How to Remove and Reinstall Windows 10's Default Apps

Some Noticeable Information

Windows 10 includes built-in universal apps that cannot be easily hidden or uninstalled from the Start menu. It is best to ignore them if you don't want to use them.

Certain built-in apps such as Get Office, Get Skype, and Microsoft Solitaire Collection can be uninstalled by right-clicking on them in the Start menu. However, for other built-in apps or bloatware apps, you can use a PowerShell command to uninstall them. It is important to note that some essential apps like Microsoft Edge cannot be removed. Additionally, reinstalling all built-in apps can also be done via PowerShell.

Can You Safely Remove the Default Windows 10 Apps?

Windows 10 comprises a range of universal apps that cannot be readily hidden from the "All Apps" view within the new Start menu. These apps can be uninstalled, yet Microsoft does not provide a straightforward method for uninstallation.

Uninstall the App Normally

Indeed, Windows will typically prohibit the removal of essential components. Nevertheless, we do not recommend uninstalling the pre-installed universal apps. These apps occupy minimal storage on your device, so it is advisable to disregard them if you have no use for them. It is important to note that Windows updates may reinstall these apps automatically. However, if you genuinely desire to uninstall them, it is possible to do so. Furthermore, if you have previously uninstalled any included apps, you can easily retrieve them all with a single command.

To install apps in the usual manner, simply right-click on an app from the Start menu, whether it appears in the All Apps list or the app's tile, and choose the "Uninstall" option. (For touch screen devices, long-press the app instead of right-clicking.)

This method seems to be effective for the Get Office, Get Skype, Get Started, Microsoft Solitaire Collection, Money, News, Phone Companion, and Sports apps. Additionally, you can utilize this method to uninstall pre-installed bloatware apps on your PC that are added by the manufacturer. It also applies to apps like Candy Crush, FarmVille, TripAdvisor, Netflix, and Pandora that are automatically downloaded by Windows 10. However, it is not possible to remove most of the other included Windows 10 apps using this method.

Uninstall Built-in Apps the Easy Way with CleanMyPC

If you continue reading, we will provide you with the guidelines for uninstalling these pre-installed applications using the command line. However, if you prefer a different approach, you can easily use the CleanMyPC uninstaller tool. This tool allows you to remove these applications effortlessly through a user-friendly point-and-click interface.

CleanMyPC is a paid application with certain features that require payment. However, users have the option to try it for free through a trial period. It includes a highly effective uninstaller that can remove unnecessary items that may go unnoticed by Windows.

To get started, simply download and install the tool. Then, navigate to the Uninstaller tab on the left-hand side. From there, you can locate the applications on the right-hand side and effortlessly uninstall them by clicking the "Uninstall" button. It's as simple as that.

Use PowerShell to Uninstall Built-in Apps

Most of the built-in apps, including those without an "Uninstall" option, can be uninstalled using a PowerShell cmdlet. It should be noted that certain crucial built-in apps, such as Microsoft Edge, cannot be removed with this method. Attempting to do so will result in an error message indicating their inability to be uninstalled.

Please be aware that starting from 11/1/2023, this method will not function with any version of PowerShell 7.x.x. Please utilize PowerShell 5 instead.

First, open PowerShell as administrator. Hit Windows+X, and then choose the "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" option from the Power User menu.

To remove unwanted apps from your Windows 10 system, simply open PowerShell and execute the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

- Uninstall 3D Builder

Get-AppxPackage *3dbuilder* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Alarms and Clock:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsalarms* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Calculator:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscalculator* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Calendar and Mail:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Camera:

Get-AppxPackage *windowscamera* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Contact Support:

This app can't be removed.

Uninstall Get Office:

Get-AppxPackage *officehub* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Get Skype:

Get-AppxPackage *skypeapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Get Started:

Get-AppxPackage *getstarted* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Groove Music:

Get-AppxPackage *zunemusic* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Maps:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsmaps* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Microsoft Edge:

This app can't be removed.

Uninstall Microsoft Solitaire Collection:

Get-AppxPackage *solitairecollection* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Money:

Get-AppxPackage *bingfinance* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Movies & TV:

Get-AppxPackage *zunevideo* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall News:

Get-AppxPackage *bingnews* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall OneNote:

Get-AppxPackage *onenote* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall People:

Get-AppxPackage *people* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Phone Companion:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsphone* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Photos:

Get-AppxPackage *photos* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Store:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Sports:

Get-AppxPackage *bingsports* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Voice Recorder:

Get-AppxPackage *soundrecorder* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Weather:

Get-AppxPackage *bingweather* | Remove-AppxPackage

Uninstall Windows Feedback:

This app can't be removed.

Uninstall Xbox:

Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

How to Reinstall All Built-in Apps

To reinstall the preinstalled apps, follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

2. Type or copy the following line of code into the PowerShell window:

```powershell

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

```

3. Press Enter to execute the code.

Enter this command in order for Windows to reinstall the default apps. Wait patiently for it to complete, even if there is no immediate indication of progress. Even if an error message appears, simply restart your PC and check your Start menu - you may find that the default apps have returned despite any issues.

It is important to note that the main benefit of this action is a slight decluttering of your Start menu. Additionally, it is highly probable that future updates, particularly major ones, will reinstall these apps.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the built-in apps in Windows 10. On one hand, I appreciate the convenience of having certain essential apps pre-installed on my system. For instance, the Calculator app has been a lifesaver on numerous occasions when I needed to perform quick calculations. Similarly, the Photos app provides a convenient way to view and edit my photos without having to download and install a third-party application.

On the other hand, I find it frustrating that some of the built-in apps cannot be easily uninstalled. This is especially true for apps like Microsoft Edge, which I never use and would prefer to remove from my system. I understand that these apps are essential for the functioning of Windows 10, but I believe that users should have the option to uninstall them if they do not want them.

Overall, I think that the built-in apps in Windows 10 are a mixed bag. Some of them are useful and convenient, while others are unnecessary and intrusive. I would like to see Microsoft give users more control over which built-in apps are installed on their systems in future versions of Windows.