How to Remove Bloatware from Windows if you’ve recently bought a new Windows PC, you may have noticed that it comes preloaded with several unnecessary programs, also known as bloatware. These are typically trial versions of software, promotional apps, and other programs that take up valuable storage space and slow down your computer’s performance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to safely and effectively remove bloatware from Windows, improve your system’s speed, and optimize its performance.Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, this guide will walk you through the entire process. Let’s get started and clean up your PC!
What is Bloatware?
Bloatware refers to software or apps that come pre-installed on your computer by the manufacturer or third-party developers. These programs are often unnecessary and can be a nuisance to users, as they consume system resources such as CPU, memory, and storage, leading to slower performance.
Common examples of bloatware include:
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Trial versions of software (e.g., antivirus, productivity apps)
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Manufacturer-specific utilities (e.g., system optimization tools)
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Unwanted apps (e.g., games, news apps, etc.)
Why Should You Remove Bloatware?
There are several reasons why it’s essential to remove bloatware from your Windows PC:
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Improved Performance: Bloatware can consume valuable system resources, slowing down your computer. By removing unnecessary apps, you can free up storage space and boost system speed.
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Enhanced Battery Life: Some pre-installed programs run in the background and use up CPU power, leading to faster battery drain. Removing these apps can help extend battery life.
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Increased Storage Space: Bloatware takes up storage space on your hard drive or SSD. By removing these apps, you can free up gigabytes of space that could be used for more important files and programs.
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Better Security: Some bloatware includes outdated or insecure software that could be a target for hackers. Removing these programs can reduce your risk of security vulnerabilities.
How to Identify Bloatware on Your Windows PC?
Before we dive into the removal process, it’s important to identify the bloatware on your system. Here are some common signs that indicate a program might be bloatware:
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Unwanted Pop-ups or Notifications: Programs that constantly ask you to upgrade or buy a full version are often considered bloatware.
- High System Resource Usage: If you notice that your PC is running slowly, it could be due to background apps consuming excessive CPU or memory.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Bloatware from Windows
Step 1: Uninstall Bloatware via the Start Menu
The easiest way to remove bloatware is by using the Start Menu. Here’s how:
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Click the Start button (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
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Scroll through the list of apps, right-click on any program you don’t want, and select Uninstall.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.
While this method works for most pre-installed apps, some programs might not have an uninstall option in the Start Menu. In such cases, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Use the Settings App to Uninstall Apps
For a more thorough removal of bloatware, you can use the Settings app. This method will allow you to uninstall programs that are listed under Apps & Features.
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Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings menu.
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Navigate to Apps > Apps & Features.
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Browse through the list of installed programs, find the ones you want to remove, click on them, and select Uninstall.
This method is perfect for uninstalling apps like pre-installed Microsoft Store apps or system utilities that you no longer need.
Step 3: Remove Bloatware Using PowerShell
For more advanced users, PowerShell is a powerful tool for removing pre-installed apps that are difficult to uninstall through the Settings menu.
Here’s how to use PowerShell to remove bloatware:
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Type PowerShell in the Search bar and right-click on Windows PowerShell.
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Select Run as Administrator to launch PowerShell with administrative privileges.
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To remove a specific app, type the following command and press Enter:
Replace appname with the name of the app you want to remove. For example, to remove Xbox, you would use:
Repeat this for any apps you want to remove. Note that this method is more advanced and should be used with caution, as removing some system apps might cause issues with Windows functionality.
Step 4: Use Third-Party Software to Remove Bloatware
There are several third-party programs designed to help remove bloatware quickly and efficiently. Some popular options include:
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CCleaner: This free program can help you uninstall unwanted apps and clean up leftover files that might still be taking up space.
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PC Decrapifier: A simple tool that helps remove bloatware and unnecessary programs that slow down your PC.
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O&O AppBuster: This free tool allows you to remove pre-installed Windows apps with just a few clicks.
Using these programs can make the removal process much easier, especially if you’re dealing with a large number of unwanted apps.
Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Even after removing bloatware, some programs may still run in the background, consuming system resources. Here’s how to disable unnecessary startup programs:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Startup tab.
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Right-click on any program you don’t need at startup and select Disable.
Disabling these programs will ensure that they don’t consume CPU and memory resources when your PC boots up.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Windows PC Clean
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Install a Lightweight Antivirus: Instead of bloated antivirus software that may come pre-installed, use lightweight and effective antivirus programs to protect your system without slowing it down.
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Regularly Clean Your PC: Make it a habit to clean your PC every few months. You can use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup or third-party software like CCleaner to remove unnecessary files and keep your system running smoothly.
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Use Windows Power Settings Wisely: Adjust your Windows power settings to conserve energy, especially if you’re using a laptop. This can help you reduce unnecessary resource consumption.
Conclusion
Removing bloatware from your Windows PC is essential for improving performance, freeing up storage space, and enhancing security. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily identify and remove unwanted programs, leaving your system running faster and more efficiently.
Remember to periodically check your system for any unnecessary programs and disable unnecessary startup items to keep your PC in top shape. With a clean, optimized Windows PC, you can enjoy a smoother computing experience.
FAQs
Q1: Can removing bloatware improve my system’s performance?
Yes, removing bloatware frees up system resources like CPU, memory, and storage, which can result in better performance and faster startup times.
Q2: What is the safest method to remove bloatware?
The safest method is to uninstall programs through the Settings app or Control Panel. If you’re not familiar with advanced tools like PowerShell, it’s better to stick to the user-friendly options.
Q3: Can I remove all pre-installed apps?
While you can remove most pre-installed apps, some system apps are essential for Windows to function correctly. Be cautious when removing apps using advanced methods like PowerShell.
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