Whether you’re troubleshooting, uninstalling unused software, or simply curious about what’s on your system, knowing how to find installed programs on Windows is essential. Windows offers several easy ways to view a complete list of your installed applications using built-in tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most efficient methods to locate and manage your programs.
These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11, and they’re useful for both beginners and advanced users.
Why You Might Need to View Installed Programs
Understanding what’s installed on your system can help you:
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Free up disk space by removing unused software
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Troubleshoot performance issues
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Identify suspicious or unnecessary programs
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Keep track of important business or personal tools
Let’s explore the different ways you can view your installed programs.
Method 1: Use Windows Settings
This is the most user-friendly way to view all installed apps on Windows.
Steps:
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Click the Start button and select Settings
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Choose Apps
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Click on Installed apps or Apps & features (depending on your Windows version)
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Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find specific programs
What you see:
You’ll see the name, size, installation date, and version of each app. You can also uninstall programs directly from this menu.
Method 2: Use Control Panel
Although it’s older, the Control Panel still provides a classic list of installed desktop programs.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
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Type
controland hit Enter -
Select Programs > Programs and Features
What you see:
This displays traditional Windows desktop applications, not apps from the Microsoft Store. You can sort the list by name, size, publisher, or installation date.
Method 3: Use the Start Menu
The Start Menu gives you a quick look at most installed apps, especially frequently used ones.
Steps:
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Click the Start button
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Scroll through the alphabetical list of programs
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You can also use the search bar to type the name of an app
What you see:
Both Microsoft Store apps and desktop software will appear here. Right-clicking an app gives you options like uninstalling or pinning to the taskbar.
Method 4: Use File Explorer to Check Installation Folders
You can also find installed software by checking common installation directories.
Common paths:
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C:\Program Files -
C:\Program Files (x86) -
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local
What you see:
Folders named after each software package. This method is useful for checking if software exists without relying on the system menus.
Method 5: Use PowerShell for a Full List
For a detailed and exportable list, PowerShell can display all installed software.
Steps:
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Press Windows + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin)
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Type the command:
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName
What you see:
A list of program names currently installed on your system. This is helpful for IT or admin-level tasks.
Method 6: Use Third-Party Uninstaller Tools
Some free tools can display all installed programs and offer advanced features like batch uninstalling or leftover file cleanup.
Examples:
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Tools that list both Microsoft Store and traditional programs
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Options to sort, group, or filter by install date or size
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Additional features for deep cleaning and registry repair
Why it’s useful:
These tools are great for cleaning up old software or managing large software inventories.
Final Tips
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Sort by install date to see recently added programs
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Search by name if you know what you’re looking for
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Uninstall carefully—removing system or driver software may cause problems
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Keep an eye on software you don’t recognize, especially if it’s affecting performance
Final Thoughts
Learning how to find installed programs on Windows is a basic but important skill for managing your computer efficiently. Whether you’re removing clutter, checking for updates, or solving system issues, these methods give you full control over the apps on your device. Stick to the built-in options for quick access or explore deeper tools for advanced management.
