Windows 11 26H2 Built-In Apps: What to Keep, Hide or Uninstall Safely

The framework: audit first, then pick the gentlest option​

The author, writing about Windows 11 version 26H2, sorts the built-in apps into four groups:

• apps to keep and use
• apps to leave installed but sideline
• apps to uninstall
• apps never to touch

To see your own inventory, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. If you've already added many third-party programs, type "Microsoft" in the search box to filter the list. On his relatively new 26H2 install, the author counted more than 30 Microsoft apps.

For context, Microsoft Q&A guidance lists two supported routes: Start > All apps, right-click the app and choose Uninstall, or Settings > Apps > Installed apps, then More (three dots) > Uninstall. The catch: Microsoft notes that some apps are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled. If a menu has no Uninstall option, that app isn't removable on your device. Managed work PCs can also differ, because administrators control app removal through policy. One report on Windows 11 builds 26100.8313 and 26200.8313 says Enterprise and Education editions gained a dynamic app-removal list in the "Remove Default Microsoft Store packages" policy. That is a community report, so check Microsoft's own documentation before relying on it.

The apps he keeps​

The author's keepers are mostly small utilities:

• Microsoft Store. He says not to uninstall it, because it updates many built-in apps. Microsoft's support steps say to use Library > Get updates in the Store to update the Store itself. Another Microsoft support page documents that path.
• Edge. He keeps it as a primary or backup browser. He likes the Chromium compatibility, Chrome-extension support and tracking protection. He dislikes the shopping coupons and the home page, and he fixes the home page with a custom new-tab extension.
• Snipping Tool. He uses it for everyday captures and screen recording. The shortcut he suggests memorizing is Windows + Shift + S. He still uses SnagIt for work screenshots.
• Terminal. He treats it as the front door to PowerShell.
• Quick Assist. He uses it for helping relatives.
• Notepad, Paint, Calculator and Clock. He groups these as old utilities that are still maintained and modern.
• OneDrive, Copilot, Outlook (new), Solitaire and Teams. He keeps these with caveats, covered below.

PowerShell 7: install it, don't "replace" Windows PowerShell​

The author runs this from an elevated Terminal window to get PowerShell 7:

winget install --id Microsoft.PowerShell --source winget

One correction to his framing. Microsoft's documentation says PowerShell 7 doesn't replace Windows PowerShell 5.1. It installs to a new directory and runs alongside it. Some Windows PowerShell modules need to run in 5.1. Keep 5.1 around if your scripts depend on it.

You start the new shell with pwsh. Microsoft's page also lists the WinGet package as the recommended route on Windows clients. For package-format details, such as the MSIX default and its per-user limits, see Microsoft's install page.

Quick Assist: convenient, but only with people you trust​

This is the item where a security habit matters most. Microsoft's flow works like this:

1. The helper opens Quick Assist, chooses Help someone and shares a 6-digit code.
2. The person being helped enters the code and must select Allow before the screen is shared.
3. The helper can then ask for full control, and the recipient must approve that separately.
4. The recipient can stop control at any time with Cancel control.

Microsoft warns that tech support scams are an industry-wide issue. Its advice is to let a helper connect only if you initiated contact with Microsoft Support yourself, or if you trust the person. On work or school PCs, policy may also block installing it from the Store.

OneDrive: check folder backup deliberately​

The author doesn't recommend deleting OneDrive. He does warn that OneDrive Backup can end up covering Documents, Pictures and Desktop without you paying close attention. Microsoft says the free Microsoft account allowance is 5 GB, a figure the author repeats.

To review the backup setting, use Microsoft's steps:

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
2. Choose Help & Settings, then Settings.
3. Open the Sync and backup tab.
4. Select Manage backup, toggle folders on or off, and save.

When you stop backing up a folder, Windows asks whether to keep the files only in OneDrive or only on the PC. Microsoft also says that cloud-only files in that folder may need to be downloaded first. The message is "Some files couldn't be moved." Don't treat the toggle as a casual switch.

Outlook (new) and Gmail: an unverified claim​

The author says the new Outlook copies Gmail messages to Microsoft's servers and redirects new mail, instead of using a standard IMAP connection. That is a serious privacy claim. I found no Microsoft documentation confirming it, so read it as his account. Before adding a Gmail account, check Microsoft's current documentation.

The "leave installed, change the default" group​

For these apps, the author prefers hiding the shortcut or changing the default over uninstalling:

• Media Player. He suggests VLC or MediaMonkey as the main player. He also notes that Windows Media Player Legacy still exists alongside it.
• Photos. Keep it available, but unpin it and use your preferred editor.
• Clipchamp. He passes, partly because he can't tell whether premium features are included in Microsoft 365 Personal or Family. He admits he isn't sure, so don't treat that as an entitlement answer.
• Sticky Notes. He finds Outlook's Notes tab redundant with it.

This approach has a real benefit. Hiding a shortcut is easy to undo, and it avoids breaking file associations or app dependencies.

The apps he uninstalls​

His uninstall list is Microsoft To Do, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Movies & TV, Maps, News, Weather and Sound Recorder. A few points on his reasoning:

• Microsoft 365 Copilot is not the Windows Copilot app. He describes it as the renamed Office app, which opens Microsoft 365 in a dedicated browser window.
• Movies & TV is, in his view, obsolete because the Store video purchase and rental use case is gone.
• Maps might not survive the next major Windows release, in his guess. That is speculation, not a Microsoft roadmap item.

Several items here are personal preference. If you use To Do with Outlook tasks or record audio with Sound Recorder, keep them.

If you remove something and regret it, you can reinstall built-in apps from the Microsoft Store by searching for the app's name.

Don't touch these​

The author's firmest warnings:

• Everything under Settings > Apps > System Components.
• Items such as Ink.Handwriting.Main.Store and Web Media Extensions, whose purpose isn't obvious.
• Microsoft Bing, which he says powers taskbar and Start search. If you don't want search, remove the taskbar search icon rather than the app.
• Camera, useful for checking webcam function and settings.
• Feedback Hub, where you can file or upvote bugs.

One caveat: Camera is among the apps whose removal Microsoft started allowing in 2023, according to AlternativeTo's report on Insider Build 23585. So "can be removed" is not the same as "should be removed."

Version context​

The ZDNET piece is written against Windows 11 version 26H2. Microsoft's release information lists general availability on September 29, 2026, with build 26300. That table also shows 25H2 and 24H2 as separate current servicing lines. App inventories and removal options can differ between versions, editions and managed devices.

Practical takeaways​

• Audit your list before uninstalling anything.
• Prefer hiding a shortcut or changing a default over removal.
• If Uninstall isn't offered, leave the app alone.
• Check OneDrive folder backup before relying on it or switching it off.
• Approve Quick Assist access only from people you trust, and grant full control only deliberately.
• Install PowerShell 7 next to Windows PowerShell 5.1 rather than treating it as a replacement.

My take: the list is a good conversation starter, and the author's cautions are more useful than his verdicts. His Maps prediction and Outlook-Gmail claim are unverified. Your own list may reasonably look different.