Windows 11 includes an Apps section in Settings that allows you to manage installed applications, uninstall programs, control certain app behaviors, and configure optional Windows features. Knowing how to access these settings makes it easier to maintain your computer, remove unwanted software, and troubleshoot application problems.
The Apps section contains several useful options, including Installed apps, Advanced app settings, Default apps, Offline maps, and Startup. The available options may vary depending on your Windows 11 version and device configuration. You can also manage optional Windows components, such as certain legacy features and additional system tools, through the Windows Features dialog.
If you are switching from an older Windows version, you may notice that the Apps and Features page has been reorganized. Windows 11 uses the Installed apps section for most application-management tasks, while some advanced options remain in separate locations.
In this guide, you will learn how to access Apps and Features in Windows 11, find installed applications, uninstall programs, repair or reset supported apps, manage default applications, and open the Windows Features dialog.
Method 1: Open Apps and Features Through Settings
The easiest way to access application-management options in Windows 11 is through the Settings app. In current versions of Windows 11, the older Apps and Features page is generally represented by the Installed apps section.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Apps from the left sidebar.
- Click Installed apps.
- Browse the list of installed applications.
You will see applications installed for your Windows account and, depending on the application and installation method, other software available on the computer.
You can use the search box to find a particular application. Sorting options can also help you organize the list by name, size, installation date, or other available criteria.
For example, if you want to locate a browser, type its name in the search box rather than scrolling through every installed program.
Click the three-dot menu next to an application to view the actions available for it. Depending on the application, these may include uninstalling the program, opening advanced options, or accessing other management settings.
Not every application provides the same options. Traditional desktop applications may offer fewer Windows Settings controls than Microsoft Store apps.
Method 2: Open Apps and Features Using Windows Search
Windows Search provides another quick way to access application settings without navigating through several menus.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + S to open Windows Search.
- Type Installed apps.
- Select the matching Settings result.
Windows will open the Installed apps page, where you can find and manage programs.
You can also search for the name of a specific application. For example, searching for a browser or media player may display the application itself along with related settings results.
If you want to access Windows Features rather than manage installed applications, search for Turn Windows features on or off instead. This opens a separate dialog used to enable or disable supported optional Windows components.
Remember that Installed apps and Windows Features serve different purposes. Installed apps manages programs, while Windows Features manages certain components included with Windows.
Method 3: Open Apps and Features Using the Run Dialog
The Run dialog allows you to open Windows tools and settings directly by entering a command.
To open the Installed apps page:
- Press Windows + R.
- Enter the following command:
ms-settings:appsfeatures - Press Enter.
Windows should open the Installed apps page in Settings.
This method is useful when you want to access application settings quickly or when you are following troubleshooting instructions.
You can also open the main Apps settings page by entering:
ms-settings:apps
Press Enter to open the corresponding Settings page.
If a command does not open the expected page, make sure it is typed correctly and that your Windows installation supports the requested Settings URI.
Method 4: Uninstall Applications From Installed Apps
One of the main purposes of the Apps and Features area is to remove programs you no longer need.
Uninstalling unused applications can free up storage space and reduce the number of unnecessary programs on your computer.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Select Apps.
- Click Installed apps.
- Find the application you want to remove.
- Click its three-dot menu.
- Select Uninstall, if available.
- Confirm the action and follow the uninstaller instructions.
Some applications may open their own uninstall wizard. Follow the displayed instructions until the process is complete.
If the Uninstall option is unavailable, Windows may not allow removal through that menu. Some built-in components are protected, while certain desktop programs must be removed using their own uninstallers or Control Panel.
Before uninstalling software, check whether it contains files, settings, or data you want to keep. Back up important information when necessary.
Do not remove unfamiliar drivers or system components simply because you do not recognize their names. Removing essential software can affect hardware functionality or Windows stability.
Method 5: Repair or Reset an Application
If an application crashes, fails to launch, or behaves incorrectly, you may be able to repair or reset it through Windows Settings.
The Repair option attempts to fix certain application problems without removing the app’s data. Reset usually returns the app to its default state and may remove locally stored settings or data.
To check whether these options are available:
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Click Installed apps.
- Find the application.
- Click its three-dot menu.
- Select Advanced options, if available.
- Review the available repair and reset controls.
