How to Check Installed Software in Windows 10: Instant Listings via Settings or PowerShell

To check installed software in Windows 10, you don’t need to dig through folders or remember what you’ve installed—there are three foolproof methods built right into the system.

I’ve used these same shortcuts for years, ever since I helped Dad rebuild his first IBM desktop back in Pittsburgh, where we’d spend hours comparing software lists to troubleshoot compatibility issues.

The Settings app gives you a clean, visual list with uninstall options, while PowerShell delivers raw, filterable data for the tech-savvy. For quick checks, the classic Control Panel still works, though it’s starting to feel like a relic from Windows 7 days.

The Settings method is the most beginner-friendly: just type "Apps" in the search bar, then click "Apps & features" to see every program installed on your system. You’ll get names, versions, and sizes at a glance, plus direct uninstall links.

PowerShell, on the other hand, is where things get interesting—one command (Get-Package) reveals every package, including hidden system components, and lets you export the list to a file.

I’ve used this trick to audit software for clients at the Denver tech center, catching rogue installations that slipped past the Settings view. For vintage software or per-user apps, you might need to run the command as admin or check the registry manually—though that’s a story for another time.

You’ll walk away with a complete, organized list of every program on your machine, whether it’s the latest creative suite or that one utility you installed three years ago and forgot about.

The Settings method takes under 30 seconds, while PowerShell gives you deeper insights in under a minute if you know the right commands. This isn’t just about cleanup—it’s about understanding what’s actually running on your system, which is especially useful when troubleshooting slowdowns or conflicts.

Once you’ve got the list, you can start making decisions: what to keep, what to remove, and what might need updating.

Pro tip: if your list looks incomplete, try running the command wmic product get name,version in an elevated Command Prompt—this pulls data from the Windows Installer database and sometimes uncovers software that hides from the Settings app. I’ve seen this catch everything from old drivers to silently installed toolbars.

And if you’re curious about per-user vs. system-wide software, the Settings app will show you both, though PowerShell gives you more control over filtering. Start with the method that matches your comfort level, and you’ll have your software inventory in no time.

What you need

Instant methods to view installed software in Windows 10

Here's how to quickly access your complete software inventory without hunting through folders.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to System in the left-hand menu. In the right panel, click Apps & features. This displays all installed programs in a familiar tile format, sorted by name.

Scroll through the list to find specific software or use the search bar at the top to filter results. You'll see each program's name, publisher, version number, and size. The sort options at the top let you organize by name, install date, or size—helpful when tracking recent additions.

Here's the thing—this method shows only what Windows recognizes as "apps." Some legacy programs may not appear here. For those, you'll need to try the next approach.

Open the Control Panel by typing its name in the Windows search bar. In the search results, select Programs and Features. This classic view shows a more technical list of all installed software, including system components and some hidden applications.

You'll notice this list includes additional details like the install date and install location for each program. To uninstall or modify a program, simply right-click it and select the appropriate option. This method is particularly useful when troubleshooting software conflicts.

I always recommend checking this view first if you're troubleshooting an application that isn't appearing in Settings. It often reveals programs that were installed system-wide but don't show up in the modern UI.

Open PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Windows PowerShell (Admin). Type the following command and press Enter: **Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Format-Table -AutoSize.

Navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86) in File Explorer. These folders contain the installation directories of most applications. While this method doesn't provide version information, it lets you see exactly what files each program installed.

For each program folder, check the contents for an Uninstall or Repair** executable. These files can be double-clicked to initiate uninstallation or troubleshooting. This approach is especially useful for identifying software that wasn't properly registered in the Windows installer database.

I know it sounds old-school, but sometimes the simplest method works best. This is particularly true for legacy applications or software installed through non-standard methods like direct downloads or portable versions.

Tips & tricks for instant software inventory checks in Windows 10

When you need to quickly verify what's installed on your Windows 10 system, these practical tips will help you get the most accurate and complete results every time.

Leverage the Sort Options: In Step 1, when using the Settings app to view installed software, don't overlook the sort options at the top of the Apps & features list. Sorting by "Install date" reveals when programs were added, which helps identify recent installations that might be causing issues. I've caught several unexpected updates this way that were interfering with other applications.

Combine Methods for Complete Results: No single method shows everything. Use Step 1 for modern apps, Step 2 for legacy programs, and Step 3 for system components. I always recommend running all four methods when troubleshooting software conflicts—you might be surprised what you miss by using just one approach.

PowerShell Command Shortcut: For the PowerShell command in Step 3, you can save time by creating a shortcut. Right-click your desktop, select New > Shortcut, and enter: **powershell -command "Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Format-Table -AutoSize"**. Name it "Software Inventory" and double-click to run it instantly.

Directory Inspection Tip: When checking Program Files directories in Step 4, look for folders with version numbers in their names (like "ProgramName_v1.2.3"). These often indicate specific installations that might not appear in the other methods. I've found several hidden system components this way that were causing compatibility issues.

Frequently asked questions

Wrapping up and next steps

You’ve now mastered the art of checking installed software in Windows 10—whether through Settings, Control Panel, or even PowerShell for a quick, command-line solution! 🎉 This knowledge isn’t just handy for troubleshooting; it’s your first step toward optimizing your system, freeing up space, or ensuring compatibility with new programs.

Ready to take it further? Try uninstalling unused software or exploring Windows Package Manager for even more control. Your tech-savvy journey starts here—keep exploring! 🚀