Block you from uninstalling a program through Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features) in Control Panel. If you're trying to remove malware, you can use Windows Security (or another antivirus tool), or you can use the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool.

There are different ways to remove apps and programs, so if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can try another location. Note that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled. You can try to repair a program first, if it's just not running correctly.

Learn how to optimize system performance by managing startup applications in Windows.

When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, some Windows features may stop working correctly or Windows may stop responding altogether. If this happens, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool (DISM) and the System File Checker tool (SFC) to scan your system files and restore any corrupted or missing files.

Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain system problems that might prevent Windows from starting. It scans your computer for the problem and then tries to fix it so your computer can start correctly.

When you install, uninstall, or update a program on a Windows-based computer, you may receive one of the following error messages. The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed. Windows Installer Service couldn't be started. Could not start the Windows Installer service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied.

You can repair some apps and programs if they're not running correctly. Note that you won't see repair, change, or modify options for all apps and programs. Repair options from the Settings page. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Select the More icon next to the app you want to fix.

Download the drivers for the desired device from the device manufacturer's site. Make sure to download the correct drivers that match the version and architecture of Windows. Once downloaded, if necessary, uncompress the downloaded drivers. Make a note of where the drivers are located on the Windows device.

Microsoft is investigating whether consumer customers using Home or Pro editions of Windows are affected. Customers can temporarily resolve the issue by updating permissions (ACLs) on the affected directories. Follow these steps: Open PowerShell as an Administrator.

Learn how to get older apps or programs to run on Windows 10 or Windows 11 by adjusting compatibility settings.