Windows 10 comes with a plethora of pre-installed apps, many of which may not be useful to the average user. These apps can take up valuable space on your computer and may even slow it down. However, uninstalling the wrong apps can cause problems with your system. In this article, we will explore which Windows 10 apps are safe to uninstall and how to do it.
Understanding Windows 10 Apps
Before we dive into which apps are safe to uninstall, it’s essential to understand the different types of apps that come with Windows 10. There are two main types of apps: Windows Store apps and desktop applications. Windows Store apps are installed from the Microsoft Store and are typically designed for touch screens and mobile devices. Desktop applications, on the other hand, are traditional Windows programs that are installed from a CD or downloaded from the internet.
Windows Store Apps
Windows Store apps are designed to be lightweight and easy to use. They are typically installed from the Microsoft Store and can be easily uninstalled if you no longer need them. Some examples of Windows Store apps include Mail, Calendar, and Photos. These apps are safe to uninstall if you don’t use them, but keep in mind that some of them may be integrated with other Windows features.
Integrated Apps
Some Windows Store apps are integrated with other Windows features, such as Cortana and Microsoft Edge. These apps may not be safe to uninstall, as they can cause problems with other Windows features. For example, uninstalling Cortana may disable some of the voice command features in Windows 10.
Desktop Applications
Desktop applications are traditional Windows programs that are installed from a CD or downloaded from the internet. These apps are typically more powerful than Windows Store apps and may require more system resources. Some examples of desktop applications include Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. These apps are generally safe to uninstall if you no longer need them, but be sure to uninstall them properly to avoid leaving behind any leftover files or registry entries.
Safe Apps to Uninstall
Now that we’ve covered the different types of apps, let’s take a look at some of the safe apps to uninstall. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and you should always exercise caution when uninstalling apps.
Some safe apps to uninstall include:
- 3D Builder: This app is used to create and print 3D models, but it’s not essential for most users.
- Get Started: This app is designed to help new users get started with Windows 10, but it’s not necessary once you’re familiar with the operating system.
- Microsoft Solitaire Collection: This app is a collection of solitaire games, but it’s not essential for most users.
- Money: This app is used to track personal finances, but it’s not necessary for most users.
- News: This app is used to read news articles, but it’s not essential for most users.
- OneNote: This app is used to take notes, but it’s not necessary for most users.
- People: This app is used to manage contacts, but it’s not essential for most users.
- Phone Companion: This app is used to connect your phone to your computer, but it’s not necessary for most users.
- Skype: This app is used for video conferencing, but it’s not essential for most users.
- Sports: This app is used to follow sports news and scores, but it’s not necessary for most users.
- Weather: This app is used to check the weather, but it’s not essential for most users.
How to Uninstall Windows 10 Apps
Uninstalling Windows 10 apps is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
Uninstalling Windows Store Apps
To uninstall a Windows Store app, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
- Click on the Apps option.
- Click on the Apps & features option.
- Find the app you want to uninstall and click on it.
- Click on the Uninstall button.
Uninstalling Desktop Applications
To uninstall a desktop application, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button and select the Control Panel.
- Click on the Programs and Features option.
- Find the app you want to uninstall and click on it.
- Click on the Uninstall button.
Conclusion
Uninstalling unnecessary apps can help free up space on your computer and improve its performance. However, it’s essential to be careful when uninstalling apps, as some of them may be integrated with other Windows features. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can safely uninstall apps and keep your computer running smoothly. Remember to always exercise caution when uninstalling apps, and be sure to uninstall them properly to avoid leaving behind any leftover files or registry entries. With a little care and attention, you can keep your computer running like new and free up valuable space for the apps you really need.
What are the default Windows 10 apps that can be uninstalled?
The default Windows 10 apps that can be uninstalled include 3D Builder, Alarms & Clock, Calculator, Calendar and Mail, Camera, Cortana, Get Started, Groove Music, Maps, Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Movies & TV, News, OneNote, People, Phone Companion, Photos, Skype, Sports, Sticky Notes, and Voice Recorder. These apps are pre-installed on Windows 10 devices and can be removed if they are not being used. However, it’s essential to note that some of these apps may be dependent on other system components, and removing them could potentially cause issues with other features or functionality.
Before uninstalling any default Windows 10 apps, it’s crucial to consider the potential consequences. For example, removing the Camera app may prevent the use of camera-related features in other apps. Similarly, uninstalling the Photos app may affect the ability to view and edit photos on the device. It’s recommended to review the app’s functionality and dependencies before uninstalling it to avoid any potential issues. Additionally, users can always reinstall uninstalled apps from the Microsoft Store if they change their mind or need the app’s functionality later.
