Ever wonder what鈥檚 actually installed on your computer? Whether you’re trying to free up disk space, find a specific program, or simply perform a software audit, knowing how to check installed apps on your device windows is a fundamental skill. This guide covers every method, from 30-second checks to advanced commands.
Table of Contents[Open][Close]Which Method Should You Use? A Quick GuideCheck Installed Apps On your device windows (Standard)Method 1: Check the Start MenuMethod 2: Use the Windows Settings AppMethod 3: Use the Classic Control PanelCheck Installed Apps On your device windows (Advanced Methods)Method 4: Use a PowerShell Command to List AppsMethod 5: Use the Command Prompt (WMIC)Method 6: Use the “Apps Folder” Shell CommandMethod 7: The Source of Truth – Finding Apps in the Windows RegistryWhy You Should Regularly Check Your Installed AppsDecoding Your App List: Key Concepts to KnowUser vs. System-Wide InstallationsDesktop Apps vs. Microsoft Store AppsBeyond Viewing: How to Manage and Export Your Apps ListHow to Export Your Installed Programs to a FileHow to Quickly Uninstall an AppGoing Further: Using Third-Party Tools for a Deeper CleanFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)ConclusionWhich Method Should You Use? A Quick GuideWith so many options, here鈥檚 how to choose the right one for you:
ADVERTISEMENT If you’re a beginner and just want a quick look:聽Use聽Method 1 (Start Menu).For most users needing to manage or uninstall apps:聽Use聽Method 2 (Settings App). It’s the most comprehensive and user-friendly.If you need to find an older desktop program:聽Use聽Method 3 (Control Panel).If you are an IT professional or need to export a list for a report:聽Use聽Method 4 (PowerShell).Check Installed Apps On your device windows (Standard)Sometimes you just need a quick look. For those moments, these simple methods work perfectly.
Method 1: Check the Start MenuThis is the most straightforward way to see a list of your most-used applications.
Windows 11
ADVERTISEMENT Click the聽Start聽button (the Windows icon) on your taskbar.Select聽All apps聽in the top-right corner.
Scroll through the alphabetical list of all installed programs.Windows 10
Click the聽Start聽button (the Windows icon) on your taskbar.
Scroll through the alphabetical list of all installed programs.Method 2: Use the Windows Settings AppThe modern Settings app is the most comprehensive tool for the erage user to manage their software.
Windows 11
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.In the left-hand menu, click on Apps.
Next, click on Installed apps
You will see all the installed apps in your computer.
Windows 10
ADVERTISEMENT Press the聽Windows key + I聽to open the聽Settings聽app.Click on聽Apps.
Next, select聽Apps & features.
You will now see a complete list of applications installed on your system. You can sort this list by name, size, or install date, which is incredibly useful for finding large programs to remove.Method 3: Use the Classic Control PanelFor long-time Windows users, the classic Control Panel is a familiar and reliable tool.
Open the聽Start Menu聽and type “Control Panel,” then press聽Enter.Under the聽Programs聽category, click on聽Uninstall a program.
This will open the聽Programs and Features聽window, displaying a list of your installed desktop applications (it may not show all Microsoft Store apps).
Check Installed Apps On your device windows (Advanced Methods)If you need more power, such as for scripting or system administration, the command line is your best friend. These methods provide a fast and efficient way to check installed apps on your device windows.
Method 4: Use a PowerShell Command to List AppsRight-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).Copy and paste the following command, then press聽Enter:Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Format-Table 鈥揂utoSize
The result will be shown. You can use this method to export to CSV or text file.
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Method 5: Use the Command Prompt (WMIC)Open the Start Menu, type “cmd,” and select Run as administrator.Type the following command and press聽Enter:wmic product get name, version
The result will be shown. You can use this method to export to CSV or text file.
