Windows 11 comes with several preinstalled Microsoft Store apps like Xbox, Clipchamp, Microsoft Teams, and others. While some are useful, many users consider them unnecessary and prefer a cleaner system.
Although not all apps can be removed through normal settings, you can uninstall most of them using built-in tools like Settings, PowerShell, or third-party utilities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the effective methods.
How to Remove Preinstalled Microsoft Store Apps in Windows 11
Here are a few methods to remove preinstalled Microsoft apps in Windows 11. Follow the methods below to uninstall unwanted apps.
1. Uninstall Apps Using Settings
This is the easiest method to uninstall any Windows application, including preinstalled apps:
1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps and select the Installed apps option.
3. Scroll through the list or search for the app.
4. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the app and select Uninstall.
This method works for most apps such as Xbox, Clipchamp, Media Player, and Movies & TV, allowing you to uninstall them easily.
2. Remove Apps Using Start Menu
You can also uninstall or remove apps using the Start menu. Here’s how you can do it: This method is quick and convenient for removing apps directly from your desktop.
1. Click on the Windows icon to open the Start menu.
2. Search for the app and right-click the app you want to remove.
3. Click Uninstall and confirm the action.
3. Remove Apps Using PowerShell
For system apps that cannot be removed normally, you can use PowerShell to remove and uninstall them. For that, follow the steps below:
1. Press Windows + X to open the Power menu.
2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin).
3. Run the following command to list apps: Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName
4. To remove an app, run: Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage, For example, to remove Xbox, run the appropriate command using “xbox” as the app name.
Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage
To uninstall apps system-wide, run this command: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage
Note that some apps may return after updates. You can use PowerShell to remove provisioned apps by running the command Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName <PackageName>. This prevents them from being reinstalled for new users.
4. Use Third-Party Debloat Tools (Optional)
Tools like O&O AppBuster, Winhance, and ThisIsWin11 allow you to remove multiple apps more easily at once.
These tools provide a user-friendly interface, making it simple to select and uninstall several preinstalled or unwanted apps in bulk.
They are especially useful for users who want a quicker and more organized way to clean up their system without using complex commands.
Conclusion
Removing unnecessary preinstalled Microsoft Store apps in Windows 11 is an effective way to declutter your system and enhance performance. While most apps can be removed through Settings, PowerShell offers more advanced control for deeper cleanup.
However, you should avoid removing critical apps such as the Microsoft Store, Windows Security, and other essential system components, as uninstalling them can disrupt core functionality and compromise system stability.
To reinstall apps if needed, open the Microsoft Store, search for the app you want to restore, and click Install to add it back to your system.
