Uninstall Windows programs - how it works

If programs are no longer required under Windows, you can uninstall them using the Control Panel. We show how this works on Windows 7, 8 and 10.

Windows 10: Uninstall programs

1. Click on the search field at the bottom left of the image and enter the term "Control Panel".
2. Select the Control Panel and then open the "Programs" category.
3. Click on "Programs and Features" above, you will find a list of all installed programs here.
4. Select a desired program and click on the "Uninstall" button above.
5. If you now follow the further instructions, the software will be completely removed from your computer.

Tip: The best and cheapest laptops for Windows 10

Although Windows 10 has become significantly more resource-efficient than its predecessors, good hardware remains the basic requirement of the new operating system. This is the only way to work smoothly and effectively. Our always up-to-date laptop best list reveals which notebooks work particularly well with Windows 10 and cost comparatively little. It starts from around 250 euros.

Uninstall programs in Windows 8

1. Move the mouse to the top or bottom corner of the right side of the screen. The so-called Charm Bar is now emerging.
2. Select the item "Settings" at the bottom.
3. The Charm Bar expands and shows you the setting options. You should find the "Control Panel" above (see picture).
4. Once you have opened it, you will see the blue link "Uninstall a program" under "Programs". Choose this.
5. Now you will see all programs that are installed on your computer. Select the desired one there and click on it with the right mouse button.
6. The context menu opens in which you click on the item "Uninstall". Now follow the further instructions of the deinstallation program.

Delete software in Windows 7 and Windows Vista

1. Click the start button at the bottom left of the screen, which is symbolized by the Windows symbol.
2. The start menu opens in which you select "Control Panel" on the right.
3. Here you will find the "Uninstall a program" option under "Programs". Once you have selected this, you will then see all the installed programs.
4. Select the desired program and click the right mouse button. A context menu opens in which you click on "Uninstall".
5. Follow the further steps in the uninstallation program.

Remove Windows XP programs

1. Click the start button at the bottom left.
2. Select "Control Panel" in the start menu on the right.
3. Click on "Software" there.
4. Select "Change or Remove Programs" on the left.
5. You will see a list of programs installed on your computer. Select the desired program and click on the "Change / Remove" button.
6. Follow the further instructions of the deinstallation program.

Download tip: Uninstall software completely

If you are looking for software that can be used to completely uninstall programs, we have two recommendations for you. The freeware IObit Uninstaller does the uninstalling of programs quite reliably, but the free edition is somewhat limited in functionality. The Ashampoo Uninstaller has significantly more functions, but is subject to a fee. The ten-day demo version can be downloaded free of charge from CHIP.

In the next practical tip we will show you how to uninstall programs on your Mac.