In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to cleanly uninstall Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) from your Windows 10 machine, thus ensuring you can reclaim resources and streamline your system.
Whether you’re freeing up space, troubleshooting issues, or simply no longer need Android apps on your PC, uninstalling WSA is, fortunately, a straightforward process.
To begin with, here is a quick step guide to uninstall WSA on Windows 10:
- Open Settings.
- Click on “Apps” or “Apps & features.”
- Scroll down the list of installed apps to find “Windows Subsystem for Android.”
- Click on WSA and select “Uninstall”.
However, as this is just an overview of the steps, we encourage you to continue reading the blog to learn more methods with their detailed steps to uninstall WSA on Windows 10.
Additionally, we’ll explore some alternative approaches and potential troubleshooting tips.
What is Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) ?
Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) is a compatibility layer developed by Microsoft that allows Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices to run Android applications.
Essentially, it bridges the gap between the two operating systems, enabling users to access a vast library of Android apps directly on their Windows PCs.
How it Works ?
Firstly, WSA creates a virtual environment within Windows where Android apps can run seamlessly.
Additionally, it leverages the power of your Windows hardware while providing the necessary Android runtime components.
As a result, you can enjoy the familiar Android experience, including touch input, gestures, and app interactions, on your larger screen.
Key Features and Benefits
| Key Features and Benefits | Description |
| Access to Android Apps | Enjoy a wide range of Android apps and games on your Windows PC. |
| Improved Productivity | Use Android apps alongside your existing Windows applications for enhanced multitasking. |
| Developer Opportunities | For developers, WSA offers a platform to reach a broader audience by porting Android apps to Windows. |
| Enhanced User Experience | Benefit from familiar Android controls and interactions on a larger screen. |
Limitations and Considerations
| Limitations and Considerations | Description |
| Not all Android apps are compatible | Some apps may not function correctly or have performance issues. |
| System resource intensive | Running Android apps can consume significant system resources, especially on older or lower-end PCs. |
| Dependency on Amazon Appstore | Initially, WSA relied on the Amazon Appstore for app distribution, limiting app availability. However, there are workarounds to install apps from other sources. |
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How to uninstall Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10 ?
Uninstalling Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10 can help free up system resources and resolve compatibility issues.
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to completely uninstall WSA from your Windows 10 system, ensuring a clean and efficient uninstallation process. To begin, follow the below mentioned steps:
Uninstalling via Settings (If Available)
- Open Settings: To start, press the Windows key + I.
- Navigate to Apps: Next, click on “Apps” or “Apps & features.”
- Locate WSA: Then, scroll down the list of installed apps to find “Windows Subsystem for Android.”
- Uninstall: Finally, click on WSA and select “Uninstall.”
Uninstalling via Command Prompt (Advanced Users)
This method is generally more reliable and often necessary for complete removal.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- First, press the Windows key, type “cmd,” right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
Stop the WSA service:
- Next, type the following command and press Enter: net stop WSA
Uninstall the WSA package:
- Then, type the following command and press Enter: Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsSubsystem
Remove the WSA folder (optional):
- Afterwards, navigate to the following folder: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsSubsystem_
- Lastly, delete the folder if it exists.
Using PowerShell (Advanced Users)
Similar to Command Prompt, but with additional capabilities for uninstalling WSA on Windows 10.
Open PowerShell as Administrator:
- To begin, press the Windows key, type “PowerShell,” right-click on “PowerShell,” and select “Run as administrator.”
Stop the WSA service:
- Next, type the following command and press Enter: Stop-Service WSA
Uninstall the WSA package:
- Then, type the following command and press Enter: Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsSubsystem
Remove the WSA folder (optional)
- Subsequently, navigate to the following folder: C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsSubsystem_
- Finally, delete the folder if it exists.
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Using Command Prompt in Windows Terminal
- Open Windows Terminal: First, press Win + X and select “Windows Terminal”.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Next, right-click on the Command Prompt tab and select “Open as Administrator”.
- Stop the WSA service: Then, enter net stop WSA
- Uninstall the WSA package: After that, enter Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsSubsystem
- Remove the WSA folder (optional): Finally, enterrmdir /s /q “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.WindowsSubsystem_
- Replace “” with the actual folder name if it differs.
Alternative Approaches to uninstall WSA on windows 10
Via Windows Features:
- First, open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
- Next, click “Turn Windows features on or off”.
- Then uncheck “Windows Subsystem for Android” if present.
- Finally, restart your computer.
Using Windows Terminal:
- To begin, open Windows Terminal as administrator.
- Then, run: winget uninstall “Windows Subsystem for Android”.
Potential Troubleshooting Tips
If uninstall fails:
- Firstly, ensure you’re logged in as an administrator.
- If that doesn’t works, try restarting your computer and attempting the uninstall again.
If WSA doesn’t appear in the app list:
- Initially, check if it’s hidden; view all installed apps.
- If still not visible, verify if WSA was actually installed on your system.
For stubborn installations:
- As a first step, use a third-party uninstaller tool.
- If that’s unsuccessful, consider running the Windows System File Checker (sfc /scannow) to repair any corrupted files.
If errors occur:
- First, check Windows Update and install any pending updates.
- If issue persist, temporarily disable antivirus software during uninstallation.
Post-uninstallation cleanup:
- After uninstallation, use Disk Cleanup to remove leftover files.
- Additionally, check the registry for any remaining WSA entries (caution: only for advanced users).
Additional Tips
- Reboot: After you uninstall WSA on Windows 10, it’s recommended to restart your computer to ensure all related components are removed.
- Check for Leftovers: Subsequently, in some cases, there might be residual files. Manually deleting the WSA folder can help with this.
- Consider Alternative Android Emulators: Lastly, if you still need to run Android apps, explore other emulators like Bluestacks or NoxPlayer.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, uninstalling Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA) on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help optimize your system’s performance and free up valuable resources.
Whether you choose to use the Settings app, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal, the key is to follow the steps carefully and ensure a complete removal.
Additionally, remember to restart your computer after uninstallation and check for any leftover files.
If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to try the troubleshooting tips provided. Although WSA offers unique benefits, its removal can be beneficial for those who no longer need Android app functionality on their PC.
By following this guide, you’ve taken a step towards a more streamlined Windows 10 experience. Nevertheless, if you ever need Android apps again, consider exploring alternative emulators or reinstalling WSA in the future.
Source: [ elevenforum, pureinfotech, revouninstaller ]
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)
Open Settings, navigate to Apps, find “Windows Subsystem for Android,” and click Uninstall. For a more advanced approach, open Command Prompt as administrator and run “winget uninstall “Windows Subsystem for AndroidTM””. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.
Windows Subsystem for Windows doesn’t exist. Perhaps you meant Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)? If so, you can uninstall it by going to Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features, finding the specific Linux distribution and uninstalling it. For complete removal, you might need to use PowerShell commands or modify Windows features.
Try uninstalling the program normally through Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features. If that fails, use a reliable third-party uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller. As a last resort, manually delete the program’s files and registry entries, but proceed with caution as incorrect modifications can cause system instability.
