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Windows 10 comes with several pre-installed apps that some users may find unnecessary. Removing these bundled apps can help free up space and reduce clutter on your system. However, Windows does not provide a straightforward way to uninstall many of these apps through the regular interface.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to remove bundled apps individually using built-in Windows tools. You will learn how to use PowerShell commands safely and effectively.

Following these instructions will help you customize your Windows 10 experience by keeping only the apps you need. No advanced knowledge is required, and each step is explained clearly.

Let’s start with a quick overview before diving into the detailed process.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Administrator Access: You need to run PowerShell as an Administrator to remove apps. This is important because uninstalling system apps requires elevated permissions.
• Backup Your System: Removing some apps can affect system functionality. It’s a good idea to create a system restore point or back up important data before proceeding.
• Check App Names: Each app has a specific package name in PowerShell. Using the correct name ensures you remove only the intended app.
• Windows Updates: Some apps may reinstall after major Windows updates. You might need to repeat the process if that happens.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Bundled Apps Individually

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool in Windows that allows you to manage your system and apps.

1. Click on the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type PowerShell in the search bar.
3. Right-click on Windows PowerShell from the search results.
4. Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
5. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.

Running PowerShell with administrator rights is necessary because standard user mode does not have permission to uninstall system apps.

Step 2: List All Installed Apps

Before uninstalling, you should know the exact app package name.

Type or copy the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

This command displays a list of all installed apps with their names and full package names. The PackageFullName is what you will use to uninstall apps.

Step 3: Identify the App You Want to Remove

Look through the list to find the app you wish to uninstall. Common bundled apps include:

• Microsoft.WindowsCalculator
• Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection
• Microsoft.ZuneMusic (Groove Music)
• Microsoft.WindowsCamera

Make sure to note the exact PackageFullName corresponding to the app.

Step 4: Uninstall the Selected App

Use the following command to remove the app, replacing <PackageFullName> with the actual package name you noted:

Remove-AppxPackage <PackageFullName>

For example, if the package full name is Microsoft.WindowsCalculator_10.2103.8.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe, the command will be:

Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft.WindowsCalculator_10.2103.8.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

Press Enter to execute. The app will be uninstalled immediately.

Step 5: Verify the App Has Been Removed

To confirm the app is gone, you can run the list command again:

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name

If the app no longer appears in the list, it has been successfully uninstalled.

Alternative Method: Removing Apps for All Users

If you want to remove an app from all user accounts on the computer, you need a different command.

In PowerShell (Admin), use:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers > List.txt

This saves all apps for every user in a text file named List.txt. Open this file to find the PackageFullName of the app.

Then uninstall using:

Remove-AppxPackage -Package <PackageFullName> -AllUsers

Note: Removing apps for all users requires even higher privileges and should be done with caution.

FAQs

Can I reinstall an app after removing it?

Yes. You can reinstall removed apps from the Microsoft Store or by running specific PowerShell commands to re-register them.

Will removing bundled apps improve system performance?

Generally, removing unused apps frees up storage space and reduces background processes, but the impact on overall performance is usually minimal.

Is it safe to remove all bundled apps?

Not all apps can be safely removed. Some are essential for Windows functionality. Remove only apps you recognize and do not use.

What if I get an error when running Remove-AppxPackage?

Make sure PowerShell is running as Administrator. Also, check if the correct package name is used. Some system apps are protected and cannot be removed.

Will Windows reinstall bundled apps after an update?

Yes, major Windows updates may reinstall some default apps. You might need to remove them again afterward.

When Nothing Works

If you encounter persistent issues uninstalling apps, consider these options:

• Create a System Restore Point: This allows you to revert changes if something goes wrong.
• Use Third-Party Tools: Some tools specialize in removing Windows apps but use them cautiously.
• Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for help.
• Reset or Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, resetting Windows or a clean reinstall will give you a fresh start.

Conclusion

Removing bundled apps individually in Windows 10 is straightforward once you understand how to use PowerShell commands. Always run PowerShell as Administrator and carefully identify the correct app package names before uninstalling.

This process helps you declutter your system and customize your Windows experience. Remember to back up your data and proceed cautiously, especially when removing apps for all users.

With this step-by-step guide, you should now be able to remove unwanted bundled apps safely and efficiently.