How to access the classic Add or Remove Programs experience in Windows

If you’re old enough to have used Windows XPyou may remember that uninstalling software was done from a Control Panel section named Add or Remove Programs. It was then renamed to Programs and Features in Windows 7. If you try to search for add or remove programs in Windows 10 and Windows 11you get to a completely different placewhich lists not just the programs (or desktop apps) you have installedbut also the apps that are preinstalled with Windowsor those you have downloaded from the Microsoft Store. If you want the old Add or Remove Programs experienceand you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11here’s how to find it:

Searching for Add or Remove Programs doesn’t work the way it used to

If you use Windows 11and you search for “add remove programs,” you see a result with a similar name: “Add or remove programs.” Searching for add remove programs in Windows 11 Clicking or tapping itopens the Installed apps list in the Windows 11 Settings app. You can uninstall apps from hereas the list includes both the desktop apps (or old-fashioned programs) and the apps you got from the Microsoft Store. Installed apps lists both programs and apps TIP: If you don’t know the difference between apps and desktop appsI recommend reading this article: What is a Windows app? What is a desktop application? How are they different? Similarlyin Windows 10searching for “add remove programs” returns a result with almost the exact same name: “Add or remove programs.” Searching for add remove programs in Windows 10 Clicking or tapping it opens the Apps & features section in the Windows 10 Settings app. Here tooyou see the list of programs and apps installed on your computer or deviceand you can uninstall them. Apps & features lists both programs and apps Howeverold-fashioned users like myself may be looking for the Add or Remove Programs window from the Windows XP era. Where can they find it? TIP: If you want more optionshere are all the ways to remove desktop programs and Microsoft Store apps in Windows.

Where can you find the old Add or Remove Programs in Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Open the Control Panel to get to the old Add or Remove Programs windowwhich lists only the programs (or desktop apps) installed on your computer or device. Take these steps to get to the Control Panel if you’re using Windows 10or follow these instructions to open it in Windows 11. A quick way to do that in any operating system is to search for control panel and click or tap the appropriate search result. Firstsearch and open the Control Panel In the Control Panel windowclick or tap the Uninstall a program link found below Programsor go to Programs > Programs and Features. Click or tap Uninstall a program This opens the Programs and Features windowwhich is exactly like the old Add or Remove Programsexcept for its different name. Hereyou only find the desktop apps or programs installed on your Windows computer or deviceand see useful information like their Publisherwhen they were installedtheir size on the diskand exact version. You can select the app you’re interested inand click or tap buttons like Uninstall or Change. This is the classic Add or Remove Programs TIP: Here’s how to find the exact version of any Windows app you use.

The Control Panel or where old features go to die!

So there you have it! The old Add or Remove Programs window has been renamed to Programs and Features and tucked away in the Control Panel. Microsoft enjoys playing hide-and-seek with Windows features and product names that people have memorized. The Control Panel itself has also become harder to find in Windows 10 and Windows 11making users feel like digital archaeologistsconstantly searching for familiar features that once existed but are now buried in unknown locations. I hope you've found this tutorial helpful and that you'll remember how to find Add or Remove Programs in the future. You can always visit our website again to refresh your memory.