How to Completely Remove Windows 10 Photos App: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Are you tired of the built-in Windows 10 Photos app taking up space in your Start menu or needing to remove it for a cleaner interface? This article will guide you through a thorough process of uninstalling the Photos app and provide additional tips for customizing your Windows 10 experience. By the end, you'll have a system tailored to your preferences, free from unwanted bloatware.
Uninstalling the Photos App
The built-in Windows 10 Photos app, while useful, can sometimes clutter your Start menu and taskbar. To remove it, follow these steps:
Method 1: Using the Settings App
Open the Settings app by pressing Win I on your keyboard or searching for it using the Start menu. In the Settings app, navigate to Apps > Apps Features. Scroll through the list of installed apps until you find Photos. Click on Photos to open its details page. Click the Uninstall button. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.Method 2: Using the Control Panel
Open the Control Panel. Click on Programs and then on Programs and Features. In the list of installed programs, find the entry for Windows Photos. Double-click on Windows Photos. Click on the Uninstall button and follow the prompts to remove it.Method 3: Using Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing Win R, typing cmd, right-clicking on the Command Prompt icon, and selecting Run as administrator. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers ** | Remove-AppxPackage Close the Command Prompt once the process is complete.Deleting Associated Files and Folders
Removing the Photos app from the Start menu and taskbar is a good start, but to ensure a complete removal, you should also delete any associated files and folders. Follow these steps:
Open File Explorer. Navigate to the hidden system folders by typing view hidden files, folders, and drives in the search bar and turning on the Show hidden items option. Search for the following folders and delete them: C:Program Files (x86)Windows Photo Viewer C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsPhoto Library C:Users[Your Username]_8wekyb3d8bbweAdditional Customization Tips
Once the Photos app is removed, you might want to further customize your Windows 10 experience. Here are some additional tips:
Customizing the Taskbar
Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Turn off items that you don't use, such as apps, search, or folders. Customize the taskbar's behavior and appearance according to your preferences.Personalizing the Start Menu
Right-click on the Start menu and select Personalize. Customize the background and color themes to match your preferences. Remove or add tiles for apps you use frequently.Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can completely remove the built-in Windows 10 Photos app and customize your Windows 10 experience to perfection. Whether you're looking for a cleaner interface or need to free up space, this guide will help you achieve your goals. Remember, a little bit of customization can go a long way in making your computing experience more enjoyable and efficient.