Uninstall Microsoft Minesweeper on Windows

How you uninstall Microsoft Minesweeper depends on the Windows version. On Windows 7 it is part of the built-in Windows Games package, so you switch it off under Turn Windows features on or off. On Windows 8 and 10 it is a Store app, removed from the Start menu or with a PowerShell command.

Microsoft Minesweeper has been around forever. But at some point, you might want it gone. Maybe it's taking up space, maybe you hate the ads in the newer version, or maybe you just want a cleaner computer. Whatever the reason, uninstalling it isn't always obvious because it works differently on each version of Windows. Here's exactly how to do it.

Why Would You Want to Uninstall Minesweeper?

Look, the classic Minesweeper was simple and clean. But the modern Microsoft Minesweeper that comes on newer Windows versions is a different beast. It's packed with ads, tries to sell you a premium subscription, and takes up more space than it should. Some people call it bloatware, and honestly, it's hard to argue with that.

And if you're a parent, you might want to remove it to limit distractions. Or maybe you're setting up a work computer and want to keep things professional. Whatever your reason, let's get it done.

How to Uninstall Minesweeper on Windows 7

Windows 7 came with a built-in version of Minesweeper that was part of the "Windows Games" package. It didn't show up in the regular uninstall list, so you had to go through a different route.

1. Click the Start button and open Control Panel.
2. Click Programs, then click Turn Windows features on or off.
3. A list will pop up. Scroll down to find Games and click the arrow next to it.
4. Uncheck Minesweeper (or uncheck the whole Games folder if you want to remove them all).
5. Click OK and wait for Windows to finish.

That's it. The game will disappear from your Start menu. But don't worry, you can always turn it back on the same way if you change your mind.

How to Uninstall Minesweeper on Windows 8

Windows 8 moved to the tile-based Start screen, and Minesweeper became a proper app you could download from the Store. Removing it is actually pretty easy.

1. Press the Windows key to open the Start screen.
2. Find the Minesweeper tile.
3. Right-click the tile.
4. A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click Uninstall.
5. Confirm when it asks you.

So that's two clicks and it's gone. Windows 8 actually makes this one of the easier versions to deal with.

How to Uninstall Minesweeper on Windows 10

Windows 10 has two ways to uninstall Minesweeper. The first is the easy way through settings. The second is through PowerShell, which is useful if the normal method doesn't work or if you want to remove it for all users on a shared computer.

Method 1: Apps & Features

1. Click Start and open Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to Apps, then Apps & Features.
3. In the search box, type Minesweeper.
4. Click on Microsoft Minesweeper and then click Uninstall.
5. Confirm and you're done.

Method 2: PowerShell (for advanced users)

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type this command and press Enter:

Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MicrosoftMinesweeper* | Remove-AppxPackage

This removes it completely. If you want to remove it for every user on the computer, add -AllUsers at the end of the command.

Quick Comparison by Windows Version

You Don't Need the App Anyway

The Microsoft Minesweeper app is kind of a downgrade from what Minesweeper used to be. It's cluttered, it nags you, and it wants your money. But the free minesweeper experience you can get in a browser is honestly better in almost every way.

Minesweeper.now is completely free with no ads and no subscriptions. You can jump straight into a game without downloading a thing. And if you want something to look forward to each day, the today's challenge gives you a new challenge every morning that everyone in the world is solving at the same time. That's way more fun than a bloated Windows app.

If you want to track your times, compete with others, and actually see how you stack up, you can sign up free and get a full account. But you don't even have to do that. Just open the browser and play.

So if you've been wondering why Microsoft even changed Minesweeper in the first place, check out the full get it back article. And if you're curious about where this game even came from, the game history is actually pretty wild. It's been part of Windows history for decades, and understanding the game psychology helps explain why so many of us can't stop playing it even now.