How to Uninstall a Program from Every Version of Windows

Looking for a comprehensive guide to uninstall programs from every version of Microsoft Windows? You’re in luck! Our page offers step-by-step instructions for every version, including the earliest Windows 1.0 to the latest Windows 11. Whether you’re a seasoned Windows user or a novice, our guide simplifies the process of removing unwanted programs from your computer.

Our essential guide not only provides easy-to-follow instructions but also includes some history of each Windows version. This added insight will help you understand the evolution of Windows and the changes in the uninstallation process over time. With our guide, you’ll have the knowledge, tools, and historical context to keep your computer running smoothly. Say goodbye to unwanted programs and read on to learn how to uninstall programs on every version of Microsoft Windows!

Windows 11

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Settings”: The gear icon is located above the Power button.
3. Go to “Apps”: Click on “Apps” from the left-hand menu.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove. You can sort the list by name, date, or size to help you find the program more quickly.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Uninstall”: Click the “Uninstall” button located below the program name.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 10

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Settings”: The gear icon located above the Power button.
3. Go to “Apps & features”: Click on “Apps” from the left-hand menu, then select “Apps & features” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove. You can sort the list by name, date, or size to help you find the program more quickly.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Uninstall”: Click the “Uninstall” button located below the program name.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 8.1

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Control Panel”: The Control Panel window will open.
3. Go to “Programs and Features”: Click on “Programs and Features” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove. You can sort the list by name, date, or size to help you find the program more quickly.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Uninstall”: Click the “Uninstall” button located at the top of the window. You may be asked to confirm that you want to uninstall the program.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 8

1. Open the Start menu: Move your mouse to the bottom left corner of the screen and right-click. Select “Programs and Features” from the options that appear.
2. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove. You can sort the list by name, date, or size to help you find the program more quickly.
3. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
4. Click “Uninstall”: Click the “Uninstall” button located at the top of the window. You may be asked to confirm that you want to uninstall the program.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
6. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
7. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 7

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Control Panel”: The Control Panel window will open.
3. Go to “Programs”: Click on “Programs” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove. You can sort the list by name, date, or size to help you find the program more quickly.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Uninstall”: Click the “Uninstall” button located at the top of the window. You may be asked to confirm that you want to uninstall the program.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows XP

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Control Panel”: The Control Panel window will open.
3. Go to “Add or Remove Programs”: Click on “Add or Remove Programs” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove. You can sort the list by name, date, or size to help you find the program more quickly.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Remove”: Click the “Remove” button located at the right of the program name. You may be asked to confirm that you want to uninstall the program.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows Vista

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Control Panel”: The Control Panel window will open.
3. Go to “Programs and Features”: Click on “Programs and Features” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove. You can sort the list by name, date, or size to help you find the program more quickly.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Uninstall”: Click the “Uninstall” button located at the top of the window. You may be asked to confirm that you want to uninstall the program.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 2000

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Settings”: The Settings menu will appear.
3. Go to “Control Panel”: Click on “Control Panel” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Add/Remove”: Click the “Add/Remove” button located at the top of the window.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows Millennium Edition (ME)

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Settings”: The Settings menu will appear.
3. Go to “Control Panel”: Click on “Control Panel” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Add/Remove Programs”: Click the “Add/Remove Programs” button located at the top of the window.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 98

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Click on “Settings”: The Settings menu will appear.
3. Go to “Control Panel”: Click on “Control Panel” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Add/Remove Programs”: Click the “Add/Remove Programs” button located at the top of the window.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 95

1. Open the Start menu: Click on the Start button located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
2. Go to “Settings”: From the Start menu, click on “Settings”.
3. Go to “Control Panel”: Click on “Control Panel” from the options that appear.
4. Find the program you want to uninstall: Look through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to remove.
5. Select the program you want to uninstall: Click on the program you want to uninstall to select it.
6. Click “Add/Remove Programs”: Click the “Add/Remove Programs” button located at the top of the window.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. The steps may vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically be asked to choose whether you want to remove all files related to the program, or just the program itself.
8. Remove any leftover files: After uninstalling the program, you should also check for any leftover files or folders that were not removed during the uninstallation process. These files can take up valuable space on your hard drive and can also cause errors or other issues with your system. You can use the Windows Search function to look for any remaining files or folders related to the program, or use a third-party tool such as CCleaner to clean up your system.
9. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect. This will help ensure that any files or settings related to the program have been fully removed from your system.

