How to Uninstall Apps on Windows 11 That Cannot Be Uninstalled Easily

Windows 11 brings a fresh design, better performance, and productivity features — but it also comes with pre-installed apps (often called bloatware) that you might never use. To make matters worse, some of these apps cannot be removed through the standard “Uninstall” option in Settings.

If you’ve ever tried to uninstall apps like Xbox, Cortana, Microsoft Teams, or other built-in programs and noticed the option was grayed out, you’re not alone. Many users wonder: “How can I uninstall apps on Windows 11 that don’t allow easy removal?”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step methods — from using Settings to advanced tools like PowerShell and third-party uninstallers. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to regain control over your PC and free it from unnecessary apps.

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Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)

• Windows 11 comes with pre-installed apps that can’t be uninstalled easily.

• Basic apps can be removed via Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.

• Stubborn apps require advanced methods: PowerShell, Registry Editor, Group Policy, or third-party uninstallers.

• Always create a backup or system restore point before making changes.

• Removing bloatware can improve performance, storage, and startup speed.

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Why Some Apps Can’t Be Uninstalled in Windows 11

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand the why.

Microsoft includes certain apps to provide core functionality or promote their ecosystem. Some are essential (like Microsoft Edge or Windows Security), while others are optional but protected to avoid accidental removal.

For example:

• Removable apps → Spotify, WhatsApp, Candy Crush, trial software.

• Protected apps → Cortana, Microsoft Store, Xbox, Microsoft Teams.

• System-critical apps → Windows Security, OneDrive (optional, but tightly integrated), and Edge (default browser integration).

When you try uninstalling these protected apps from Settings, you’ll notice the “Uninstall” button is missing or grayed out. That’s where alternative methods come in.

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Methods to Uninstall Apps on Windows 11 That Cannot Be Uninstalled Easily

We’ll start with beginner-friendly methods, then move into more advanced techniques.

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1. Uninstall Normal Apps via Settings

For standard apps, this method works fine.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.

3. Scroll down and find the app you want to remove.

4. Click the three dots (⋮) next to it.

5. Select Uninstall and confirm.

This works for apps like Spotify, Zoom, or other third-party programs.

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2. Use the Start Menu for Quick Uninstall

Sometimes, the Start Menu is the fastest route.

Steps:

1. Click Start and search for the app.

2. Right-click the app.

3. Select Uninstall (if available).

If the option isn’t there, it means the app is protected.

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3. Remove Built-In Apps Using PowerShell

Here’s where things get interesting. PowerShell lets you remove apps that Windows doesn’t normally allow.

Steps:

1. Press Win + S, type PowerShell, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

2. To see a list of installed apps, type:

   Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName


3. Find the app you want to uninstall (e.g., Cortana, Xbox).

4. Copy its PackageFullName.

5. Type the following command:

   Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage


   Example for Xbox:

   Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage


6. Press Enter and the app will be uninstalled.

⚠️ Note: Some system apps (like Microsoft Edge) cannot be fully removed without breaking system features.

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4. Remove Apps for All Users in PowerShell

If multiple accounts exist on your PC, uninstalling for one user isn’t enough.

Command:

This removes the app across all user profiles.

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5. Uninstall Apps via Command Prompt (DISM Tool)

Windows includes the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM), useful for removing stubborn apps.

Steps:

1. Search Command Prompt, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type:

   dism /Online /Get-ProvisionedAppxPackages | findstr PackageName


3. Copy the full package name.

4. Run:

   dism /Online /Remove-ProvisionedAppxPackage /PackageName:PackageFullName


This permanently removes provisioned apps (apps that reinstall after updates).

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6. Use Group Policy Editor (For Enterprise/Pro Users)

Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise users can block apps via Group Policy.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System


3. Double-click “Don’t run specified Windows applications.”

4. Enable it and add apps you want to block.

This doesn’t uninstall the app but prevents it from running.

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7. Uninstall Apps via Registry Editor

⚠️ Advanced users only. Incorrect edits may harm your system.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall


3. Locate the app entry.

4. Delete the corresponding registry key.

This hides or removes apps from Programs & Features.

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8. Disable Apps Instead of Uninstalling

If uninstalling feels risky, you can disable apps.

Steps:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

2. Go to the Startup tab.

3. Right-click an app and choose Disable.

This prevents it from running at startup, freeing resources.

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9. Use Third-Party Uninstaller Tools

Sometimes, the easiest way is using dedicated uninstallers.

Popular tools:

• Revo Uninstaller

• IObit Uninstaller

• Geek Uninstaller

These tools can:

• Force uninstall stubborn apps.

• Remove leftover files, registry entries, and hidden components.

• Clean up bloatware in bulk.

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10. Stop Apps from Reinstalling After Updates

Some apps return after Windows updates. To stop this:

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.

2. Pause or delay feature updates.

3. Use DISM to remove provisioned apps permanently.

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11. Reinstall a Removed App (If Needed)

Changed your mind? You can reinstall removed apps.

Command:

Or simply reinstall from the Microsoft Store.

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Pros and Cons of Uninstalling Built-In Windows 11 Apps

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Tips Before Removing Stubborn Apps

• Create a restore point before editing registry or using PowerShell.

• Don’t remove system-critical apps like Microsoft Edge or Windows Security.

• Use third-party uninstallers for safety if you’re not comfortable with PowerShell.

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Conclusion

Uninstalling apps on Windows 11 that cannot be removed easily may seem tricky, but it’s entirely doable with the right methods.

• Start with Settings for basic apps.

• Move to PowerShell, DISM, or Registry Editor for stubborn ones.

• Use third-party uninstallers if you want a safer, user-friendly option.

By taking control of bloatware and unnecessary apps, you’ll enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more efficient Windows 11 experience.

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FAQs

1. Why can’t I uninstall some apps on Windows 11?

Some apps are protected because they’re tied to Windows features or updates. Microsoft prevents easy removal to avoid system instability.

2. Is it safe to remove built-in apps with PowerShell?

Yes, but be cautious. Removing core apps like Edge or Windows Security can break features. Always create a restore point.

3. Which Windows 11 apps are safe to uninstall?

You can safely uninstall Xbox, Cortana, Skype, 3D Viewer, Paint 3D, and trial apps. Avoid uninstalling core security or update apps.

4. Do uninstalled apps come back after updates?

Yes, some provisioned apps reinstall after major updates. Use DISM to remove them permanently.

5. What’s the easiest way to remove stubborn apps?

For beginners, third-party uninstallers like Revo Uninstaller are the easiest and safest. Power users can use PowerShell or DISM.