To uninstall Microsoft Launcher, you must first switch your Android device's default home application to another launcher, and then you can proceed with the uninstallation process from your phone's settings. This ensures your device always has a home screen interface available.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstalling Microsoft Launcher
Uninstalling Microsoft Launcher involves two main stages: first, setting a different default launcher, and then removing the app itself. Follow these steps for a smooth uninstallation:
1. Switch Your Default Home Screen App
Before uninstalling, it's crucial to tell your Android device to use a different launcher. If you uninstall Microsoft Launcher while it's still set as the default, you might experience issues with your home screen.
- Open Android Settings: Tap on the Settings app icon on your device.
- Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and tap on Apps or Apps & notifications. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus).
- Find Default Apps: Look for an option related to default applications. This might be labeled:
- Default apps
- Configured apps (sometimes found under a gear icon or three-dot menu in the top-right corner)
- Home app
- Default Home App
- Select a New Home App: Tap on Home app (or similar). You will see a list of all installed launchers on your device.
- Choose an Alternative: Select a different launcher to be your new default. This could be:
- Your phone's system launcher (e.g., Pixel Launcher, One UI Home, MIUI Home, System Launcher)
- Another third-party launcher you have installed (e.g., Nova Launcher, Google Now Launcher).
- Confirm Selection: Your device will now use the newly selected launcher as its primary home screen.
2. Uninstall Microsoft Launcher Application
Once you've switched your default launcher, you can safely uninstall Microsoft Launcher.
- Return to Apps List: Go back to the main Apps or Apps & notifications list in your Android Settings.
- Locate Microsoft Launcher: Scroll through the list of installed applications and tap on Microsoft Launcher.
- Initiate Uninstall: On the app's info page, tap the Uninstall button.
- Confirm Uninstallation: A pop-up may appear asking you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to proceed.
Microsoft Launcher will now be removed from your device.
Troubleshooting and Important Considerations
- Cannot Uninstall Button: If the "Uninstall" button is grayed out or unavailable, it's usually because Microsoft Launcher is still set as your default home app. Revisit the "Switch Your Default Home Screen App" section to ensure another launcher is selected first.
- Factory Reset (Extreme Case): In extremely rare cases where an app cannot be removed due to deep system integration (which is highly unlikely for Microsoft Launcher unless pre-installed by the manufacturer as a system app and designated as undeletable bloatware), a factory reset might be the only option. However, this is almost never necessary for third-party launchers like Microsoft Launcher and will erase all data on your phone.
- Clear Cache/Data First (Optional): Before uninstalling, you can optionally clear the app's cache and data from its app info page (under "Storage") to remove any residual files, though this is not strictly necessary for uninstallation.
Quick Uninstallation Steps Summary
Here’s a quick overview of the essential steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Open Settings | Access your Android device's main Settings. |
| 2. Go to Apps | Find and tap Apps or Apps & notifications. |
| 3. Change Default Home App | Navigate to Default apps > Home app and select another launcher. |
| 4. Find Microsoft Launcher | Return to the list of all apps and tap on Microsoft Launcher. |
| 5. Uninstall | Tap the Uninstall button and confirm. |
By following these steps, you can effectively remove Microsoft Launcher from your Android device and revert to your preferred home screen experience.
