Signal-desktop: Uninstalling via "Apps & Features" on Windows 10 doesn't work

[RiseT]

• [x] I have searched open and closed issues for duplicates
  

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Bug description

Uninstalling Signal Desktop via "Apps & Features" on Windows 10 hasn't any effect. The "old" way via "Programs & Features" does work, though. I've noticed this behavior on 2 separate computers.

Steps to reproduce

1. Windows settings >> Apps
2. Try to uninstall Signal Desktop

Actual result:
Signal Desktop still listed and installed

Expected result:
Signal Desktop should be uninstalled

Screenshots

n/a

Platform info

Signal version:
Signal Desktop 1.15.3

Operating System:
Windows 10, version 1803

Linked device version:
Signal Android 4.24.8

Link to debug log

n/a

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

Would you say that Signal Desktop should even be in the new 'Apps & Features' section? It's not a Windows store app or anything?

[RiseT]

Well, while I don't know how this was intended by Microsoft, what I do know is that almost all of my other non-Windows store apps are listed & can get uninstalled there (okay, Signal Desktop is listed there as well - but uninstalling doesn't work).

I used to think that "Apps & Features" is the new replacement for "Programs & Features" and because of some reason (e. g. "Apps & Features" not fully completetd yet?), Microsoft hasn't removed the old one yet. I might be wrong, though.

Viewed from a different angle, I do know from experience that many non-geeky Windows users think that "Apps & Features" is the only way to uninstall software from Windows 10. If it doesn't work, or if they cannot find the app/program there, they are lost (admittedly, "Programs & Features" is not very prominently placed and thus hard to find in Windows 10's UI).

In this concrete example, I've told a friend to uninstall & reinstall Signal Desktop. He then told me that uninstalling doesn't work.

[scottnonnenberg-signal]

Thanks for the additional information.

Regarding the uninstall/reinstall, another option would be to tell that user to go to settings and select Clear Data.

[Dyras]

While I haven't tried if it uninstalls or not, I've checked if Signal is listed. It sure is. I'd say every program on my computer is listed. Everything from VLC to Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered edition can be found in that list.

Kind of makes you wonder why though? Is Windows 10 seeing every program/game as an app now?

[Trolldemorted]

I'd expect Apps&Features to supersede Programs&Features in the long run. The former is newer, built with responsive design in mind, and scales well on every resolution and pixel density - the latter is a remnant from the windows vista/7 era which you don't want to use on tablets or high-dpi screens.

I think MS considers containered apps "apps" and normal programs "desktop apps" now.

[RiseT]

From what I've found on the web, 2 quotes:

"Windows 10 still includes the classic Uninstall Programs panel, also known as the “Programs and Features” window. But it’s buried by default, as Microsoft really wants you to use the Apps > Apps & features page in the new Settings interface instead." (How-To Geek)

When asked "Will the classic control panel be removed in favor of the new settings app?", Gabriel Aul replied in 2015: "In time yes, we expect the Settings app to subsume all of the prior Control Panel functionality." (Twitter)

[mattimac]

Workaround is to press (windows key) +R (run shortcut) then write appwiz.cpl and enter. That will open old (windows 7 style) programs and functions that seem to do the trick for me if i want to unistall signal.