The basic way to remove a program
To delete an installed program, go to your system settings and find the list of installed software, then select the program and choose uninstall. The exact steps depend on whether you use Windows or Mac, but both operating systems have a built-in removal tool that handles most of the cleanup for you.
On Windows, open Settings, go to Apps, then Apps & Features, find the program you want to remove, click it, and select Uninstall. Windows will walk you through the removal process, which usually takes less than a minute. On Mac, open Applications in Finder, right-click the program, and select Move to Trash, then empty the Trash folder.
This method works for the vast majority of programs you install from the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, or official installers. The program's own uninstaller handles removing its files and settings, so you do not have to hunt for leftover pieces yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Windows programs uninstall through Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, where you select the program and click Uninstall.
- Mac programs usually uninstall by dragging them to Trash from the Applications folder, though some require their own uninstaller.
- Some programs leave behind small files or settings even after uninstalling, but these rarely cause problems or take up meaningful space.
- Third-party uninstaller tools can remove leftover files more thoroughly, but they are not necessary for normal use.
Why programs sometimes leave files behind
When you uninstall a program, the main process files get removed, but some programs save settings, preferences, or cached data in hidden folders on your computer. These leftover files are usually very small — often just a few megabytes — and they do not interfere with how your computer runs.
Windows stores these leftover files in a hidden folder called AppData, usually in a subfolder with the program's name. Mac stores them in a Library folder in your home directory. You can find and delete these folders manually if you want a completely clean removal, but most people never need to bother.
The reason programs leave these files behind is that they might contain your settings or preferences. If you reinstall the program later, having those files still there means you do not have to reconfigure everything from scratch. If you want a completely fresh start with a program, you can delete these folders before reinstalling.
When to use a third-party uninstaller tool
Third-party uninstaller programs like Revo Uninstaller or CCleaner can find and remove those leftover files automatically, without you having to hunt through hidden folders. They scan your computer after a program uninstalls and offer to delete the remaining pieces.
These tools are useful if you uninstall programs frequently and want to keep your computer as clean as possible, or if a program is behaving strangely and you want to remove every trace of it before reinstalling. For most people, though, the built-in uninstall method is enough. The leftover files take up almost no space and cause no problems.
Be cautious with uninstaller tools that promise to speed up your computer or clean junk files — many of these are low-quality or include unwanted software themselves. Stick to well-known tools like Revo Uninstaller if you decide to use one, and always read what they are about to delete before confirming.
How to uninstall programs you cannot find in settings
Some programs, especially older ones or those installed by other software, do not show up in your normal uninstall list. If you cannot find a program in Settings > Apps on Windows or in Applications on Mac, look for an uninstaller file inside the program's own folder.
On Windows, right-click the program's folder (usually in Program Files or Program Files x86) and look for a file called Uninstall.exe or something similar. Double-click it to run the uninstaller. On Mac, some programs come with their own uninstaller process — check inside the program's folder or look in Applications for an uninstaller with the program's name.
If you still cannot find an uninstaller, you can usually just delete the program's folder directly. This is less clean than using an uninstaller, because leftover files will remain, but it removes the program itself and is safe to do.
Uninstalling programs that came with your computer
Programs that came pre-installed on your computer — sometimes called bloatware — can usually be uninstalled the same way as any other program. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find the program, and click Uninstall. On Mac, drag it to Trash.
Some programs that came with your computer cannot be uninstalled through the normal method because they are part of the operating system itself. Windows will not let you uninstall core programs like Notepad or Windows Defender, and Mac will not let you remove system apps like Mail or Safari. Trying to uninstall them will straightforward show a message saying they cannot be removed.
If a pre-installed program is taking up space and you do not use it, uninstalling it is safe and will not harm your computer. The only exception is security software — if your computer came with antivirus or antimalware protection, do not uninstall it unless you are replacing it with something else.
What happens to your files when you uninstall a program
Uninstalling a program removes the software itself, but it does not delete files you created with that program. If you uninstall Microsoft Word, your Word documents stay on your computer. If you uninstall Photoshop, your image files remain.
However, if you uninstall a program and then try to open a file it created, your computer may not know which program to use. You can still open the file by right-clicking it, selecting Open With, and choosing a different program that can read that file type. Or you can reinstall the original program.
Before uninstalling a program, think about whether you have important files it created. If you do, either move those files to a folder you know is safe, or keep the program installed. Most programs take up very little space, so there is usually no harm in keeping one around just to open old files.
Uninstalling programs on tablets and phones
Removing programs from a phone or tablet works differently than on a computer. On an iPhone or iPad, press and hold the app icon on your home screen, then select Remove App and confirm. On Android, open Settings, go to Apps, find the program, and select Uninstall.
Phone and tablet apps are much simpler than computer programs, so they do not leave behind hidden files or settings the way desktop software does. When you uninstall an app from your phone, it is completely removed. If you reinstall it later, you will have to set it up from scratch.
Uninstalling apps from your phone or tablet frees up storage space, which matters more on mobile devices than on computers because storage is usually more limited. If your phone is running low on space, uninstalling apps you do not use is one of the fastest ways to free up room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling a program slow down my computer?
No. Uninstalling a program that you are not using will not make your computer faster, because the program was not running in the background taking up resources. However, uninstalling programs you do not use frees up storage space, which can matter if your hard drive is almost full.
Can I uninstall a program while it is running?
Most operating systems will not let you uninstall a program that is currently open. Close the program first, then uninstall it. If you try to uninstall while it is running, Windows or Mac will usually ask you to close it before continuing.
What if uninstall fails or gets stuck?
Restart your computer and try again. If it still fails, the program's installer file may be corrupted. Try downloading a fresh copy of the program from the official website and running its uninstaller, or use a third-party uninstaller tool like Revo Uninstaller to force removal.
Do I need to restart my computer after uninstalling?
Most programs do not require a restart after uninstalling. Windows will sometimes ask you to restart, but it is usually optional. If you want to be thorough, restarting never hurts and ensures any leftover processes are cleared out.
Can I recover a program after I uninstall it?
Yes. You can reinstall any program by downloading it again from the official website or app store. Your settings and files will be gone unless you saved them separately, but the program itself is straightforward to get back.