Method 6: Use the “Apps Folder” Shell CommandPress the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.Type shell:appsfolder and press Enter.Method 7: The Source of Truth – Finding Apps in the Windows RegistryFor the ultimate technical view, you can look where Windows actually stores this information. The Settings and Control Panel lists are just user-friendly interfaces for the Windows Registry.
Disclaimer: Only view the registry; do not edit or delete anything unless you are an expert, as it can cause system instability.
Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.In the Registry Editor, nigate to the following paths. Each key inside these locations typically represents an installed program.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall (For 64-bit apps)HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall (For 32-bit apps)Next ReadHow To Fix a Frozen ComputerWhy You Should Regularly Check Your Installed AppsRegularly reviewing your installed software is a critical maintenance task for several reasons:
Improve Performance: Unused programs can run background processes that consume valuable RAM and CPU power, slowing your computer down.Free Up Disk Space: Applications, especially games and productivity suites, can take up gigabytes of storage. Removing what you don’t need is the quickest way to reclaim that space.Enhance Security: Forgotten software can become outdated and vulnerable to security threats. If you’re not using it, you’re likely not updating it, creating a potential entry point for malware.Remove Bloatware: New computers often come pre-loaded with unwanted software (bloatware) that clutters your system.Decoding Your App List: Key Concepts to KnowIf you’ve ever wondered why an app appears for one user but not another, these core concepts will explain what’s happening behind the scenes.
User vs. System-Wide InstallationsWhen you install a desktop application, the installer sometimes asks if you want to install it for the current user only or for all users on the computer.
Current User:聽The app is only ailable and visible to the user who installed it.All Users (System-Wide):聽The app is installed in a central location (like聽C:\Program Files) and is ailable to every user account on the PC.This distinction is the most common reason why app lists can differ between accounts on the same machine.Desktop Apps vs. Microsoft Store AppsWindows has two main types of applications:
Desktop Apps (Win32):聽Traditional programs like Google Chrome or Adobe Photoshop. They typically appear in both the Control Panel and Settings.Microsoft Store Apps (UWP):聽Modern apps from the Microsoft Store, like Netflix. They are primarily managed through the Settings app.Beyond Viewing: How to Manage and Export Your Apps ListOnce you know how to check installed apps on your device windows, the next logical steps are management and reporting.
How to Export Your Installed Programs to a FileUse this PowerShell command, replacing the path with your desired se location:codePowershell
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Export-Csv -Path “C:\Your\Folder\Path\InstalledApps.csv” -NoTypeInformation
How to Quickly Uninstall an AppIn Settings > Apps & features, click the three-dot menu next to any app and select Uninstall.
Going Further: Using Third-Party Tools for a Deeper CleanFor stubborn programs, consider a dedicated third-party tool like聽Revo Uninstaller聽or聽Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller)聽for a more thorough removal of leftover files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Q: Why can’t I find a program in the Settings list?A: It might be a “portable” app that doesn’t install formally, or an older program only listed in the classic Control Panel. It could also be installed for a different user account.
Q: What’s the difference between uninstalling an app and turning off a Windows Feature?A: Uninstalling removes a separate piece of software from your PC. “Turning Windows features on or off” (found in the Control Panel) enables or disables built-in components of the operating system itself, like Internet Information Services (IIS) or Hyper-V, the virtualization platform. These aren’t separate apps but optional parts of Windows.
Q: What should I do if the “Uninstall” button is grayed out?A: This usually means the application is a core part of Windows and cannot be removed, or you lack the necessary administrator permissions.
Q: How can I find where a program is installed?A: From the Start Menu’s “All apps” list, right-click the app, select聽More, then click聽Open file location.
ConclusionFrom a simple glance at the Start Menu to inspecting the Windows Registry itself, you now he a complete toolkit to聽check installed apps on your device windows. Mastering these methods gives you full control over your computer’s software, empowering you to keep your system clean, efficient, and secure.
Which method is your new forite? Share this guide and let us know in the comments below.
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