Install or uninstall a program

You can install programs, also called apps, from the Windows Store, a CD or DVD, a website, or from a network. You can uninstall programs on the Start screen or in Control Panel.

Note

Note

Devices running Windows RT can only install apps from the Windows Store.

Show all

To install an app from the Windows Store

  1. Open Start by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer down), and then tapping or clicking Start.

  2. Tap or click Store.

  3. Tap or click an app, and then tap or click Buy, Try for a free trial, or Install for free apps and apps that you already own.

To install a program from a CD or DVD

  • Insert the disc into your PC, and then follow the instructions on your screen. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

    Note

    Note

    • If the program doesn't start installing automatically, see if it came with installation instructions. If it didn't, you can browse through the folder structure of the disc and open the program setup file, usually called Setup.exe or Install.exe.

    • You might have to change how AutoPlay opens CDs and DVDs. For more info, see AutoPlay: Frequently asked questions.

To install a program from the Internet

Before you download and install programs from the Internet, make sure you trust the publisher and website.

  1. In your web browser, tap or click the link to the program.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • To install the program now, tap or click Open or Run, and then follow the instructions on your screen. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

    • To install the program later, tap or click Save or Save as to download the program. This is a safer option because you can scan the program for viruses before you install it. When you're ready to install it, double-tap or double-click the file, and then follow the instructions on your screen. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

To install a program from a network

If your PC is on a network (such as a corporate network) that has programs that you can add, you might be able to install programs from Control Panel.

  1. Tap or click to open Get Programs.

  2. Tap or click a program in the list, and then tap or click Install.

  3. Follow the instructions on your screen. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

Uninstall an app on the Start screen

Some apps such as Windows accessories and Windows Store, can't be uninstalled.

  1. Open Start by swiping in from the right edge of the screen (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen and moving the mouse pointer down), and then tapping or clicking Start.

  2. If the app doesn't appear on the Start screen, swipe up from the bottom edge or down from the top edge of the screen, and then tap All apps. (Or, if you’re using a mouse, right-click anywhere on the Start screen, and then click All apps.)

  3. Once you've found the app, swipe down on or right-click the tile to select it, and then tap or click Uninstall.

    For some programs, you'll be taken to Programs and Features page in Control Panel.

    1. Tap or click the program, and then tap or click Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. If neither of these choices is available and Change is, tap or click that.

    2. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Uninstall a program in Control Panel

If for some reason the program has no tile on the Start screen, you can try uninstalling the program in Control Panel.

  1. Tap or click to open Control Panel.

  2. Under View choose Large icons, and then tap or click Programs and Features.

  3. Tap or click the program, and then tap or click Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. If neither of these choices is available and Change is, tap or click that.

  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Was this helpful?
Thank you.
Do you want to add anything else?
Thank you. Your feedback helps us to continually improve our content.
1200 400 How can we make this more helpful for you? Submit Skip this Do you want to add anything else? Submit No thanks