Sometimes you may need to uninstall a program before reinstalling it, freeing up storage space, or removing software you no longer use. This guide explains how to uninstall applications on both Windows and macOS.
💡 Before you begin
Close the application you want to uninstall.
Save any important work before removing the program.
Administrator permissions may be required.
Uninstall Programs on Windows
Option 1 – Using Windows Settings (Recommended)
Windows 11
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps → Installed apps.
Find the program you want to remove.
Click the ⋮ (three dots) next to the application.
Select Uninstall.
Click Uninstall again to confirm.
Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted.
Windows 10
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps.
Under Apps & features, locate the program.
Click the application.
Select Uninstall.
Confirm the removal and complete the uninstall wizard.
Option 2 – Using Control Panel
This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Press Windows + R.
Type:
appwiz.cpl
Click OK.
Select the program you want to remove.
Click Uninstall from the toolbar.
Follow the uninstall wizard until it finishes.
Option 3 – Remove Microsoft Store Apps
Some apps installed from the Microsoft Store can also be removed directly.
Open the Start menu.
Find the application.
Right-click the app.
Select Uninstall.
Confirm the removal.
Uninstall Programs on Mac
Option 1 – Move the App to Trash (Recommended)
Most Mac applications can be removed this way.
Open Finder.
Select Applications.
Locate the application you want to uninstall.
Drag it to the Trash, or:
Right-click the application.
Select Move to Trash.
Empty the Trash to permanently remove the application.
Option 2 – Use Launchpad
If the application was installed from the App Store:
Open Launchpad.
Click and hold the application until the icons begin to wiggle.
Click the X button (if available).
Confirm that you want to delete the application.
Note: Not all applications display the X button. Applications installed outside the App Store usually need to be removed from the Applications folder.
Option 3 – Use the App's Built-in Uninstaller
Some applications (such as Microsoft Office, Adobe software, and antivirus programs) include their own uninstall tool.
Open Finder.
Navigate to the application's folder.
Look for an app named Uninstall, Remove, or Uninstaller.
Open it and follow the on-screen instructions.
Troubleshooting
The Uninstall button is missing
Restart your computer and try again.
Ensure you are signed in with an administrator account.
Some built-in Windows or macOS applications cannot be removed.
The application won't uninstall
Close the application completely.
Restart your computer.
Try uninstalling using a different method from this guide.
If available, use the software manufacturer's uninstall tool.
I want to reinstall the program afterward
After uninstalling, restart your computer before installing the latest version. This helps ensure that all previous components have been removed.
Need more help?
If you're uninstalling a Microsoft Office or Windows-related product purchased from EM Digital Group and run into any issues, feel free to contact our support team. Include:
The name of the application you're trying to uninstall
Your Windows or macOS version
Any error message or screenshot you receive
This will help us assist you more quickly.