Uninstalling “PC App Store” is not always as straightforward as removing regular apps. In many cases, it behaves like a potentially unwanted program. That means it may not fully disappear after a basic uninstall.
A complete removal process involves three key stages. First, you remove the main application through Windows settings. Second, you manually delete leftover files that remain hidden in system folders. Third, you clean up any remaining registry entries that might allow the app to reinstall or keep traces behind.
Let’s get started!
How to Uninstall PC App Store on Windows 11?
To uninstall “PC App Store” on Windows 11, open Settings, go to Apps, select Installed apps, locate “PC App Store”, and click Uninstall. Then, remove leftover files from Program Files and clean the registry to ensure complete removal.
Step 1: Open Installed Apps and Locate “PC App Store”
The first step is to access the list of all programs installed on your system. This is where you will begin the standard uninstallation process.
Start by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Settings”. Once inside the Settings window, navigate to the “Apps” section. Here, you will find an option labeled “Installed apps”. Click on it to view the complete list of software currently installed on your PC.
Scroll through the list until you find “PC App Store”. Depending on how it was installed, it might also appear under a slightly different name. Pay close attention to similar-sounding entries.
Once you locate it, click on the three-dot menu next to the app name. This will reveal the “Uninstall” option. Click it to begin the removal process.
Windows will prompt you to confirm your action. Accept the prompt and allow the system to proceed. This removes the main application, but remember, this is only the first part of the process.
Step 2: Use the built-in Uninstaller Properly
After initiating the uninstall process, you might see a dedicated uninstaller window from “PC App Store”. This step is important because some programs try to trick users into keeping them installed.
Carefully read all prompts that appear during the uninstallation. Sometimes the software may offer options like “Repair” or “Keep settings”. Avoid selecting anything that allows the program to stay on your system.
Choose the option that clearly states “Remove completely” or “Full uninstall”. If checkboxes are asking whether you want to keep user data, it is best to uncheck them for a clean removal.
Wait for the process to complete fully. Do not close the window prematurely, even if it seems slow. Interrupting the uninstall process can leave broken files behind.
Once finished, restart your computer. This ensures that any running processes linked to the app are completely stopped.
Step 3: Delete Leftover Files from System Folders
Even after uninstalling, “PC App Store” often leaves behind residual files. These files can take up space or even allow the app to reinstall itself.
To remove them, open File Explorer and navigate to the “C drive”. From here, check the following folders manually.
Look inside “Program Files” and “Program Files (x86)” for any folder named “PC App Store” or anything similar. If you find one, right-click and delete it.
Next, go to the “AppData” folder. You can access it by typing “%appdata%” into the search bar and pressing Enter. Inside this folder, check both “Roaming” and “Local” directories for leftover files related to the app.
Delete any folders that clearly belong to “PC App Store”. Be careful not to remove unrelated system files.
This step ensures that no hidden components remain on your system.
Step 4: Remove Startup Entries and Background Processes
Some unwanted programs add themselves to the startup list so they can run automatically when your computer boots up.
To prevent this, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Esc together. Once it opens, go to the “Startup” tab.
Look for any entry related to “PC App Store”. If you find one, right-click on it and select “Disable”.
Next, switch to the “Processes” tab and check if anything related to the app is still running. If you see any suspicious process, select it and click “End task”.
This step ensures that the app does not continue running silently in the background.
Step 5: Clean the Windows Registry Carefully
The Windows registry stores important settings for installed programs. Even after uninstalling an app, registry entries may remain.
To clean these, press Windows key and R to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
Before making any changes, it is a good idea to create a backup of the registry. This helps you restore it if something goes wrong.
Once inside the editor, press Ctrl and F and search for “PC App Store”. If any entries appear, carefully delete them.
Press F3 to continue searching for additional entries until no more results are found.
Be cautious during this step. Only delete entries that are clearly linked to the app. Removing unrelated entries can cause system issues.
Step 6: Use a Trusted Cleanup Tool for Extra Safety
Sometimes manual removal may not catch everything. This is where a reliable cleanup tool can help.
You can use a trusted program cleaner to scan your system for leftover files and registry entries. These tools are designed to find hidden traces that are difficult to locate manually.
Run a full scan and allow the software to remove any remaining components related to “PC App Store”.
This step is optional but highly recommended for complete peace of mind.
Step 7: Restart Your System and Verify Removal
After completing all previous steps, restart your computer one more time.
Once the system boots up, check the installed apps list again to ensure that “PC App Store” is no longer present.
Also, monitor your system for any unusual behavior such as pop-ups or automatic installations. If everything looks normal, the removal process was successful.
Faqs
What is “PC App Store” and is it safe?
“PC App Store” is often categorized as a potentially unwanted program. While it may claim to help manage apps, it can display intrusive ads and install additional software without clear permission.
Why does “PC App Store” keep coming back?
This usually happens because leftover files or registry entries were not removed. Following all steps in this guide helps prevent reinstallation.
Can I uninstall it using Control Panel?
Yes, you can start the process through Control Panel or Settings. However, that alone may not remove all components, so additional steps are necessary.
Is it necessary to clean the registry?
It is not always required, but cleaning the registry ensures that no hidden traces remain. This reduces the chances of the app returning.
Are cleanup tools safe to use?
Yes, as long as you use reputable tools. Avoid unknown or untrusted software to prevent further issues.