App Disappeared After Windows Upgrade? Here’s Why and How to Get It Back [2025 Guide]

A confused man looking at a warning sign on a laptop screen, with bold text “App Disappeared After Windows Upgrade?” and banners offering fix tips in a clear Japanese-style infographic.

Have you noticed some of your favorite apps suddenly disappeared after a Windows upgrade?

You’re not alone. Many users have experienced this issue — and in most cases, it’s not a bug, but a feature. Windows may automatically remove certain apps during an upgrade to maintain system stability and security.

This guide will explain why this happens, which types of apps are most affected, and — most importantly — how you can prevent it or get your apps back safely.

目次

Why Does Windows Remove Apps During an Upgrade?

Windows checks for compatibility and security risks before upgrading. If an app meets certain risk criteria, it may be removed automatically. These include:

  • Incompatibility with the new Windows version
  • Old or unsigned drivers
  • Deep interference with system components or the registry
  • Known security vulnerabilities

Examples of Apps Commonly Removed During Upgrades

Below is a list of applications frequently removed during major Windows updates:

CategoryExamplesReason
Security ToolsOld McAfee, Norton, Avast (unpatched)Conflict with Windows Defender or outdated
System UtilitiesOld CCleaner, Driver BoosterCauses instability or interferes with Windows
Customization ToolsClassic Shell, Old RainmeterUI tweaks may cause update issues
Virtual DrivesDaemon Tools, Virtual CloneDriveOld drivers no longer supported
Printer/Bluetooth UtilitiesLegacy device managersIncompatible or unsigned drivers

These apps are not “malicious” — but Windows may remove them to ensure a smooth upgrade. If you rely on any of them, read on to learn how to protect or recover them.

How to Prevent App Removal Before Upgrading

✔ Check Compatibility First

Use tools like PC Health Check or Windows 11 Installation Assistant to verify app and driver compatibility in advance.

✔ Keep Installers and Licenses Safe

Save the latest installer files and product keys for all your critical apps. You can store them on a USB stick or cloud drive for easy recovery.

✔ Back Up App Settings

For customizable apps, back up config files such as .ini or .xml. These files can be restored manually after reinstallation.

How to Recover Apps After a Windows Upgrade

🔄 Method 1: Reinstall Manually

Visit the official website of each removed app and download the latest version. This is the safest and most direct method.

🔄 Method 2: Recover from File History

  1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → File History
  2. Select Restore personal files
  3. Choose the folder/file you want and click the green restore button

🔄 Method 3: Use a System Image Backup (Full Rollback)

Note: This will also undo the Windows upgrade.

  1. Go to Settings → System → Recovery and click Restart now
  2. Select Troubleshoot → System Image Recovery
  3. Follow the prompts to restore the backup

⚠️ Important Tip:

Even if you reinstall the app, its previous history, settings, or login data may not return unless they were synced or backed up. For tools like web browsers or design software, this could mean starting over — so pre-upgrade backups matter!

Power Tips: Hidden Tricks to Recover Deleted Apps

Check the Windows.old Folder

After upgrading, you might find a folder named C:\Windows.old. It contains old program files and user data from your previous OS version. You may find remnants of deleted apps here.

Note: This folder is automatically deleted after 10 days, so act quickly.

Use App History or Uninstaller Tools

Sort your apps by “Installation Date” in Settings → Apps → Installed Apps. You might spot which ones vanished. You can also use tools like Geek Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller to find leftover traces or previous install paths.

Try Old-Version Archives (Use with Caution)

If the app’s website no longer hosts older versions, try these trusted archives:

⚠️ Always scan downloaded files with antivirus tools!

Restore from a System Restore Point

If System Restore was enabled before the upgrade, you can roll back just your system and apps (not files):

  1. Open Settings → System → About → System Protection
  2. Select System Restore and choose a restore point

Delay the Upgrade as a Preventive Strategy

If your work depends on specific legacy software, you can postpone major upgrades:

  1. Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options
  2. Pause updates or configure update policies

Bonus Tip: Use an External HDD for Safe Backup

One of the most reliable ways to protect your apps and data is to use an external hard drive.

Need a reliable backup solution?
Check these external HDDs available by region:

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Conclusion

If an app disappeared after a Windows upgrade, don’t panic — it’s usually a compatibility or safety measure. With a bit of preparation and the right recovery steps, you can restore your apps and protect them next time.

Plan ahead. Back up your settings. And you’ll be ready for any future upgrade.

✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎Windows 11 24H2 Update: Complete Troubleshooting & Upgrade Guide

▶︎Windows Freezes for 30 Minutes After Update? Here’s How to Fix It

▶︎Google Account at Risk? Real Security Threats and Easy Fixes for Windows Users

💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.

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