How to remove core apps in Windows 10

Windows 10 ships with a set of core applications that are installed automatically. While some users may find some or even all of those apps useful, others may not.

If you are using a dedicated email program for instance, you may not need the Mail app for that. And if you are not a gamer, you may not want games on the system as they take up space but don't serve any purpose.

Most installed apps are listed in the settings but when you try to remove a core application you will notice that this is not possible.

The uninstall option is not active which means that you cannot remove the application from Windows 10 this way.

Windows 8, Microsoft's first operating system supporting applications, had the same issue. We published a guide back then which walked you through the steps of removing some or all Windows 8 apps using PowerShell.

The method works fine in Windows 10 as well so that you can make use of it to remove apps you are not interested in.

Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Tap on the Windows-key, type Powershell and hit enter.

Step 2: Run the command Get-AppxPackage -User username to display all installed apps for the selected username (e.g. Get-AppxPackage -User martin to get a list of installed applications for the user martin).

Step 3: Locate the application you want to remove in the listing. You need to PackageFullName when you run the removal command. Tip: you can highlight and copy the name.

Step 4: Run the command Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName (e.g. Remove-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaireCollection_3.2.7240.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe)

It is advised to backup the system before you remove an application from Windows 10. If you go through the listing, you will notice that core components of Windows 10 such as Microsoft Edge or the immersive control panel are listed there as well.

Removing standard apps, like Solitaire, Candy Crush or Calculator should not have a negative impact on the system though. Then again, it is better to be safe than having to set up the system anew if something bad happens along the way.

These apps tend to use little space on the hard drive and the main reason why some users may want to remove them is to get them out of the all apps listing and search suggestions.

Now You: Do you use any of the core apps that ship with Windows 10?