If Repair is available, try it first. Open the application afterward to see whether the problem has been resolved.
If Repair does not help, consider using Reset, but read any warnings before proceeding. Resetting an application may remove preferences, cached information, or local data. Make sure important information is backed up or synchronized when appropriate.
Not every desktop program supports these controls. If Advanced options is missing, check the application’s own repair function or installer. Some traditional programs can be repaired through Control Panel’s installed-programs interface.
Method 6: Manage Default Applications in Windows 11
Default applications are the programs Windows uses to open particular file types and web links. For example, you can choose which browser opens web links or which media player handles supported audio and video files.
To manage default applications:
- Press Windows + I.
- Select Apps.
- Click Default apps.
- Search for the application you want to configure, or select a file type.
- Choose the preferred application from the available options.
- Confirm the selection if prompted.
Windows 11 may display separate default associations for different file extensions and link types. Selecting a preferred browser, for example, may require checking several supported file and link associations, depending on your Windows version.
You can also select a particular file type, such as .pdf, and choose the application that should open it by default.
Be careful when changing default applications because it affects how Windows opens files and links. If a file no longer opens as expected, return to Default apps and select the appropriate program.
Method 7: Manage Startup Applications
The Apps area in Windows 11 also provides access to startup management. Startup applications launch automatically when you sign in, and too many of them can make the computer slower to become responsive.
To manage them through Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Click Startup.
- Review the list of applications.
- Turn off the switch for applications you do not need to launch automatically.
You can also open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then select Startup apps.
Task Manager may display startup impact information, helping you identify applications that have a greater effect on startup performance.
Do not disable every startup application indiscriminately. Some programs provide useful functions, such as security protection, hardware controls, or cloud synchronization.
If you are unsure whether an application should launch automatically, research its purpose or leave it enabled until you can confirm that disabling it will not affect a feature you need.
Method 8: Open Windows Features and Manage Optional Components
Windows Features is a separate Windows tool that lets you enable or disable certain optional components. It is not the same as the Installed apps list.
To open Windows Features:
- Press Windows + S.
- Type Turn Windows features on or off.
- Select the matching Control Panel result.
- Wait for the Windows Features dialog to open.
- Review the available components.
- Select or clear a checkbox only when you understand what the component does.
- Click OK to apply the changes.
Windows may need to download files, apply configuration changes, or restart the computer to complete an operation.
The available components depend on the Windows edition, installed features, and system configuration. Some capabilities may be managed elsewhere in Settings.
Avoid disabling unfamiliar Windows components. Some support application compatibility, networking, virtualization, or other system functions. Removing a component without understanding its purpose may cause software to stop working.
If your goal is simply to uninstall a regular application, use Installed apps instead of Windows Features.
Conclusion
The Apps and Features area in Windows 11 provides convenient ways to manage installed programs and configure application behavior. You can open it through Settings, Windows Search, or the Run dialog using the ms-settings:appsfeatures command.
From Installed apps, you can locate programs, uninstall supported applications, and access repair or reset options when available. The Default apps section lets you choose which applications open particular file types, while Startup settings help control which programs launch when you sign in.
Windows Features is a separate tool for managing optional Windows components. Use it carefully and avoid disabling components you do not understand.
If an application is causing problems, try repairing it before resetting or uninstalling it. If your goal is to improve startup performance, review startup applications and disable only those you do not need immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Apps and Features in Windows 11?
Open Settings with Windows + I, select Apps, and click Installed apps. This is the main location for viewing and managing installed applications in current versions of Windows 11.
2. How do I open Apps and Features using Run?
Press Windows + R, type ms-settings:appsfeatures, and press Enter. Windows should open the Installed apps page directly.
3. Why can’t I uninstall an application in Windows 11?
Some built-in applications and system components cannot be removed through the normal Installed apps menu. Other desktop programs require their own uninstallers or the Control Panel interface.
4. What is the difference between Installed apps and Windows Features?
Installed apps manages applications installed on your computer, including supported uninstall, repair, and reset options. Windows Features manages certain optional components that are part of the Windows operating system.
Quick Summary
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps to manage programs.
- Use the three-dot menu to uninstall, repair, or reset supported applications.
- Manage default programs through Apps > Default apps.
- Open Turn Windows features on or off to manage optional Windows components.