Uninstalling the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 can be a bit tricky since Microsoft doesn’t provide a straightforward option for it. However, if you find it unnecessary or simply want to remove it from your system, you can do so using PowerShell, a powerful command-line tool. By following a few simple steps, you can successfully uninstall the Microsoft Store from your Windows 11 device.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Store in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of uninstalling the Microsoft Store from Windows 11 using PowerShell. This method involves using specific commands to remove the application from your system.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click the Start button, and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
You’ll need to open PowerShell with administrative privileges to execute the necessary commands. This ensures you have the required permissions to uninstall system applications like the Microsoft Store.
Step 2: Allow Execution of Commands
Type Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted and press Enter.
This command permits unrestricted use of PowerShell commands. It’s important to note that setting this policy allows all scripts to be run, not just those signed by a trusted publisher.
Step 3: Find the Microsoft Store Package Name
Enter Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore and press Enter.
This command retrieves the details of the Microsoft Store package, including its full name, which you’ll need for the uninstallation process.
Step 4: Uninstall the Microsoft Store
Type Remove-AppxPackage and press Enter, replacing “ with the actual package name you found earlier.
Executing this command will remove the Microsoft Store from your system. Be sure to enter the correct package name to avoid errors.
Step 5: Confirm Uninstallation
Check if the Microsoft Store is gone by searching for it in the Start menu.
After running the command, verify that the Microsoft Store has been uninstalled by attempting to search for it. It should no longer appear in your list of apps.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the Microsoft Store will be fully removed from your Windows 11 device. You won’t be able to access it unless you reinstall it in the future.
Tips for Uninstalling Microsoft Store in Windows 11
- Always create a system restore point before making significant changes to your system.
- Be cautious when changing execution policies in PowerShell to avoid security vulnerabilities.
- Keep a backup of your important data before uninstalling system apps.
- Consider using a third-party uninstaller for a more user-friendly experience.
- Reinstall the Microsoft Store by reversing these steps if needed in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to uninstall Microsoft Store?
Uninstalling the Microsoft Store is safe if you follow the correct steps. However, it might affect your ability to install or update apps.
Can I reinstall the Microsoft Store?
Yes, you can reinstall the Microsoft Store using PowerShell commands or by resetting your PC.
Will uninstalling the Microsoft Store affect my apps?
Uninstalling the Store does not remove existing apps but prevents new installations or updates.
Do I need administrative rights to uninstall the Microsoft Store?
Yes, administrative rights are necessary to execute the required PowerShell commands.
Is there an alternative way to uninstall the Microsoft Store?
Currently, using PowerShell is the most reliable method to remove the Microsoft Store.
Summary
- Open PowerShell as Administrator.
- Allow execution of commands.
- Find the Microsoft Store package name.
- Uninstall the Microsoft Store.
- Confirm uninstallation.
Conclusion
Uninstalling the Microsoft Store from your Windows 11 system might seem daunting, but with the right steps, it’s entirely achievable. Whether you’re looking to declutter your system or find the Store redundant, leveraging PowerShell can be your best bet. Though the Store plays a significant role in managing apps, especially UWP apps, knowing how to uninstall it gives you greater control over your system. Remember, it’s crucial to follow the steps accurately and ensure you have a backup in place. If you ever decide to restore it, the process can be reversed, making this a flexible and manageable action.
Understanding how to uninstall the Microsoft Store not only enhances your knowledge of Windows 11 but also empowers you to tailor your computing experience to better suit your preferences. So why not dive deeper into learning more about customizing your Windows environment? There’s a wealth of knowledge and tweaks waiting to be discovered, each one offering the chance to make your system truly yours. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.