The desktop program removal process in Windows 8 is the same as in previous versions of Windows, but is a bit more complicated in the absence of the traditional Start menu. Windows 8 also introduces applications that can be downloaded from the Windows Store, and do not appear in the list of programs in Control Panel. To remove it, you need to use the new menu in Windows 8.
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Method 1 of 3: Uninstalling Desktop Programs
Step 1. Log in as Administrator to remove the program, or find out the Administrator password
Read the guide to bypassing the Administrator password prompt, if the Administrator account on your computer is a local account. However, if the Administrator account is a Microsoft account, you cannot bypass it
Step 2. Right-click the Start button in the lower left corner of the screen, then select "Programs and Features"
You will see a list of installed programs. If you need to install an app from the Windows Store, read this article.
- If there is no Start button on your computer, you are probably using Windows 8 instead of 8.1. Press Windows key+X to open the context menu above, then select "Programs and Features". Read the guides to update your computer to Windows 8.1 for free on the internet.
- If you're using a touchscreen device, swipe from the left to open the Charms bar. Select "Settings" > "Control Panel", then select "Uninstall a program" or "Programs and Features" in the Control Panel window.
Step 3. Find the program you want to remove
You may need to wait a while for the full list of programs to appear, especially if you have a lot of programs on an older computer. You can sort installed programs by name, publisher, install date, program size, etc.
Step 4. Select the program you want to remove, then click Uninstall or Uninstall/Change which is at the top of the list after you have selected the program
Step 5. Follow the program removal guide
Each program has a different removal procedure. Make sure you read the rules properly, as some suspicious programs try to circumvent the procedure in the hope that you don't actually read it.
Step 6. Use an uninstaller program if you are having trouble removing certain programs
Sometimes, the program can get corrupted and cannot be uninstalled. Malware may also be able to prevent the program's removal from occurring. If you have trouble removing programs through the Programs and Features feature, try a program like Revo Uninstaller.
Read the guide to uninstalling programs with the free version of Revo Uninstaller on the Internet
Method 2 of 3: Uninstalling Windows 8 Apps
Step 1. Open the Charms bar by swiping the screen from the right, or sliding the mouse to the top right corner of the screen
The easiest way to see all installed apps and remove unwanted apps is to use the Charms bar.
You can also uninstall an app by holding down or right-clicking the app icon on the Start screen, and selecting "Uninstall"
Step 2. Click "Settings" > "Change PC settings"
A new screen will open.
Step 3. Select "Search and apps", then click "App Sizes"
A list of apps you have installed from the Windows Store will open. You can even delete built-in apps, like Music or Travel.
Step 4. Click the app from the list to display the Uninstall button
Step 5. Click Uninstall, then confirm the removal of the app
App data will be erased, so make sure you have backed up important data
Method 3 of 3: Using the Command Line
Step 1. Open the command line
If you prefer to use the command line to remove programs, or if your computer acts so that you can only access safe mode, you can use the command line to remove desktop programs.
- If you are still on the Windows desktop, press Windows+X, then select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
- If Windows is not working properly, go to the Advanced Startup menu, then select "Command Prompt" from the "Troubleshoot" → "Advanced options" menu.
Step 2. Type wmic and press Enter to start the program manager
Step 3. Type product get name and press Enter to display a list of installed programs
You may need to wait a while for the full list of programs to appear, especially if you have a lot of programs.
If the list of programs exceeds the viewing limit, you can swipe up to see all entries
Step 4. Write down the name of the program you want to remove
You must type the name of the program correctly, including the case.
Step 5. Type product where name="programname" call uninstall and press Enter
You will be asked to confirm to remove the program. Press y, then Enter to confirm.
Step 6. Find the message Method execution successful
If the message appears, the program has been successfully removed.
