Mastering Windows 11: Your Ultimate Guide to Decluttering Bloatware

Let’s face it, fellow Windows warriors: bloatware is the software equivalent of that drawer stuffed with takeout menus, random USB drives, and tangled charging cables—it’s not helping anyone, and yet, it’s right there staring you in the face every time you fire up your system. If you recently got yourself a shiny new Windows 11 system, chances are your joy is slightly undermined by the clutter of pre-installed apps and programs that are hogging your system’s precious resources. Fear not: together, we'll walk through the process of decluttering your Windows 11 system for a performance boost and peace of mind.
Here’s everything you need to know, from manual decluttering tips using built-in Windows tools to automating the process with specialized software, and even exploring “slimmed-down” versions like Tiny 11.

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What's the Dirt on Bloatware in Windows 11?​

Bloatware is essentially the app equivalent of freeloaders—you didn’t invite them, and they consume valuable system resources like RAM, storage, and CPU cycles. These programs are often pre-installed by PC manufacturers (commonly called OEMs) as part of partnerships with software companies. Test versions of antivirus programs, image editors, and cloud services are just the beginning; there are also Windows-integrated apps you likely don’t use, like "Tips" or "Xbox Game Bar."

Why Manufacturers Load It On​

Why does this happen, you ask? It all comes down to money. Every pre-installed app is a financial opportunity for manufacturers. If a user ends up subscribing to a service (for example, trial antivirus software), the OEM often gets a commission. It’s business, not personal—but sadly, it's your system paying the price.

Risks of Letting Bloatware Be​

• Performance Drag: Software lingering in the background eats up system resources like candy—memory, CPU, and disk space—especially as these apps auto-start with Windows.
• Security Risks: Some bloatware has a justified reputation for introducing security vulnerabilities. Lenovo’s infamous “Superfish” scandal is a perfect example of how pre-installed software can become a malware vector.
• Wastes Storage Space: Who couldn’t use an extra few gigabytes of storage?

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How to Declutter and Free Your System​

Here comes the fun (and highly rewarding) part: manually or automatically hunting down bloatware and restoring your PC to its leanest form. Let’s start simple—but buckle up, because advanced users can go fully geek mode using PowerShell and third-party tools.

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1. Remove Programs Using Windows’ Built-In Tools​

Windows 11 offers a straightforward way to remove unwanted apps through its Settings app or the Microsoft Store Library.

Step 1: Manual Cleanup via Settings​

1. Hit the Windows key + “I” to open the Settings window.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Filter the displayed programs or scroll through the list to spot bloatware.
4. Find the app you don’t need, click the three-dot menu (⁝), and select Uninstall.

Step 2: Deleting Apps Installed from the Microsoft Store​

Open Microsoft Store and go to Library from the bottom-left menu. Newly, app uninstalls are now routed to the Settings app as of Windows 11's 23H2 update. Not all apps will appear here.
Warning: System apps such as Mail, Calendar, and Xbox Services may not appear removable within Settings or the Microsoft Store. For these, we’ll need to dig deeper.

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2. Advanced Cleanup Using PowerShell​

For experienced users (or anyone just feeling gutsy), PowerShell offers a laser-focused approach to nuking bloatware directly from the command line.

Getting Started​

1. Open Windows Terminal with admin privileges (right-click the Windows icon > Windows Terminal (Admin)).
2. Enter PowerShell mode if you’re in another shell type already.

List Installed Apps​

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select Name, PackageFullName

This command lists every single app installed on the system, whether they’re your own or pre-installed third-party ones.

Remove an App​

To uninstall an individual app, use:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers [App-Name] | Remove-AppxPackage

Replace [App-Name] with the name of the app in the list generated by the previous command.

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3. Automate the Process with Third-party Tools​

Sometimes, you’d just rather let specialized software do the heavy lifting—and for good reason. These tools don't only remove programs; they also clean up leftover files and registry clutter.

Top Tools for the Job​

• O&O AppBuster:

Ideal for investigating deeply integrated Windows apps, O&O AppBuster doesn’t require an installation. You can easily remove and even restore system apps when needed.

• CCleaner:

This classic system optimizer includes a robust uninstall tool. Under Tools > Uninstall, you’ll be able to filter and nix unwanted programs, apps, and registry spoor.

• IObit Uninstaller:

Equipped with a custom “Deep Clean” scan, it checks for hidden residual files. It’s one of the more aggressive tools for cleaning bundled bloatware and browser extensions.
Tip: Always make a restore point before removing system apps. CCleaner and O&O AppBuster offer this as an in-app feature.

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4. Consider Slimmed-Down Alternatives Like Tiny 11​

For enthusiasts who demand a minimalist edition of Windows that’s lean from the get-go, there’s Tiny 11, created by community modder “NTDev.” This unofficial version of Windows 11 removes unnecessary components before installation.

Tiny 11 Highlights:​

• Runs on modest specs: 1GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and 64GB storage.
• Pre-built to exclude apps like Edge, gaming components, and other Microsoft extras.
• Weighs in at under 1GB when fully installed!

Although it sounds great, downloading Tiny 11 from unofficial sources invites risks like malware. A safer option would be to follow NTDev’s workflow using tools like NTLite to customize your personal Windows installation from a clean ISO file.

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Bloat-Free Bliss: Wrap-Up and Maintenance​

Congratulations! By getting rid of unnecessary bloatware, you’ll not only experience better performance but also improve system security and gain valuable storage real estate. Whether it’s manual uninstalls through Windows tools, advanced PowerShell magic, or automated software, the key to success is knowing what you’re cutting out—and keeping Windows streamlined moving forward.
Remember, software bloat isn’t merely Microsoft’s doing; your own app collection can spiral out of control over time. So, make a habit of periodic decluttering and avoid installing what you don’t need.
As they say, less is more. Now go forth and conquer that digital clutter. Your future, bloat-free self will thank you!

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What about you—got your favorite tools or tips for cleaning up Windows 11? Join the discussion in the comments below!

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Source: PCWorld Goodbye, bloatware! How to clean out Windows 11’s cruft