Recently, a reader wrote to us asking how to remove an unknown file in Windows 11. This file is an app that appears in the Installed Apps list and displays an error message: 'Make sure you typed the name correctly, then try again' when trying to uninstall it.

So, if you see unknown apps in the Installed Apps list and you are unable to uninstall them, don't waste any time! 🏃‍♂️ This problem is usually related to malware or viruses. Below, we have shared some simple methods to fix the issue. Problem of not being able to uninstall unknown applications in Windows 11.

1. Restart your Windows 11 PC

The program you are trying to uninstall may already have background processes running. 🔄 Although you will receive a different error message in this case, it is essential that you find and close all background processes running by the program you are trying to uninstall.

If you do not find related processes in the Task Manager, restart your Windows PC 11.

For Restart your Windows PC 11, Click on the power menu and select Restart. After the restart, try to uninstall the program again.

2. Uninstall the program from the Control Panel

If you are unable to uninstall the program from Installed Applications (Settings > Applications > Installed Applications), you can try doing so from the Control Panel. You will most likely get similar results, but there is no harm in trying.

1. Type Control Panel in Windows 11 search. Then, open the Control Panel app from the list of most relevant results.

2. When the Control Panel opens, click on Programs.

3. On the Programs screen, click Programs and features.

4. Find the unknown program you want to uninstall, right-click on it and select Uninstall.

3. Run a full scan with Windows Security

The Full Scan mode in Windows Security checks all files and running programs on your hard drives. The scan often takes over an hour to complete, but the results are worth it. Here's what to do:

1. Write Windows Security in Windows 11 search. Then open the app Windows Security from the list of most relevant results.

2. When the Windows Security app opens, switch to the Security tab. Protection against viruses and threats.

3. Next, click on the Analysis options.

4. In the analysis options, select Full Scan and click on Scan Now.

Now, you need to wait for the scan to complete. This should find and remove all malicious files from your system. 🦠

4. Run a full scan with Malwarebytes

Although Windows Security is good, it is not as effective as Malwarebytes. The latter can detect and remove hidden and new malware from your system.

Therefore, to reduce the possibility of malware attacks, it is recommended to perform a full scan with Malwarebytes as well. Here's how to do it.

1. Download and install the latest version of Malwarebytes on your PC.

2. Once installed, open Malwarebytes and switch to control Panel.

3. In the Security section, click the button Scan on the scanner.

Now, you need to wait for the scan to complete. This will find and remove all the hidden malware from your device.

5. Perform a rootkit scan

If you didn't know, once a rootkit has been installed, its driver can remotely execute files and change system settings on your machine. You may not be able to delete the files because of a hidden rootkit.

You can run a rootkit scan with Malwarebytes to find and remove rootkits from your device.

1. Launch Malwarebytes on your computer.

2. When the app opens, switch to Configuration.

3. In settings, change to Scanning and detections.

4. Under the analysis options, active the 'Scan for rootkits' option.

5. Then go back to the Control Panel and click on the button Scan on the scanner.

This will perform a rootkit scan on your Windows 11 PC. Once the scan is complete, you can uninstall the app or game from the Control Panel.

6. Run SFC/DISM commands

Certain files, apps, or games may fail to delete or uninstall due to system file corruption. So, if you are still unable to delete files unknown in Windows 11, it is recommended to run SFC and DISM commands to rule out the possibility of corrupted system files.

1. To start, write CMD in Windows search box 11. Then right click on CMD and select Run as administrator.

2. When the command prompt opens, run this command:

sfc /scannow

3. If the command prompt returns an error, run these commands one by one:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Now, wait for the scan to complete. This should solve your problem.

7. Clean boot Windows 11 and delete files/programs

If you are unable to delete files, you can try performing a clean boot and then uninstalling the program from the Control Panel. Here's what to do:

1. Press the key Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. When it opens, type msconfig and press Enter.

2. This will open the System Configuration; switch to the tab Services.

3. Then, check the box Hide all Microsoft services. Once done, click on Disable all.

4. Click Apply and then OK. Then open the Task Manager > Startup. On Start, disable all third-party applications.

5. Now, Restart your Windows PC 11. After the reboot, uninstall the program or delete the file.

6. After deleting the files, make sure to revert the changes. Go to System Configuration > Services > Enable All to do so. Once done, click Apply and then OK.

8. Use third-party program uninstallers

Third-party software uninstallers work by detecting and removing blocks that prevent file deletion.

Some third party software uninstallers for Windows 11 can find and remove these locks effectively. They can also reverse registry changes made by an application or file.

It is better to use a third-party program uninstaller to find and remove unknown files from your devices.

If you have followed all the methods described, you should now be able to delete the file or uninstall the apps. If you need more help with removing unknown files from Windows 11, let us know in the comments! 💬