How to Delete Apps on a Chromebook: Your No-BS Guide to Cleaning House

Last updated on August 13th, 2025 at 03:33 pm

Your Chromebook’s running slow, and you know the culprit – too many apps cluttering up your system. Don’t worry, cleaning house is easier than you think. Here’s exactly how to delete apps on a Chromebook with clear, step-by-step instructions for every method.

Method 1: Launcher Right-Click (Easiest Option)

This works for web apps, Android apps, and Linux GUI apps – basically everything you see in your launcher.

Step 1: Click the launcher button (circle icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Find the app you want to remove from the grid.

Step 3: Right-click on the app icon. If you’re using a touchscreen, use a two-finger tap instead.

Step 4: Select “Uninstall” from the popup menu.

Step 5: Click “Confirm” when the deletion dialog appears.

Done. The app disappears immediately, and you’re back to a cleaner launcher.

Method 2: Settings Menu (Best for App Management)

When you want to see all your apps in one place and manage storage, the settings route gives you more control.

Step 1: Click the time display in the bottom-right corner to open the status area.

Step 2: Click the gear icon to open Settings.

Step 3: In the left sidebar, click “Apps.”

Step 4: Select “Manage apps” from the Apps menu.

Step 5: Browse through your installed apps list. You’ll see web apps, Android apps, and Linux apps all together.

Step 6: Click on the app you want to remove.

Step 7: Click the “Uninstall” button in the app details panel.

Step 8: Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Pro tip: This method shows you how much storage each app uses, helping you prioritize which apps to remove first.

Method 3: Google Play Store (Android Apps Only)

For Android apps downloaded from the Play Store, you can manage them directly through Google’s interface.

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store app from your launcher.

Step 2: Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner.

Step 3: Select “My apps & games” from the menu.

Step 4: Click on the “Installed” tab to see all your Android apps.

Step 5: Find the app you want to remove and click on it.

Step 6: Click the “Uninstall” button on the app’s page.

Step 7: Confirm the uninstallation when asked.

This Play Store method works great when you’re already browsing for new apps and want to clean up simultaneously.

Method 4: Terminal Commands (Linux Apps)

If you’ve installed Linux apps through Crostini, the terminal gives you complete control over removal.

Step 1: Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the Chrome OS terminal (crosh).

Step 2: Type shell and press Enter to access the Linux shell.

Step 3: To remove an app completely, type: sudo apt-get purge app_name (replace “app_name” with the actual app name).

Step 4: For basic removal without configuration files, use: sudo apt-get remove app_name

Step 5: Press Enter and type your password when prompted.

Step 6: Type ‘y’ when asked to confirm the removal.

Step 7: Wait for the process to complete.

The terminal method ensures Linux apps are completely removed, including leftover configuration files.

What About System Apps?

Here’s the reality check – some apps can’t be deleted. Core Chrome OS apps like Camera, Files, and Settings are built into the system. These appear grayed out or don’t show uninstall options. That’s normal and by design.

Preventing App Reinstalls

After learning how to delete apps on a Chromebook, you might notice some apps reappearing. Here’s how to stop that:

For Android apps:

1. Open Play Store settings
2. Turn off “Auto-update apps”
3. Disable app sync across devices

For managed Chromebooks: Your IT administrator controls app installations through enterprise policies, so deleted apps might reinstall automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Can’t find the uninstall option? You might be looking at a system app or lack the necessary permissions. Secondary users can’t remove apps installed by the device owner.

App won’t delete? Try the Settings menu method instead of the launcher. Some apps respond better to different removal methods.

Linux app left files behind? Use the terminal with the purge command instead of basic remove.

Bulk Removal Option

For a complete fresh start, Chrome OS offers “Powerwash” (factory reset). This nuclear option removes everything and starts clean, but you’ll need to reinstall wanted apps afterward.

Access it through Settings → Advanced → Reset settings → Powerwash.

The Bottom Line

Now you know exactly how to delete apps on a Chromebook using four different methods. Start with the launcher right-click for quick removals, use Settings for storage management, hit the Play Store for Android app cleanup, and master the terminal for complete Linux app removal.

Your Chromebook runs better with fewer apps fighting for resources. Pick your method, follow these steps, and enjoy that snappy performance again.