Uninstalling apps in Windows 11 using Command Prompt (CMD) is a straightforward process that involves a few clear steps. By entering specific commands, you can easily remove unwanted applications. Here’s a quick overview: First, open the Command Prompt with admin rights, then list the installed apps, and finally, use the appropriate command to uninstall the desired app.
How to Uninstall App in Windows 11 Using CMD
In this section, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to uninstall an app from your Windows 11 computer using Command Prompt.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
First, search for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
This step is crucial because running Command Prompt with administrative privileges ensures you have the necessary permissions to uninstall apps.
Step 2: List Installed Apps Using Winget
Type winget list and press Enter to see a list of all installed applications.
The winget command-line tool is used to manage applications, and listing installed apps helps identify the exact name of the app you want to uninstall.
Step 3: Identify the App to Uninstall
Carefully note down the exact name of the app you want to remove from the list generated in the previous step.
Accuracy is important here to ensure you’re uninstalling the correct application.
Step 4: Uninstall the Desired App
Type winget uninstall "App_Name" and press Enter to uninstall the app, replacing "App_Name" with the name of the app you noted down.
This command initiates the uninstallation process. If the app name is correct, the application will be removed from your system.
Step 5: Confirm Uninstallation
Once the uninstall process completes, you’ll see a confirmation message in the Command Prompt.
This message verifies that the app has been successfully uninstalled from your Windows 11 system.
After completing these steps, the app you wanted to remove will no longer be on your system. You can use the winget list command again to confirm it’s gone.
Tips for Uninstalling Apps in Windows 11 Using CMD
- Always run Command Prompt as an administrator to avoid permission issues.
- Double-check the app name when using the
winget uninstallcommand to prevent accidentally removing the wrong application. - Use
winget upgradebefore uninstalling to see if a simple app update would resolve any issues you have. - Keep a list of essential apps you frequently use to avoid mistakenly uninstalling them.
- If
wingetisn’t working, make sure it’s installed and updated by runningwinget --version.
FAQ
How do I reinstall an app I uninstalled using CMD?
You can reinstall the app by finding it in the Microsoft Store or using the winget install "App_Name" command with the correct app name.
What if Command Prompt doesn’t recognize the winget command?
Ensure that the App Installer is updated. You can update it through the Microsoft Store.
Can I use CMD to uninstall pre-installed Windows apps?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to enter the correct app name using the winget list command.
Is there a way to uninstall multiple apps at once using CMD?
You would need to run the winget uninstall command for each app individually, as batch uninstallation isn’t supported directly.
What should I do if I accidentally uninstall an important app?
You can usually reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or use the winget install command if you know the exact app name.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- List installed apps using
winget list. - Identify the app to uninstall.
- Uninstall the desired app with
winget uninstall "App_Name". - Confirm uninstallation.
Conclusion
Uninstalling apps in Windows 11 using CMD is a quick and efficient way to manage your installed software. Whether you’re trying to free up space, resolve conflicts, or just clean up your system, knowing these steps can be incredibly useful. The winget tool simplifies app management, making it accessible even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
By following these steps, you can keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently. And remember, if you ever make a mistake, it’s usually easy to reinstall an app. For further reading, you might want to explore other CMD commands that can optimize your Windows 11 experience. Happy computing!