I'm curious about the reliability of the Remove-AppxPackage command for uninstalling apps. I still notice that many people tend to use the registry method instead. Why is that?
4 Answers
Keep in mind that Remove-AppxPackage is not designed for MSI applications, so it won't work for those. If you're dealing with MSI installs, you might want to try Uninstall-Package along with Get-Package. But really, the registry approach is solid and universally reliable, especially with all the outdated junk that accumulates over time.
Forget the other answers! One cool thing about Remove-AppxPackage is that it can effectively remove bloatware like Microsoft Teams if you use the Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage command instead.
The Remove-AppxPackage command is specifically for uninstalling UWP (Universal Windows Platform) or Store apps. Most traditional applications, like those installed via .exe or MSI packages, aren't Appx packages, which means this command doesn't apply to them. That's why the registry method is often preferred, as it directly interacts with the uninstall information stored in the Windows registry, making it a more comprehensive solution.
If you're looking to delete apps, remember that most apps are from the Microsoft Store and often come as Appx packages. If you want to remove them completely, adding the -allusers flag is the way to go. Traditional software (the .MSI and .EXE types) needs the old-school uninstall method, which usually involves the registry. If you want to dive deeper into this, try searching online or asking around here!
I get what you're saying, but why direct them to another source when they're already asking here? Reddit's just fine for helping out!