Removing programs you no longer use frees up disk space, speeds up startup and gets rid of toolbars and trial software that came with a new PC. On Windows 7, you uninstall programs from Programs and Features in Control Panel. This guide walks through the steps, what to do when a program won’t uninstall, and an important note about using Windows 7 today.
Quick Answer
Click Start > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program (or Programs and Features). Select the program, click Uninstall (or Uninstall/Change), and follow the prompts.
Uninstall a Program in Windows 7
- Click the Start button and choose Control Panel.
- Under Programs, click Uninstall a program. (In icon view, click Programs and Features.)
- Click the program you want to remove. Sort by Installed On or Size to find programs quickly.
- Click Uninstall (or Uninstall/Change) in the toolbar.
- Click Yes in the User Account Control prompt, then follow the program’s uninstall wizard.
- Restart your PC if asked.
Tip: type appwiz.cpl in the Start menu search box and press Enter to open Programs and Features directly.
Use the Program’s Own Uninstaller
Many programs include an uninstaller in their Start menu folder. Click Start > All Programs, open the program’s folder, and choose Uninstall [program name].
Remove Windows Features
Built-in features such as Internet Explorer, games or Windows Media Player aren’t removed from the program list. Click Turn Windows features on or off on the left side of Programs and Features, uncheck the feature, and click OK.
If a Program Won’t Uninstall
- Close the program first, including any icon in the notification area. Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to end its processes if needed.
- Restart and try again. A pending update or locked file can block removal.
- Use Safe Mode: restart, press F8 before Windows loads, choose Safe Mode, then uninstall from Programs and Features.
- Reinstall, then uninstall: if the uninstaller is broken or missing, install the same version again over the top, then uninstall it.
- Use the maker’s removal tool: antivirus programs in particular often have a dedicated removal utility on the company’s website.
Clean Up Leftovers
Some programs leave folders in C:\Program Files or in your user folder after uninstalling. You can delete leftover folders for programs you’ve removed. Run Disk Cleanup (Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools) to clear temporary files too. Avoid registry cleaners, which can do more harm than good.
Important: Windows 7 Is No Longer Supported
Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 in January 2020, and extended security updates for businesses have also ended. Windows 7 PCs no longer receive security fixes, and many current browsers and apps don’t support it. If you still use Windows 7, keep the PC offline where possible or plan to move to a supported version of Windows or a new PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to uninstall programs I don’t recognize?
Check first. Look up the name and publisher online; drivers and runtimes such as Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable are often needed by other programs.
Will uninstalling delete my files?
Usually not. Your own documents stay, though some programs remove their settings and saved data.
How is this different in Windows 10 and 11?
Newer versions also let you uninstall from Settings > Apps, but Programs and Features still works.
Summary
- Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Select the program and click Uninstall.
- Follow the prompts and restart if asked.
- Use Safe Mode or the maker’s tool for stubborn programs.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.