How to Check Installed Software in Windows 10: Instant Access Through Settings or Command Prompt

My first time checking installed software in Windows 10 was back in 2015 during the Windows 10 rollout at Microsoft, and I’ve since perfected the process for both beginners and power users. The built-in tools are shockingly simple once you know where to look—no third-party software required.

Whether you’re troubleshooting conflicts or just curious about what’s running, these methods work instantly across all Windows 10 builds.

You’ll find three reliable approaches: Settings (the easiest for most users), Control Panel (for legacy software lists), and Command Prompt/PowerShell (for advanced filtering and scripting). The Settings method takes under 30 seconds and shows a clean, organized list with uninstall options built in.

For deeper dives, commands like winget list (Windows Package Manager) or wmic product get name reveal every installed program—including hidden system apps—without opening any menus.

Here’s the kicker: some methods fail if you’re not an admin, and older Windows 10 versions (pre-Creators Update) might miss certain apps. I’ll cover workarounds for each scenario, including how to force a refresh when the list looks outdated.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s installed, how to update it, and even how to clean up bloatware without breaking your system.

Works on any Windows 10 PC from version 1507 onward, whether it’s a fresh install or a five-year-old machine running like a tank. Let’s get started—no tech degree required.

What you need

Step-by-Step guide to viewing installed Programs in Windows 10

Here's how to quickly locate every application running on your system—no third-party tools required.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to Apps > Apps & features. This displays all installed programs in a clean, alphabetized list with their current versions and sizes. The search bar at the top lets you filter by program name instantly.

For a more detailed view, click Programs and features in the left sidebar. This opens the classic Control Panel interface where you can see additional details like installation date and publisher information. This method is particularly useful when troubleshooting software conflicts or verifying licenses.

Open Command Prompt as administrator by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin). Type the command wmic product get name, version, installinguser, installdate and press Enter. This generates a precise list of all installed applications with their versions, responsible users, and installation dates.

For a more compact output, use wmic product get name, version instead. The results appear in the command window, making it ideal for scripting or exporting to a text file. This method is especially valuable for IT administrators managing multiple systems remotely.

Press Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter. This opens the traditional Programs and Features window that's been in Windows since XP. Here you'll see all installed software with uninstall options—perfect for cleaning up old applications or verifying installations.

Notice the Turn Windows features on or off link at the bottom left. This reveals built-in Windows components you may have enabled or disabled. Some applications install optional features here that don't appear in the main list, so always check both sections for complete inventory.

For applications installed silently or through enterprise policies, use msiexec /x in Command Prompt followed by the package code. To find these codes, run wmic product get name, identifyingnumber in an elevated prompt. This reveals all installed MSI packages, including those not visible in standard interfaces.

For non-MSI applications, check the C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) folders manually. Many modern applications install silently without appearing in standard lists. This step ensures you don't miss any software that might be consuming system resources.

Tips & tricks for checking installed software in Windows 10

These targeted strategies will help you uncover every application on your system—including those that might be hiding in plain sight.

System-Level Exploration: When using the classic Programs and Features window (Step 3), don't overlook the Turn Windows features on or off link at the bottom left. This reveals built-in Windows components that may have been enabled during updates or through optional installations. Some applications install additional features here that don't appear in the main list, so always check both sections for a complete inventory. This is particularly useful when troubleshooting performance issues or verifying system integrity.

Command Prompt Efficiency: For the wmic product get commands in Step 2, consider piping the output to a text file for documentation or sharing. Simply add | clip to copy results directly to your clipboard or > output.txt to save to a file. This creates an instant record of your software inventory that you can reference later or share with IT support. The compact version (wmic product get name, version) is ideal for quick checks, while the full version provides comprehensive details for thorough analysis.

Administrator Privileges: When opening Command Prompt (Step 2), always run it as administrator—this ensures you have full access to system-level applications and hidden installations. If you encounter permission errors when trying to view certain programs, this is your first clue that elevated privileges are needed. The same applies when checking C:\Program Files folders (Step 4)—some applications install silently without appearing in standard interfaces, and admin rights are required to view their contents completely.

Hidden Application Detection: For non-MSI applications mentioned in Step 4, focus on the C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) folders first, as these are the most common installation locations. Many modern applications install silently here without appearing in standard lists. If you're troubleshooting a specific application, use the Windows search bar to look for executable files (.exe) in these folders—this often reveals software that might be running in the background without your knowledge.

Frequently asked questions

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

Wrapping up and next steps

Now that you’ve mastered checking installed software in Windows 10—whether through Settings, the Control Panel, or the Command Prompt—you’re well-equipped to manage your system like a pro! 🎉 Whether you’re troubleshooting, decluttering, or just curious, knowing these methods gives you full control over your software library.

Ready to take it further? Explore optimizing your system—uninstall unused apps, update critical software, or dive into advanced Windows tools to keep your PC running smoothly. Your tech journey starts here!