I'm not sure if this will help but see the accepted answer on using winget at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/789733/completely-uninstall-preinstalled-apps-on-windows - this is more of a Windows 11 question than a Surface question as it isn't specific to Surface. The experts that follow the Windows 11 tags might have more/better information. Let me know if you want me to move your post there if the winget procedure does not help.
Why do Microsoft make it difficult if not impossible to remove programs?
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Peter
20
Reputation points
I have has Microsoft Surface Laptops and PC's in the past running Windows 10 (or below). I was forced to upgrade to a new Surface Laptop to get Windows 11. I had to pay for this laptop...it was not given to me for free by Microsoft. However my ability to remove games, game bar, x-Box is difficult if not impossible (it was easier in the past). I find games useless time wasting, addictive and I resent Microsoft protecting their proprietary products at my expense.
Surface | Surface Laptop | Performance and maintenance
Accepted answer
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Barb Bowman 78,580 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator2025-08-21T13:04:20.8566667+00:00
1 additional answer
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Rez 855 Reputation points Independent Advisor2025-08-21T16:53:25.2233333+00:00 Hi Peter,
Thanks for posting to the Community. I understand the pain in using Windows 11's app managing feature such as installing and installing. There are actually 2 ways to manage the installed apps on your device. First is via the Settings app>Apps>Installed apps. Second via the Control Panel>Programs>Uninstall a program.
If you really target removing the xbox app, game bar and games, it can be done faster via the Settings app. In which I find easier like when you were using Windows10. I really hope this helps. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions in mind.
Best,
Res
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Barb Bowman 78,580 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
2025-08-21T17:03:45.58+00:00 Res,
Game bar is not uninstallable from either Settings or the Control Panel. The Xbox App does not appear in Control Panel, Programs. And if Powershell "Get-AppxPackage -PackageTypeFilter Bundle -Name "Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay" | Remove-AppxPackage" did not work, then winget MAY be the only other option.
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Peter 20 Reputation points
2025-08-21T17:14:17.45+00:00 The control panel option (that I used with Windows 10) does not work. It lists "installed apps"......but not pre-installed or imbeded apps like Gamebar and xbox. The apps are simply not there to remove.
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