Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows 11 has several app lists, and they do not all show the same software. Settings > Apps > Installed apps is the best starting point, while Control Panel and command-line tools can reveal traditional desktop programs or package entries that are easier to miss.
Use the method that matches what you need: a quick visual list, a list you can filter and export, Microsoft Store packages, or a deeper inventory of registered desktop software.
1. See installed programs in Settings
The normal Windows 11 app list is in the Settings app.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11- Open Start and select Settings, or press Windows key + I.
- Select Apps.
- Select Installed apps.
Windows displays installed applications in a searchable list. Use the search box to find a program, or use the sorting menu to sort by name, size, or installation date. Select the three-dot button next to an app to see available actions such as Uninstall, Move, or Advanced options.
#1 Best Overall
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
To open this page directly:
ms-settings:appsfeaturesPress Windows key + R, enter the command, and press Enter.
What the Settings list does not show
This is not a guaranteed list of every executable on the PC. Portable applications, software without an uninstall registration, damaged installations, and some specialized tools may be absent. Microsoft Store and AppX applications are generally represented here, but the available repair, reset, and uninstall options vary by app.
2. Use Control Panel for traditional desktop programs
Many older Windows programs register themselves in the classic Programs and Features panel rather than appearing clearly in the modern Settings interface.
- Open Windows Search.
- Type Control Panel and open it.
- Select Programs.
- Select Programs and Features.
Select a program to display its Uninstall or Uninstall/Change command. This view commonly includes software installed with traditional .exe or .msi installers.
You can open it without browsing through Control Panel. Press Windows key + R and run either command:
appwiz.cplcontrol.exe /name Microsoft.ProgramsAndFeaturesPrograms and Features is not a complete inventory. Portable applications and programs with deleted or broken uninstall entries will not necessarily appear. Microsoft Store packages may also be missing from this older list, so check Settings as well.
Rank #2
- 【Lag-free & Efficient】Stable and reliable connection of wireless keyboard and mouse is up to 10m(33ft). This combo share a nano USB receiver, no need to take up additional USB ports (Also the wireless keyboard and mouse can also be used separately). Plug and play, no software needed,convenient and efficient.
- 【Quiet & Type in Comfort】Wireless keyboard come with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time.Our wireless keyboard adopts a silent structure. Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience.The wireless mouse is quiet without any clicking sound also.So whether at home or in the office, you can use this combo as you please without worrying about disturbing others.
- 【Full Size Keyboard】This keyboard saves desktop space while retaining its full size.The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and search, to help you improve work efficiency.
- 【Auto Power Saving Function】Wireless keyboard and mouse have a smart auto-sleep mode to save power for long battery life. They will enter sleep mode after stop using a while(Refer to the instructions for details). Unplug the receiver or after the PC shutdown, they will enter sleep mode too.You can press any keys to wake. (battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions)
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】This silent wireless mice provides 3 adjustable DPI (800/1200/1600) to meet your different needs in terms of sensitivity.The compact lightweight design of wireless mouse and a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking. Very suitable for office and daily use.
3. Browse the Start menu’s app list
- Open Start.
- Select All apps.
- Scroll through the alphabetical list or type an app name while the Start menu is open.
You can right-click an app and select Uninstall when Windows provides that option.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The Start menu shows shortcuts and registered app entries, not every installed program. A desktop application can be installed and usable even when it has no Start menu shortcut.
4. List installed programs with WinGet
Windows Package Manager, commonly called WinGet, provides a searchable command-line list. Open Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt and run:
winget listWinGet can identify software installed through sources other than WinGet, although its results are not a perfect forensic inventory.
| Command | Use |
|---|---|
winget list |
Lists applications WinGet can identify. |
winget list firefox |
Searches the list for entries matching “firefox”. |
winget list --name "Mozilla Firefox" |
Filters by application name. |
winget list --id Mozilla.Firefox |
Filters by package ID. |
winget list --upgrade-available |
Shows apps for which WinGet detects an upgrade. |
winget list --include-unknown |
Includes entries whose installed version cannot be determined. |
The query in winget list firefox is a text search, not a wildcard pattern. Use --exact when you need an exact match, and use options such as --source or --scope when narrowing results.
If Windows says “winget is not recognized”
WinGet is delivered through Microsoft’s App Installer package. On supported Windows 11 installations, updating or reinstalling App Installer from the Microsoft Store can restore it. If the package is present but its registration has not completed, run this command in PowerShell:
Rank #3
- Full Sized Keyboard: The US QWERTY keyboard features a tilt angle for the great typing position, which provides you with a comfortable and accurate typing experience, prevents wrist fatigue. Quiet clicks allow you to focus on your work or play without disturbing others
- Stable 2.4G Wireless Connection: Plug and play without any drivers. Advanced 2.4GHz wireless technology provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 ft with virtually no delays or dropouts, even in the busiest wireless environments. Note: The USB dongle is stored in the compartment next to the keyboard battery slot, and can be found by opening the keyboard battery cover
- Auto Sleep & Power Saving: The keyboard features automatic sleep function, when you stop using it for more than 15 minutes, it will go into sleep mode to save power and you can click any button to activate it, the battery life up to 6 months. The external keyboard is powered by 1 AAA battery (Batteries Not Included)
- Wide Compatibility: Easy to use, simply plug the USB receiver into the USB port and start working. This wireless keyboard compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Chrome OS, Linux and Mac OS. Works well with desktop, computer, PC, laptop, Chromebook, notebook and more. Perfect for office & home work, business travel. Enjoy your wireless freedom and keep your desk clean and tidy
- Multimedia Shortcuts: The full-sized cordless keyboard with numeric keypad features 12 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to your media player, E-mail, Internet, volume, play/pause, mute, computer and favorites, so you can easily check out your favorite sites. Ideal for office work and entertainment, it saves you time and makes work and life easier. Note: the 12 shortcuts are not fully compatible with the Mac system
Add-AppxPackage -RegisterByFamilyName -MainPackage Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_8wekyb3d8bbweThen close and reopen Terminal and try winget list again.
