How to Find Installed Programs in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 28, 2025

Knowing which programs are installed on your Windows 11 PC is essential for managing space, troubleshooting, or uninstalling unnecessary apps. Windows 11 provides multiple ways to view installed programs, from built-in Settings to third-party tools. This guide will walk you step by step through the easiest and most effective methods.

Why Check Installed Programs?

Finding installed programs helps you:

  • Free up disk space by removing unused apps.
  • Identify software that may cause system conflicts.
  • Keep track of installed applications for updates or license management.
  • Prepare for troubleshooting or a clean reinstall of Windows.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

Windows 11 makes it easy to view all installed apps through the Settings menu.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
  3. Scroll through the list to see all installed programs.
  4. Use the Search bar to quickly find a specific program.
  5. Click the three dots next to any app to Uninstall or Move it if supported.

💡 Tip: You can sort programs by Name, Size, or Install date to find apps faster.

Method 2: Using Control Panel

For users familiar with older versions of Windows, the Control Panel still works in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and type Control Panel, then hit Enter.
  2. Click Programs → Programs and Features.
  3. A list of installed programs will appear.
  4. Click any program to Uninstall, Change, or Repair it.

Control Panel gives detailed information like installation date and publisher.

Method 3: Using File Explorer

Some programs may not appear in Settings or Control Panel but have dedicated folders.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
  2. Navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86).
  3. Browse folders to see installed applications.

💡 Tip: This method is useful for portable apps or programs installed without a traditional installer.

Method 4: Using Command Prompt

Advanced users can list installed programs using the Command Prompt.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: wmic product get name,version
  3. Wait for the list of installed programs to populate.

Note: This method may not show all Microsoft Store apps.

Method 5: Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides more detailed information, including apps installed via the Microsoft Store.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type PowerShell, and open it.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate
  3. Scroll to view installed applications with version and publisher details.

💡 Tip: Replace HKLM with HKCU to check programs installed for the current user only.

Method 6: Using Third-Party Tools

If you want a more user-friendly overview, third-party apps like CCleaner or Geek Uninstaller provide:

  • Clean lists of installed programs.
  • Easy uninstall options.
  • Details like installation date, size, and publisher.

Third-party tools are especially useful for deep cleaning or batch uninstalling.

Tips for Managing Installed Programs

  1. Uninstall unnecessary apps to free up space.
  2. Check for updates for important software.
  3. Backup license keys for paid programs.
  4. Review startup apps to improve boot speed.
  5. Regularly audit installed programs to maintain system performance.

Conclusion

Finding installed programs in Windows 11 is straightforward using Settings, Control Panel, File Explorer, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party tools. Regularly checking installed applications helps maintain system performance, free up space, and manage software efficiently. Whether you prefer graphical interfaces or command-line methods, Windows 11 has multiple ways to view and manage your programs.

FAQs

Q1. Can I see all Microsoft Store apps in Settings?
Yes, Microsoft Store apps appear in Settings → Apps → Installed apps, but may not show in Control Panel.

Q2. How do I uninstall a program?
In Settings, click the three dots next to the app and select Uninstall, or use Control Panel → Programs and Features.

Q3. Why don’t some programs appear in Control Panel?
Modern apps from the Microsoft Store often don’t register in Control Panel. Use Settings or PowerShell to see them.

Q4. Can I find portable apps installed on my PC?
Yes, check C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) folders, or wherever you saved the portable app.

Q5. Is using third-party software safe to list installed programs?
Yes, tools like CCleaner and Geek Uninstaller are widely trusted for managing programs.

Recommendation: Use Settings → Apps → Installed apps for a quick and simple way to view installed programs and uninstall unnecessary ones.

Next Step: Regularly audit your installed programs to keep Windows 11 running smoothly.

Scroll to Top