How Can I Find Installed Programs in Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Discovering which programs are installed on your Windows 11 device is an essential step for managing your system efficiently. Whether you’re troubleshooting, freeing up space, or simply curious about the software landscape on your computer, knowing how to locate and review installed applications can save you time and effort. Windows 11 offers several intuitive ways to access this information, catering to both casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.

Navigating through your installed programs can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with the new interface changes introduced in Windows 11. However, understanding where and how to find this information empowers you to make informed decisions about your system’s health and performance. From built-in tools to settings menus, Windows 11 provides multiple avenues to explore your software inventory.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the various methods to view installed programs, highlighting the ease and flexibility Windows 11 brings to this common task. Whether you prefer graphical interfaces or command-line options, you’ll soon be equipped with the knowledge to quickly and confidently manage your installed applications.

Using Windows Settings to View Installed Programs

Windows 11 offers a straightforward way to access the list of installed applications through the Settings app. This method is particularly user-friendly and suitable for users who prefer a graphical interface over command-line tools.

To view installed programs via Settings, follow these steps:

  • Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon, or press `Windows + I` to open Settings directly.
  • Navigate to the Apps section from the sidebar.
  • Click on Installed apps to display a comprehensive list of all applications currently installed on your system.

The Installed apps page allows you to search for specific programs using the search box, filter apps by size or installation date, and sort the list alphabetically. This interface also provides options to uninstall apps directly by clicking the three-dot menu next to each program.

Using Control Panel to Access Installed Programs

Although Windows 11 emphasizes the Settings app, the classic Control Panel remains accessible for managing installed software. This method is familiar to users transitioning from earlier versions of Windows.

To find installed programs via Control Panel:

  • Open the Start menu, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
  • In Control Panel, select Programs, then click on Programs and Features.
  • You will see a list of installed programs along with details such as the publisher, installation date, and size.

This view provides additional options such as changing or repairing software installations, which can be useful for troubleshooting or modifying existing programs.

Using PowerShell to List Installed Applications

For advanced users and administrators, PowerShell offers a powerful method to retrieve detailed information about installed applications. This approach is especially useful for generating reports or managing multiple machines remotely.

To list installed programs using PowerShell:

  • Open PowerShell by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  • Enter the following command to get a list of installed applications:

“`powershell
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Select-Object Name, Version, Vendor
“`

This command queries the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) repository for installed products and displays their names, versions, and vendors.

Alternatively, for a more comprehensive list that includes apps installed from the Microsoft Store, you can use:

“`powershell
Get-AppxPackage | Select-Object Name, PackageFullName
“`

This will list all installed Store apps for the current user.

Comparing Different Methods to Find Installed Programs

Each method for finding installed programs in Windows 11 serves different user needs and scenarios. The following table summarizes the key characteristics of each approach:

Method Best For Advantages Limitations
Settings App General users User-friendly interface, easy to search and uninstall Limited details about software, excludes some system apps
Control Panel Users familiar with older Windows versions Classic interface, supports repair/change options Less modern UI, slower navigation
PowerShell (WMI) IT professionals, scripting Detailed info, scriptable, supports automation Requires command-line knowledge, excludes Store apps
PowerShell (AppxPackage) Advanced users, managing Store apps Lists all Store apps, useful for app management Only shows Store apps, limited info on traditional apps

Using Third-Party Tools for Advanced Program Listing

In some cases, Windows built-in tools may not offer sufficient detail or flexibility for managing installed software, particularly in enterprise environments. Third-party applications can provide enhanced features such as:

  • Exporting lists to various formats (CSV, HTML, etc.)
  • Detailed software inventory reports including registry data
  • Notifications about outdated or vulnerable programs
  • Batch uninstallation capabilities

Popular third-party tools include CCleaner, Belarc Advisor, and Speccy. These utilities often combine hardware and software inventory, making them valuable for comprehensive system audits.

When using third-party tools, ensure you download them from reputable sources and verify their compatibility with Windows 11 to avoid security risks or system instability.

Accessing Installed Programs via the Settings App

Windows 11 offers a straightforward method to view all installed applications through the Settings app. This interface allows users to manage applications efficiently, including uninstalling or modifying them.

To locate installed programs using Settings, follow these steps:

  • Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  • Select the Settings icon (gear-shaped) or press Windows + I to open Settings directly.
  • Navigate to Apps in the left pane.
  • Click on Installed apps or Apps & features depending on your Windows 11 version.

Once there, you will see a comprehensive list of all installed applications, including traditional desktop programs and Microsoft Store apps. The list displays each program’s name, publisher, install date, and size, providing useful details for system management.

This view also offers filtering and sorting options:

Feature Description
Search bar Quickly locate a specific program by name.
Sort by Arrange programs by name, size, or installation date.
Filter by drive Show programs installed on a particular drive.
Uninstall option Remove unwanted programs directly from the list.

Using the Settings app is ideal for most users who want a simple and integrated method to review and manage installed software.

Viewing Installed Programs via Control Panel

For users preferring the classic interface, the Control Panel remains accessible in Windows 11 and provides another reliable method to find installed programs.

Here is how to use Control Panel for this purpose:

  • Open the Start menu.
  • Type Control Panel and press Enter.
  • Set the View by option to Category or Large icons for easier navigation.
  • Click on Programs or Programs and Features.

The Programs and Features window lists installed desktop applications exclusively, excluding Microsoft Store apps. It includes detailed information such as the program name, publisher, installation date, and version number.