How do I uninstall Windows 10 apps using the Settings app?
To uninstall Windows 10 apps using the Settings app, go to the Start menu and click on the Settings icon. Then, click on the “Apps” option and select “Apps & features” from the left menu. This will display a list of installed apps on the device. Click on the app you want to uninstall and select the “Uninstall” button. Confirm that you want to uninstall the app by clicking on the “Uninstall” button again. The app will be removed from the device, and its icon will be deleted from the Start menu and other locations.
It’s worth noting that some built-in apps may not have an “Uninstall” button, and instead, may have a “Reset” button. This is because these apps are deeply integrated into the Windows 10 operating system and cannot be completely removed. However, resetting the app will remove its data and settings, and may help to resolve any issues or problems with the app. Additionally, users can also use the “Uninstall” option in the Start menu to remove apps. To do this, right-click on the app’s icon in the Start menu and select “Uninstall” from the context menu.
Can I uninstall Windows 10 apps using the Control Panel?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows 10 apps using the Control Panel. To do this, open the Control Panel and click on the “Programs and Features” option. This will display a list of installed programs and apps on the device. Click on the app you want to uninstall and select the “Uninstall” button. Confirm that you want to uninstall the app by clicking on the “Uninstall” button again. The app will be removed from the device, and its icon will be deleted from the Start menu and other locations.
However, it’s essential to note that not all Windows 10 apps can be uninstalled using the Control Panel. Some built-in apps, such as Cortana and Microsoft Edge, are deeply integrated into the Windows 10 operating system and cannot be removed using the Control Panel. In such cases, users may need to use other methods, such as using the Settings app or PowerShell commands, to remove or disable these apps. Additionally, using the Control Panel to uninstall apps may not always remove all associated files and settings, so it’s recommended to use the Settings app or other methods for a more thorough removal.
What are the risks of uninstalling Windows 10 apps?
Uninstalling Windows 10 apps can pose some risks, such as removing dependent components or affecting other system features. For example, removing the Microsoft Solitaire Collection app may also remove the Xbox app, which is required for gaming and other features. Similarly, uninstalling the Photos app may affect the ability to view and edit photos on the device. Additionally, removing built-in apps can also cause issues with Windows 10 updates, as some updates may rely on these apps to function correctly.
To minimize the risks, it’s recommended to carefully review the app’s functionality and dependencies before uninstalling it. Users can also use the “Reset” option instead of “Uninstall” to remove an app’s data and settings without completely removing the app. Furthermore, creating a system restore point before uninstalling apps can help to recover the system in case any issues arise. It’s also essential to be cautious when using third-party uninstallers or other tools to remove Windows 10 apps, as they may not always remove apps safely and can cause system instability.
How do I reinstall uninstalled Windows 10 apps?
To reinstall uninstalled Windows 10 apps, go to the Microsoft Store and search for the app you want to reinstall. Click on the app’s icon and select the “Install” button to download and install the app. Alternatively, you can also use the Settings app to reinstall uninstalled apps. To do this, go to the Settings app and click on the “Apps” option. Then, select “Apps & features” and click on the “Manage optional features” option. This will display a list of optional features, including uninstalled apps. Click on the app you want to reinstall and select the “Install” button.
It’s worth noting that some built-in apps may not be available for reinstall through the Microsoft Store or the Settings app. In such cases, users may need to use other methods, such as using PowerShell commands or reinstalling Windows 10, to restore the app. Additionally, reinstalling uninstalled apps may not always restore their original settings and data, so users may need to reconfigure the app’s settings and restore any backed-up data. It’s also essential to ensure that the app is compatible with the current version of Windows 10 and that any dependencies are installed before reinstalling the app.
Can I uninstall Windows 10 apps using PowerShell commands?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows 10 apps using PowerShell commands. To do this, open PowerShell as an administrator and use the “Get-AppxPackage” cmdlet to list all installed apps on the device. Then, use the “Remove-AppxPackage” cmdlet to remove the app you want to uninstall. For example, to remove the 3D Builder app, use the command “Remove-AppxPackage -Package 3DBuilder”. This will remove the app and its associated files and settings.
However, using PowerShell commands to uninstall apps requires caution and careful attention to detail. Incorrectly formatted commands or removing the wrong app can cause system instability or remove dependent components. It’s essential to review the app’s functionality and dependencies before uninstalling it using PowerShell commands. Additionally, using PowerShell commands may not always remove all associated files and settings, so it’s recommended to use the Settings app or other methods for a more thorough removal. It’s also essential to ensure that the PowerShell commands are executed with administrative privileges to avoid any permission-related issues.