Windows 3.1

1. Open the Program Manager: Go to the “Main” group in the Program Manager and select the program you want to uninstall.
2. Look for an uninstall option: Some programs may have an uninstall option built into the program itself. Look for this option within the program’s menus.
3. Run the uninstall program: If the program doesn’t have an uninstall option, look for an uninstall program that came with the program’s installation files. This may be a separate executable file or may be included with the program’s setup files. Run the uninstall program by double-clicking on its icon.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The uninstall program should provide instructions on how to remove the program from your computer. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure that the program is completely removed.
5. Manually remove any leftover files: After running the uninstall program, you may need to manually remove any remaining files or directories associated with the program. Use the DEL command to delete files and the RD command to remove directories.
6. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect.

Windows 3.0

1. Open MS-DOS Prompt: Go to the Program Manager, select “Main”, then “MS-DOS Prompt”.
2. Navigate to the program directory: Use the CD command to navigate to the directory where the program is installed.
3. Run the uninstall program: Look for an executable file with an extension such as .EXE or .COM that is specifically designed to uninstall the program. This may be included with the program’s installation files or may be a separate file altogether. Run the uninstall program by typing its name and pressing Enter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The uninstall program should provide instructions on how to remove the program from your computer. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure that the program is completely removed.
5. Manually remove any leftover files: After running the uninstall program, you may need to manually remove any remaining files or directories associated with the program. Use the DEL command to delete files and the RD command to remove directories.
6. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect.

Windows 2.0

1. Open the MS-DOS Prompt: Go to the Program Manager, select “Main”, then “MS-DOS Prompt”.
2. Navigate to the program directory: Use the CD command to navigate to the directory where the program is installed.
3. Delete the program files: Use the DEL command to delete the program files from your hard drive.
4. Delete any associated files or directories: Use the RD command to remove any directories associated with the program, and use the DEL command to delete any remaining files.
5. Restart your computer: After uninstalling the program and removing any leftover files, restart your computer to make sure that all changes take effect.

Windows 1.0

There is no built-in uninstallation feature or MS-DOS Prompt available in Windows 1.0, so the only way to uninstall a program is to manually delete the program files and any associated files or directories from your hard drive.

1. Locate the program files on your hard drive. You may need to search for the files manually, as there may not be a dedicated folder for installed programs.
2. Use a command line or file manager application to delete the program files. This can be a risky process, as deleting the wrong files or directories could cause unintended consequences.
3. It’s important to note that Windows 1.0 is an extremely outdated operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft, and it is not recommended to use it for any modern computing tasks.
4. If possible, it is recommended to upgrade to a newer version of Windows or to a different operating system altogether.

Note that the specific steps to uninstall a program using DOS in Windows 3.0 may vary depending on the program and installation method used. It is important to exercise caution when using the command prompt to remove programs, as it can be easy to accidentally delete important files or directories.

In conclusion, we hope that our guide has provided you with the insight needed to uninstall programs from every version of Microsoft Windows. We also hope that the historical context provided in our guide has given you insight into the evolution of Windows and its uninstallation process. Understanding this evolution can help you better appreciate the advancements in computing and how they have made it easier to use and maintain our devices.

Finally, we encourage you to share our guide with others who may find it helpful. By doing so, you can help others keep their computers running smoothly and efficiently. Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in your computing endeavors.