# Remove Apps from Windows Devices

Removing unused and unwanted applications from devices would help you save hard drive space, increase speed, enhance security and improve the overall device performance. With Hexnode UEM, you can uninstall apps from Windows devices, remotely.

 Notes: 
 *Uninstall Application* is supported on all **Windows 10** (Version 1703+) and **Windows 11** devices.

 

Remove apps from devices via ‘Uninstall Application’ action
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Follow the steps given below to uninstall an app from one or more devices using Hexnode UEM.

1. Navigate to **Manage** > **Devices**.
2. Identify and choose the devices from which you want to uninstall the app.
3. Click on **Actions** > **Uninstall Application**.
4. From the **Uninstall Applications** window, choose **Windows** as the platform, and then navigate to either the **Select Apps** tab or the **Advanced Configurations** tab.
5. If the **Select Apps** tab is selected, 
    - Choose the apps you want to uninstall and click **Next**.
    - On the next page, review the selected applications and click **Configure** under **Uninstallation settings**.
    - Choose the **User scope** from the options (**All user accounts**  or **Current user account**).
    - Once the settings are configured, click **Uninstall** to remove the selected applications.
    [![Configure Select Apps tab for Uninstall Application remote action.](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Select-Apps-tab-in-Uninstall-Application-remote-action.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Select-Apps-tab-in-Uninstall-Application-remote-action.png "Select Apps tab in Uninstall Application remote action")
6. If **Advanced Configurations** tab is selected, 
    - To specify which application should be removed from the device, provide the **UninstallString** for the executable (EXE) file in the **File path** field. For example, C:\Program Files\Hexnode UEM\uninstall\helper.exe
    - If uninstallation commands are required, check **Add uninstallation commands** and specify the parameters.
    - Select the **User scope** (**All user accounts** or **Current user account**) and click **Done** to save the configured settings.
     [![Configure Advanced Configurations tab for Uninstall Application remote action.](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Advanced-Configurations-in-Uninstall-Application-remote-action.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Advanced-Configurations-in-Uninstall-Application-remote-action.png "Advanced Configurations in Uninstall Application remote action")

Remove apps pushed via Required Apps policy
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You can uninstall the apps pushed to devices via the Required Apps policy.

1. Navigate to **Policies**.
2. Click on **New Policy** to create a new one or edit an existing policy. For a new policy, provide a suitable name and description.
3. Go to **Windows** > **App Management** > **Required Apps**.
4. Select **Configure**.
5. Check the option **Remove apps from the device on policy removal.** If this option is checked, deployed apps will be removed from the device when the policy is deleted or disassociated from it or when required apps are removed from the policy.
6. Click on **+Add** to add the apps or app groups to be pushed to the device.
7. Go to **Policy Targets** and associate the policy with the required target entities.
8. Click on **Save**.

[![](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Uninstall-the-apps-pushed-to-the-devices-via-the-Required-Apps-policy-.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Uninstall-the-apps-pushed-to-the-devices-via-the-Required-Apps-policy-.png)

Residual elements after App uninstallation 
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When an MSIX/EXE app is uninstalled as a result of removing the **Required Apps** policy, some app-specific residual files, folders, or registry entries may remain. This can lead to the **Action History** displaying the error message:

*“The app was uninstalled successfully, but some elements remain unremoved from the device. Learn more.”*

**Possible reasons for residual elements:**

- Some apps require user interaction (e.g., confirmation prompts) or specific uninstallation commands (along with the **File path**) in the [Uninstallation Settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/distribute-enterprise-apps-to-windows-10-devices/#uninstallation-settings). Without these, the uninstallation may not fully complete, leaving residual files.
- Certain files may only be removed after restarting the device.
- An incorrect app identifier or file path in the **Uninstallation Settings** can prevent proper uninstallation.
- Some apps inherently leave residual files even after uninstallation.

**Best practices for complete uninstallation**

- Along with the **File path** configured in the **Uninstallation Settings**, ensure that you add the necessary parameters for the uninstallation command.
- Restart the device to clear any remaining files.
- Double-check the app identifier, file path, and uninstallation commands for accuracy.
- Manually delete leftover files and registry entries if required.