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

Prevent existing programs from being completely uninstalled or updated. 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.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files. When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, some Windows features may stop working correctly or Windows may stop responding altogether.

Press and hold (or right-click) on the app, then select Uninstall. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps . Find the app you want to remove, select More > Uninstall. Note: Some apps can't be uninstalled from the Settings app right now. For help uninstalling these apps, follow the instructions to uninstall from Control Panel.

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.

To configure potentially unwanted app blocking go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. There you'll find a control that lets you turn potentially unwanted app blocking off, and select if you want to block apps, downloads, or both.

Open the Program_Name folder, and then click the program's "uninstall" file to remove the program (if the file exists). For example, the file might be named Uninst.exe, Uninstall, or Uninstall Program_Name. Follow the instructions to remove the program.

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.

Prevents Windows from automatically restarting if an error causes Windows to fail. Choose this option only if Windows is stuck in a loop where Windows fails, attempts to restart, and fails again repeatedly. You can press Enter to start Windows normally. What if Windows keeps booting in Safe Mode?

In the search box on the taskbar, enter control panel and select Control Panel from the results. Select Programs > Programs and Features. Right-click the program you want to fix and select Repair, or if that’s not available, select Change. Then follow the directions on the screen. For more tips, see Repair an Office application.