Windows 11 brings a fresh and modern interface designed to make everyday computing tasks easier and more efficient. One of its most useful sections is the “Apps & Features” settings, which allow you to manage all the applications installed on your device. Whether you want to uninstall unused software, modify app settings, repair broken programs, or control where new apps can be installed, this section gives you full control over your apps.
This guide will examine everything you need to know about finding and using Apps & Features in Windows 11. You’ll learn how to open it using different methods, manage installed programs, repair or reset apps, move them to another drive, and control app installation sources. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently handle all your application management tasks in Windows 11 like a pro.
What Is “Apps & Features” in Windows 11?
The “Apps & Features” section in Windows 11 is a central hub where you can view, manage, and organize all the applications installed on your computer. It replaces the older “Programs and Features” interface found in Windows 7 and 10.
Here, you can:
- Uninstall apps you no longer need.
- Modify or repair existing apps.
- Reset apps to their default settings.
- Move apps between drives (for supported apps).
- Change app installation preferences, such as allowing apps only from Microsoft Store for better security.
Essentially, this feature helps users maintain their system’s performance by managing storage, keeping unwanted programs away, and ensuring smooth operation.
How to Open Apps & Features in Windows 11
There are multiple ways to open the “Apps & Features” settings in Windows 11. Let’s explore the easiest methods below.
1. Using the Start Menu
- Click the Start button on the taskbar.
- Select Settings (the gear icon).
- In the Settings window, click on Apps from the left sidebar.
- Choose Installed apps (earlier versions of Windows 11 may show “Apps & features”).
This will open the main interface where all your installed apps are listed.
2. Using the Search Bar
- Click the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the taskbar.
- Type “Apps & Features” in the search bar.
- Click on the result that appears under “Best Match.”
This is one of the quickest methods for opening the section.
3. Using the Run Command
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type:
ms-settings:appsfeatures - Press Enter.
The Apps & Features window will instantly open.
4. Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
- Open Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell.
- Type the following command:
start ms-settings:appsfeatures - Press Enter to launch the Apps & Features page.
Understanding the Apps & Features Interface
When you open the “Apps & Features” section, you’ll see a clean and simple layout divided into three main parts:
- Search bar: Helps you quickly find a specific app by typing its name.
- Sorting and filtering options: Allows you to sort apps by name, size, or installation date. You can also filter them by drive.
- App list: Displays all installed apps and programs, along with buttons for managing each one (e.g., Uninstall, Move, Modify, Advanced options).
These options make it easy to find and manage your apps without using complex tools.
How to Manage Installed Apps in Windows 11
1. Uninstall an App
Uninstalling unused or unnecessary apps helps free up disk space and improve system performance.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Locate the app you want to remove.
- Click the three dots (…) next to the app name.
- Select Uninstall.
- Confirm when prompted.
Tip: Some system apps can’t be removed using this method. You can, however, remove them using PowerShell if necessary (use caution).
2. Modify or Repair Apps
Many desktop applications, like Microsoft Office, include a Modify or Repair option.
Steps:
- Go to Apps → Installed apps.
- Find the app and click … → Modify (if available).
- Follow the on-screen repair wizard.
This can fix missing files or corrupted configurations without reinstalling the app.
3. Reset an App
If a Microsoft Store app is not working correctly, resetting it might solve the problem.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Click the three dots (…) next to the problematic app.
- Choose Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset.
- Repair: Tries to fix the app without affecting your data.
- Reset: Deletes app data and restores default settings.
4. Move an App to Another Drive
You can move some apps to another drive to free up space on your system drive.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Select the app → click Advanced options.
- Scroll to the Move button.
- Choose a new drive and click Move.
Note: This option is available only for apps installed from the Microsoft Store, not for traditional Win32 desktop apps.
5. Sort and Filter Apps
To organize your apps:
- Click the Sort by dropdown (choose Name, Size, or Install date).
- Use the Filter by drive dropdown to see apps installed on a specific partition.
This feature is helpful when managing multiple drives or checking which apps consume the most space.
How to Change App Installation Preferences
Windows 11 allows you to control where apps come from — for instance, only from the Microsoft Store or from any source.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Apps → Advanced app settings (or directly under “Apps & features” in earlier versions).
- Under Choose where to get apps, select one of the following:
- Anywhere – Install apps from any source.
- Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store.
- Anywhere, but warn me before installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store.
- The Microsoft Store only (recommended) – Safest option for beginners.
This setting helps protect your PC from untrusted software.
How to Manage Optional Features
Windows 11 includes a variety of optional features like WordPad, Internet Explorer mode, and Windows Media Player. You can add or remove these through the Optional features section.
Add Optional Features
- Go to Settings → Apps → Optional features.
- Click View features next to “Add an optional feature.”
- Browse the list or search for a feature.
- Select it → click Next → Install.
Remove Optional Features
- Scroll through the list of installed features.
- Select the one you want to remove.
- Click Uninstall.
This lets you customize Windows by removing unnecessary tools or adding useful utilities.
Managing App Execution Aliases
Windows 11 allows certain apps to have execution aliases, which are command-line shortcuts (e.g., typing “python” to open Python).
To manage them:
- Open Settings → Apps → Advanced app settings → App execution aliases.
- Turn the toggle On or Off for each alias as per your preference.
This is useful for developers who work with command-line tools.
Checking App Permissions
Each app can request different permissions, like access to your camera, microphone, or location.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → App permissions.
- Click on a specific permission (e.g., Camera).
- Toggle permissions On or Off for individual apps.
Managing permissions helps enhance your privacy and control what information apps can access.
How to View App Sizes
Knowing which apps consume the most space can help with disk management.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Click the Sort by: Size option.
- Review which applications take up the most storage and uninstall those you don’t need.
Alternatively, you can check app storage details in Settings → System → Storage → Apps & features.
How to Reinstall Built-in Apps
If you’ve accidentally removed a system app like Calculator or Photos, you can reinstall it easily from the Microsoft Store.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for the app name (e.g., “Photos” or “Calculator”).
- Click Get or Install to reinstall it.
This restores default apps without reinstalling Windows.
How to Repair or Reset Microsoft Store
Sometimes, issues in the Microsoft Store affect app management. Here’s how to fix it:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Locate Microsoft Store → Advanced options.
- Choose Repair or Reset.
If problems persist, run this command in Run:
wsreset.exe
It clears the cache and restarts the Store.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| App won’t uninstall | Use PowerShell with the command: `Get-AppxPackage AppName |
| App crashes frequently | Try Reset → Repair → Reinstall in order. |
| Move option is greyed out | The app isn’t supported for relocation (usually Win32). |
| Can’t install apps | Check installation preference and ensure Microsoft Store is working. |
Why “Apps & Features” Is Important
Managing applications directly through the “Apps & Features” tool ensures:
- System stability: Removing unused or corrupted apps reduces crashes.
- Storage optimization: Large files don’t clutter your main drive.
- Security: Limiting app sources prevents malware.
- Customization: Install only the tools you actually need.
This built-in feature gives users fine control over software management without needing third-party utilities.
The Verdict
The “Apps & Features” section in Windows 11 is a powerful yet user-friendly hub that simplifies app management. From uninstalling unnecessary programs to resetting malfunctioning ones, it provides all the tools you need to keep your system optimized. By exploring this section regularly, you can enhance performance, free up disk space, and maintain better control over your installed software.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced user fine-tuning your system, knowing how to find and use Apps & Features in Windows 11 is essential. With the methods and tips shared above, managing your apps will become effortless — allowing you to focus more on productivity and less on troubleshooting.