5. List Microsoft Store and AppX packages with PowerShell
For packages installed for the current user, open PowerShell and run:
Get-AppxPackage | Select-Object Name, Version, Publisher, InstallLocationThis shows package-oriented information rather than the friendly names used in every Settings entry.
To inspect AppX packages registered for all user accounts, open PowerShell as administrator and run:
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select-Object Name, Version, Publisher, PackageFullNameGet-AppxPackage is specifically for AppX and MSIX-style packages. It does not replace the Settings list or show every conventional desktop application installed from an EXE or MSI file.
6. Query registered desktop programs with PowerShell
Traditional uninstallers usually register information in Windows’ uninstall registry keys. This PowerShell query checks the common 64-bit, 32-bit, and per-user locations:
Rank #4
- Connect in seconds: Fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology simply connects without the need for a dongle or USB port
- Durable and reliable: Built for quality, K250 offers long-lasting keys, a spill-resistant design (2)
- Comfort is key: Deep-profile keys and an adjustable tilt-leg design make typing feel great
- Space-saving: with a compact layout that still includes number pad, arrow keys, and handy F-key shortcuts
- Made responsibly: Designed to last, K250 plastic parts are durably made with minimum 64% recycled plastic (3) to withstand everyday use
$paths = @(
'HKLM:SoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall*',
'HKLM:SoftwareWOW6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall*',
'HKCU:SoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall*'
)
Get-ItemProperty $paths -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
Where-Object DisplayName |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate, UninstallString |
Sort-Object DisplayNameThe output includes the program name, version, publisher, installation date, and uninstall command when those values were registered. It is useful for troubleshooting and scripting, but it still cannot find portable software or an application whose registry entry was removed.
Which Windows 11 method should you use?
| Goal | Best method |
|---|---|
| Quick graphical list | Settings > Apps > Installed apps |
| Older desktop software | Programs and Features |
| Searchable command-line list | winget list |
| Microsoft Store or AppX packages | Get-AppxPackage |
| Exportable registry-based desktop inventory | PowerShell uninstall-key query |
For the most complete practical check, compare the Settings list, Programs and Features, winget list, and Get-AppxPackage. No built-in Windows view reliably lists every executable, especially portable programs.
Commands to avoid for routine inventory
Get-Package is not a complete app list
Get-Package reports packages managed through PowerShell PackageManagement providers. It is not a general inventory of all applications installed in Windows 11.
Avoid Win32_Product for ordinary checks
Queries based on the Windows Installer Win32_Product class can trigger consistency checks for MSI installations. Those checks may be slow, create Event Viewer entries, or initiate repairs. The uninstall registry locations and WinGet are safer choices for routine inventory.
FAQ
How do I see all installed programs in Windows 11?
Open Settings with Windows key + I, select Apps, and select Installed apps. For a broader practical check, also open Programs and Features with appwiz.cpl and run winget list in Terminal.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Why is a program missing from Installed apps?
It may be a portable program, may not have a valid uninstall entry, or may be registered in a way that the Settings list does not display. Check Control Panel, WinGet, and the uninstall registry keys.
Best Value
- TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MEDIA - Enjoy dedicated multimedia keys. Easily control your music, video, and more with a wired keyboard with volume control and playback keys.
- TYPE IN COMFORT - Our desktop keyboard features an integrated wrist rest for extra support during long hours of typing. Also an adjustable kickstand allows for optimal angles.
- JUST PLUG AND PLAY - Just plug the 5ft USB-A cable in to being typing instantly. Easy plug and play pc keyboard and chromebook keyboard with no additional software needed.
- FULL-SIZE KEYBOARD - With 114 quiet keys featuring 10 multimedia keys and 14 shortcut keys, you can perform any type of work making it the ideal office keyboard or external keyboard for laptop or computer.
- WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE - Along with our wired usb keyboard you will also receive a friendly support, and up to 2 years of warranty.
How do I find a program’s installation location?
In Settings, select the app’s three-dot menu and choose Advanced options when available. For AppX packages, run Get-AppxPackage and inspect InstallLocation. Traditional desktop programs may require checking their shortcut properties or the registry output.
Can I list installed programs for every user account?
Run PowerShell as administrator and use Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers for AppX packages. Traditional desktop software may be registered per machine or per user, so query both HKLM and HKCU uninstall registry paths.
What is the fastest command to list installed apps?
Run winget list in Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal. Its results are useful but do not guarantee detection of portable programs or every executable.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsDoes Programs and Features show Microsoft Store apps?
Not reliably. Programs and Features primarily shows traditional desktop programs with registered uninstall information. Use Settings > Apps > Installed apps or Get-AppxPackage for Store and AppX packages.
The Bottom Line
Start with Settings > Apps > Installed apps. If an application is missing, check Programs and Features with appwiz.cpl, then use winget list or PowerShell for package and registry-level details. These views complement one another; none is a guaranteed list of every file or portable application on the computer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