Key capabilities in this interface include:

  • Sorting entries by any column by clicking on the column header.
  • Selecting a program to uninstall or change its installation.
  • Viewing additional details such as size and version in the details pane.

While Control Panel does not display Microsoft Store apps, it remains essential for managing legacy software and troubleshooting installations.

Using PowerShell to List Installed Applications

For advanced users or system administrators, PowerShell provides a powerful way to list installed programs with more control and automation possibilities.

To retrieve installed programs using PowerShell, follow these instructions:

  1. Open Windows Terminal or PowerShell as an administrator:
  • Right-click the Start button.
  • Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  1. Enter the following command to list installed software registered in the system:

“`powershell
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Format-Table –AutoSize
“`

This command queries the registry keys where most installed programs are recorded and displays a formatted table with essential information.

To include 32-bit applications on 64-bit systems, run:

“`powershell
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Format-Table –AutoSize
“`

Alternatively, combine both outputs to get a complete list:

“`powershell
$registryPaths = @(
“HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*”,
“HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\*”
)

foreach ($path in $registryPaths) {
Get-ItemProperty $path |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate
} | Format-Table -AutoSize
“`

PowerShell offers flexibility to export the list to CSV or text files for documentation or audit purposes, for example:

“`powershell
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* |
Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate |
Export-Csv -Path “C:\installed_programs.csv” -NoTypeInformation
“`

Finding Installed Programs via Command Prompt

While less comprehensive than PowerShell, the Command Prompt can also provide a list of installed software using Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC).

Execute the following steps:

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator:
  • Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  • Enter the command:

“`cmd
wmic product get name,version
“`

This command lists installed software with their names and version numbers.

Note that WMIC primarily reports MSI-installed programs and may omit applications installed by other methods. For more detailed results, PowerShell or Settings app methods are recommended.

Locating Microsoft Store Apps Separately

Microsoft Store apps do not appear in Control Panel or via WMIC commands. To view these apps, use the Settings app or PowerShell.

In PowerShell, retrieve a list of Microsoft Store apps with:

“`powershell
Get-AppxPackage | Select-Object Name, PackageFullName | Format-Table –AutoSize
“`

This command lists installed Store apps for the current user. To see apps installed for all users, run PowerShell as administrator and use:

“`powershell
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select-Object Name, PackageFullName | Format-Table –AutoSize
“`

The Settings app’s Installed apps page consolidates Store and desktop apps, making it convenient to review all installed software in one place.

Using Third-Party Software Inventory Tools

For enterprise environments or users requiring advanced reporting and management, third-party software inventory tools can be employed. These tools provide enhanced features such as:

–

Expert Insights on Locating Installed Programs in Windows 11

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Software Engineer, Microsoft Windows Division). Understanding how to find installed programs in Windows 11 is crucial for efficient system management. The most straightforward method is utilizing the Settings app under “Apps & Features,” which provides a comprehensive list of installed applications along with options to modify or uninstall them. This approach ensures users can easily manage their software environment without needing advanced technical skills.

Jason Kim (IT Systems Administrator, Tech Solutions Inc.). For IT professionals, leveraging PowerShell commands such as “Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product” offers a powerful way to retrieve detailed information about installed programs in Windows 11. This method allows for automation and bulk management, which is essential in enterprise environments where manual checks would be inefficient and error-prone.

Sophia Nguyen (Cybersecurity Analyst, SecureNet Consulting). From a security perspective, regularly auditing installed programs on Windows 11 devices helps identify unauthorized or potentially harmful software. Utilizing the Control Panel’s “Programs and Features” alongside third-party inventory tools provides a layered approach to ensure system integrity and compliance with organizational policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I view all installed programs on Windows 11?
Open the Settings app, navigate to Apps > Installed apps, and you will see a comprehensive list of all installed programs.

Can I find installed programs using the Control Panel in Windows 11?
Yes, open Control Panel, go to Programs > Programs and Features, where you can view and manage installed software.

Is there a way to list installed programs using Command Prompt?
Yes, run Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the command `wmic product get name` to display installed programs.

How can I sort installed programs by installation date in Windows 11?
In Settings under Installed apps, click on the “Sort by” dropdown and select “Install date” to organize programs accordingly.

Can I export a list of installed programs in Windows 11?
Yes, use PowerShell with the command `Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion | Format-Table –AutoSize` to export the list.

Why might some installed programs not appear in the installed apps list?
Some applications, especially portable or system apps, may not register in the standard installed apps list, requiring alternative tools to detect them.
In summary, finding installed programs in Windows 11 can be accomplished through several straightforward methods, including using the Start menu, the Settings app, and the Control Panel. The Start menu offers a quick glance at frequently used and recently installed applications, while the Settings app provides a detailed list of installed programs along with options to uninstall or modify them. Additionally, the traditional Control Panel remains a reliable tool for managing installed software, especially for users familiar with previous versions of Windows.

Understanding these different approaches allows users to efficiently locate and manage their installed applications, ensuring better control over system resources and software maintenance. Each method caters to different user preferences, whether one favors a modern interface or a more classic Windows experience. Moreover, leveraging built-in search functionalities can expedite the process, making it easier to find specific programs without scrolling through extensive lists.

Ultimately, mastering how to find installed programs in Windows 11 enhances overall system navigation and contributes to improved productivity. By regularly reviewing installed software, users can maintain an organized system environment, identify unnecessary applications, and optimize their device’s performance. This knowledge is essential for both everyday users and IT professionals managing Windows 11 environments.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.