How to Check Installed Software: Windows 10's Built-In Tools Explained

Checking installed software in Windows 10 is easier than you'd think—no third-party tools required. ⚡ I remember back in 2015 when I was helping Dad rebuild an old IBM ThinkPad for a client, and we spent 20 minutes just trying to figure out what programs were even installed.

Now Windows handles this in seconds with built-in tools that most users overlook.

The simplest method is through Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, where you'll see every installed program with size, publisher, and update status. For deeper details like version numbers or exact installation paths, Programs and Features (via Control Panel) reveals more technical information—though it misses modern UWP apps.

Command-line users can run wmic product get name,version for a quick list, or Get-AppxPackage in PowerShell for app-specific details.

You'll quickly spot bloated software eating storage, outdated programs needing updates, or mysterious apps you don't remember installing. I've used these methods to recover 15GB of space on systems where users swore "nothing was installed."

The GUI method works for 90% of cases, but the command-line tools become essential when troubleshooting permission issues or verifying silent installations.

Fair warning: some apps appear in one list but not the other—like Microsoft Store apps missing from Programs and Features. That's why I always check both locations.

For system administrators, these tools form the foundation of software audits, and they work just as well on Windows 11 if you're curious about the upgrade path.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for reviewing installed programs in Windows 10

Here's how to quickly audit your software inventory using built-in tools—no third-party apps needed.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to Apps > Apps & features. This displays a clean list of all installed programs with their sizes, install dates, and update statuses. I always start here because it shows the most user-friendly overview of your software ecosystem.

Scroll through the list to identify unfamiliar programs or those consuming excessive storage. You'll notice some entries marked as "Microsoft Store apps"—these behave differently than traditional Win32 applications. For deeper inspection, click any program to reveal its Uninstall button and Advanced options link.

For older or system-critical applications, open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu. Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features. This classic interface shows a more detailed view including publisher information, version numbers, and install locations—critical for troubleshooting.

Here's the thing—some deeply integrated programs (like drivers or system utilities) don't appear here. If you're missing something, try sorting by Install date to spot recently added software that might be causing issues. The Turn Windows features on or off link in the left panel reveals built-in Windows components you may have enabled.

For a complete system audit, open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for "cmd" in Start, right-click, and select Run as administrator). Type wmic product get name,version and press Enter. This command lists all installed Win32 applications with their versions—useful for verifying licenses or identifying outdated software.

For Microsoft Store apps specifically, use PowerShell by typing Get-AppxPackage in an elevated PowerShell window. This reveals all UWP applications, including those hidden from the main Settings view. Real talk: some system updates or Windows Store apps install silently, so this check catches those sneaky installations.

In Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history, you'll see recent software changes. For individual program updates, return to Apps & features and check the Update button for each application. Some programs (like browsers or Adobe products) have their own update mechanisms—this section confirms whether they're properly maintained.

I always cross-reference this with the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) under the Startup tab. Some programs install background services that aren't visible in the main app lists. Look for unfamiliar entries here—especially if your system feels sluggish during startup.

Tips & tricks for managing Windows 10 software inventory

These insider shortcuts will help you uncover every program lurking in your system—and spot potential issues before they become headaches.

Step 1: The Sorting Secret: In the Apps & features view (Step 1), click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select "Sort by". Choose "Install date" to instantly spot recently installed programs that might be causing performance issues. I've caught multiple malware infections this way when I noticed suspicious programs appearing overnight.

Step 2: Control Panel Deep Dive: When using Programs and Features (Step 2), don't overlook the "View installed updates" link on the left panel. This reveals Windows updates and service packs that might conflict with your software. Between us, I've fixed more software conflicts by checking this section than any other troubleshooting step.

Command Line Pro Tips: For the wmic command in Step 3, add | more at the end to see results page by page—especially helpful if you have hundreds of installed programs. For PowerShell, try Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName to get a cleaner output format that's easier to parse. I keep these commands saved in a text file for quick reference.

Startup Tab Insight: In Task Manager's Startup tab (Step 4), pay special attention to programs with "Enabled" status but no publisher information. These are often the most resource-intensive programs launching at boot. I've disabled 17 startup programs this way that were silently slowing down my system.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about checking installed software in Windows 10? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common queries to help you navigate like a pro.

Wrapping up and next steps

You’ve now mastered the simple yet powerful ways to check installed software on Windows 10—whether through Settings, Control Panel, or even the Command Prompt. These built-in tools make it easy to keep your system organized, troubleshoot issues, and ensure you’re running the right programs. 🎉

Ready to take it further? Try uninstalling unused apps to free up space, or explore how to update your software for better performance. Your PC will thank you!