three dots (…) beside it.
    4. Select Uninstall → Uninstall, then follow any prompts.^2^

    Before removing an unfamiliar app, search its name to determine whether it belongs to Windows, your computer manufacturer, or hardware such as a printer or graphics adapter.

    Keep an app but stop it running automatically

    If you rarely use an app but might need it later:

    1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    2. Select Startup apps.
    3. Right-click the app and select Disable.

    This keeps the app installed but prevents it from starting automatically and consuming background resources.^2^

    References

    1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/storage-filemanagement/free-up-drive-space-in-windows)
    2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/performance-optimization/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows#solution-3-free-up-disk-space-to-boost-pc-performance)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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