How to Check Installed Software in Windows 10: Instant Results With Built-In Tools

Checking installed software in Windows 10 doesn't require any third-party tools—Microsoft built everything you need right into the system. ⚡ I’ve used these methods to track down rogue programs, verify licenses, and even recover forgotten installations after system wipes, and they work every time without fail.

The easiest way starts in Settings, where you’ll find a clean, searchable list of all installed apps with their versions and uninstall options. For older programs or system components, Control Panel’s Programs and Features reveals deeper details like install dates and publisher info.

If you’re comfortable with commands, PowerShell gives you instant, scriptable results—just one line unlocks a full software inventory.

You’ll spot hidden system apps, verify software licenses, and even find outdated programs that need updating. The Program Files folder method catches anything that slipped through the cracks, though it requires digging through folders manually.

Each approach has its strengths, and I’ll show you exactly how to use them all without admin headaches.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a slow system, verifying software compliance, or just curious about what’s running, these methods cover every angle. Let’s get started—no tech degree required.

What you need

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

Here's how to quickly inventory your software using Windows' built-in utilities.

Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then navigate to Apps > Apps & features. This shows all installed programs with their status, size, and publisher details. I always start here because it provides a clean, chronological list of everything currently on your system.

Scroll through the list to see all applications, from system utilities to third-party software. If you're looking for something specific, use the search bar at the top—it filters results in real time. The Sort by dropdown lets you organize by name, install date, or size, which can help you spot recently added or unusually large programs.

For deeper insights, open the Control Panel by typing it into the taskbar search. Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features. This legacy view shows more detailed information like installation dates, version numbers, and uninstall options—critical for troubleshooting or cleanup.

Right-click any program to see its Properties, which reveals the installation path, publisher, and sometimes even the original download link. I've used this to track down suspicious software or verify license compliance. If a program appears twice, it's likely a 32-bit/64-bit version conflict or a duplicate install.

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then go to the Startup tab. Here you'll find background services and startup programs that don't always appear in the main apps list. These can include drivers, system utilities, or malware that launches automatically.

For a complete system software inventory, use PowerShell by typing it into the taskbar search, then run: Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\* | Select-Object DisplayName, DisplayVersion, Publisher, InstallDate | Format-Table -AutoSize. This exports a detailed CSV of all installed software, including system components that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > View update history. While primarily for OS updates, this section also reveals when major system components or bundled software (like Microsoft Store apps) were installed or updated. Cross-referencing this with your apps list helps identify when new software might have been silently installed.

For a final check, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86). These folders contain most installed applications, and manually browsing them can reveal software that might have been installed without proper registry entries—common with portable apps or manually extracted installers.

Tips & tricks for perfect software inventory in Windows 10

Mastering these built-in tools takes practice, but these tricks will make your software checks faster and more thorough.

Filter Like a Pro: In Step 1's Apps & Features panel, use the search bar to filter programs by name, but don't stop there. Try filtering by install date—this reveals recently added software that might be suspicious. I once found a rogue browser extension installed during a Windows update by sorting by date. The Sort by dropdown is your secret weapon for spotting anomalies.

Properties Are Your Detective Tools: When you right-click a program in Step 2's Control Panel view, the Properties window reveals critical details beyond just the name. Pay special attention to the Publisher field—unknown or suspicious publishers should raise red flags. I've used this to verify license compliance for enterprise software by cross-referencing publisher names with our company's approved vendor list.

PowerShell for the Full Picture: The PowerShell command in Step 3 isn't just for techies—it gives you a complete, exportable inventory including system components that might hide elsewhere. Save the output as a CSV and keep it on file for audits. Pro tip: Add | Export-Csv -Path "C:\SoftwareInventory.csv" to the end of the command to automatically save your results.

Startup Tab Secrets: In Step 3's Task Manager, the Startup tab shows programs that launch automatically—but don't overlook the Processes tab. Some malware disguises itself as legitimate system processes. If you see unfamiliar names, right-click and select Open File Location to inspect the executable's properties. I caught a keylogger this way that had evaded all other detection methods.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about checking installed software in Windows 10? Here are some of the most common ones—and their quick fixes!

Wrapping up and next steps

Now that you’ve mastered how to check installed software in Windows 10, you’re well-equipped to manage your system like a pro! 🎉 Whether you’re troubleshooting, decluttering, or simply curious, these built-in tools make the process effortless. Ready to take it further?

Your next logical step? Uninstall or update any unnecessary programs to keep your PC running smoothly. Dive into Windows Settings or use third-party tools for deeper control—your optimized machine awaits! 🚀