How to Remove Unwanted Apps from Windows 8.1

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Are you facing difficulties in removing unwanted apps from your Windows 8.1 computer? No need to worry anymore because we have got you covered. It is essential to remove any app that you do not need on your PC as it occupies storage and slows down your system. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to remove unwanted apps from Windows 8.1.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Remove Unwanted Apps from Windows 8.1

Removing unwanted apps from Windows 8.1 has multiple benefits. These are:

Pros:

  • Improved performance of your system
  • Free up valuable storage space
  • Reduce clutter on your desktop or start screen

Cons:

  • May accidentally delete some critical system files
  • You may need to reinstall an app if you ever require it back
  • The process may take some time to complete

Method 1: Uninstall Apps via Control Panel

Removing unwanted apps via the Control Panel is the easiest and most straightforward way to do this. Follow the steps below to remove an app from your Windows 8.1 computer:

Steps:

  1. Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
  2. Select "Programs and Features" from the list or search for it in the search bar.
  3. Select the app you want to uninstall from the list of programs. You can also sort the list by name, date, or size of the app.
  4. Click on "Uninstall" at the top of the window and follow the on-screen instructions to remove the app from your computer.

Pros:

  • The process is quick and easy to perform.
  • No need for technical knowledge to use the Control Panel.
  • You can also view other apps that you have installed in the past.

Cons:

  • You have to find the program you want to uninstall from a long list of installed apps.
  • The process does not remove all the system files associated with the app.

Method 2: Use the Windows App Store

Another way to remove unwanted apps in Windows 8.1 is through the Windows App Store. Follow the steps below to do so:

Steps:

  1. Open the Windows App Store on your computer.
  2. Click on your profile icon, then select "My Library."
  3. Find and select the app you want to remove.
  4. Click on the "Uninstall" button on the app’s page and follow the on-screen instructions to remove it from your computer.

Pros:

  • You can view and manage apps from one location.
  • The process removes all the files associated with the app.
  • You can easily reinstall an app if you ever need to use it again.

Cons:

  • Only applicable to apps downloaded from the App Store.
  • You need to log in to your Microsoft account to access the app store.
  • The process may take a little time to load the ‘My Library’ section.

Method 3: Use PowerShell Commands

Advanced users can use PowerShell commands to remove apps from their Windows 8.1 computer. PowerShell offers more control over the apps you remove and is done through the command line. Follow the steps below to remove an app using PowerShell:

Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell with administrative access.
  2. Type and enter the command "Get-AppxPackage" to display the list of installed apps on your computer.
  3. Identify the package name of the app you wish to remove.
  4. Type and enter the command "Remove-AppxPackage Packagename" (replace ‘Packagename’ with the name you copied in step 3) to remove the app from your computer.

Pros:

  • You have more control over the apps you remove.
  • You can view more details about the app before removing it.
  • You can uninstall multiple apps in one go.

Cons:

  • Powershell commands can be complicated for beginners.
  • Mistyping a command may cause a critical error on your computer.
  • The process will remove all the files associated with the app, but it might also remove the package data required by other programs.

What to Do If You Can’t Remove Unwanted Apps

If you encounter any difficulty while trying to remove an app, here are some things you can try:

  • Restart your computer and try again.
  • Close all other programs running in the background and try again.
  • Use the Safe Mode to remove apps that are not uninstalling properly.
  • Try using a third-party app uninstaller, like Revo Uninstaller, which will remove all the redundant files from your system.

Bonus Tip

Before removing any app, check online if it involves Windows features and services. Any removal of these services can cause problems.

5 FAQs

Q1: How do I remove apps that came with Windows 8.1?

A: You cannot remove some apps that come with Windows 8.1, such as Internet Explorer, the Windows Store, and other essential apps.

Q2: Can I reinstall an app after removing it?

A: Yes, all uninstalled apps can be reinstalled from the Windows App Store.

Q3: How do I remove an app that I cannot find using the Control Panel?

A: Use PowerShell commands to remove apps that you cannot find in the list of installed programs under the Control Panel.

Q4: Is it safe to use third-party uninstallers?

A: Yes, third-party app uninstallers are a safe and reliable solution to help you remove unwanted apps from your computer.

Q5: Will removing an app affect my ability to download and use other apps?

A: No, removing an app has no effect on your ability to download and use other apps as long as they are compatible with your system.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, removing unwanted apps from your Windows 8.1 computer is essential for enhancing the performance of your system while freeing up valuable storage space. The methods above are easy to use and will help you get rid of any app that you no longer need. Keep in mind that not all apps can be removed, but you can hide them if they do not serve any purpose.

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