How to Remove Bloatware From Windows and Boost Performance

For millions of users, powering on a brand-new Windows PC should be a moment of excitement and limitless potential. Yet, for many, this experience is soured almost instantly by the sight of a crowded Start menu and a sluggish out-of-the-box performance. The culprit? Bloatware—those preinstalled “garbage apps” that seem intent on hogging resources, cluttering your screen, and testing the limits of your patience. While Microsoft justifies their inclusion as a way to “get users ready,” the real-life consequences are all too familiar: annoyed users, reduced storage space, and potential compatibility headaches. However, cleaning up Windows and reclaiming your PC’s speed is easier than it seems, especially with the right tools and know-how.

What Is Windows Bloatware—and Why Does It Persist?​

Bloatware refers to unwanted preinstalled applications that come standard with a new Windows installation. These apps range from trial versions of antivirus software and redundant media players to Microsoft’s own suite of in-house utilities and partner offerings. Despite their widespread unpopularity, bloatware persists with every new edition of Windows. The reason? These agreements are often financially lucrative for Microsoft, and the company claims that bundling such apps “helps users hit the ground running.” In reality, many seasoned PC users argue that bloatware only adds unnecessary complexity and slows down the initial experience of what should be a fresh system.

Microsoft’s Rationale​

From Microsoft’s perspective, preinstalling a broad set of applications ensures that consumers, even those without deep technical expertise, have access to necessary tools: photos, calendars, mail, news, and even social media. The intention is to avoid a scenario where the average user is left staring at an empty desktop, unsure what to do next. However, for experienced users, these default picks are often redundant—especially when third-party apps or cloud-based alternatives provide a superior or preferred experience.

The Reality for Power Users​

For tech enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals, excessive bloat means more time spent uninstalling and optimizing, rather than enjoying their new investment. Not only do these apps consume storage and RAM, but some even run background processes or auto-update, further eating into performance and bandwidth. While Windows 11 does give users greater control over what can be uninstalled compared to past versions, annoying remnants remain—sometimes requiring forceful measures beyond the standard Settings menu.

Identifying Garbage Apps: What Should You Remove?​

Before diving into removal techniques, it helps to know what counts as “garbage” on a new Windows device. While some preinstalled software has legitimate uses, here are the most common categories of bloatware:

• Trialware: Timed demos of antivirus or productivity suites that nudge users to purchase.
• Redundant Microsoft Apps: For example, “Movies & TV” when you primarily use streaming services, or “OneDrive” when you favor another cloud provider.
• Partner Promotions: Amazon, TikTok, Candy Crush, or other apps promoted through business deals.
• OEM Utilities: Tools added by the manufacturer (like Dell or HP) under the guise of device maintenance, often superseded by Windows’ own capabilities.

Some users take a “scorched earth” approach, uninstalling everything except the Windows core. Others pick and choose, retaining basic features like Calculator and Paint, which, for many, do add functional value. Still, knowing what is safe to remove—and what requires care—is essential to avoid breaking core Windows features.

The Manual Approach: Using Native Tools​

Windows 10 and 11 empower users to eliminate many preinstalled apps via Settings.

Step-by-Step Guide:​

• Open Settings with Win + I.
• Go to the Apps section.
• Select Installed Apps (sometimes just “Apps & features”).
• Find the app you want to remove, click the three-dot menu, and choose Uninstall.

This works well for regular apps but can be frustratingly limited. Some Microsoft-branded apps, like Edge, Cortana, or certain security components, cannot be removed using this method due to system dependencies and Microsoft-imposed restrictions.

Notable Strengths of the Manual Method​

• No Additional Software Needed: Everything is handled within Windows.
• Low Risk: The interface usually won’t let you uninstall anything truly vital.
• Transparency: You see exactly what’s being removed.

Major Drawbacks​

• Limited Scope: Some preinstalled apps are “protected,” meaning the uninstall button is grayed out.
• Time Consuming: Sifting through dozens of items can take significant effort.
• Remnants and Registry Orphans: Manual uninstall sometimes leaves behind traces.

Taking It Further: Third-Party App Removal Tools​

When Windows’ own tools fall short, third-party “uninstaller” software steps up. Utilities like IOBit Uninstaller, Revo Uninstaller, and Win11Debloat have garnered significant popularity for their power and convenience. Let’s analyze each:

IOBit Uninstaller​

Widely regarded as one of the most robust solutions, IOBit Uninstaller tackles not only regular desktop apps but also those stubborn preinstalled programs Microsoft buries deep within the OS.

Key Features​

• Batch Uninstall: Select multiple apps to remove them all at once.
• Forced Uninstall: Gets rid of apps that resist removal via standard means.
• Deep Scan: Cleans up registry entries and leftover files, reducing clutter.
• Browser Plugin Cleaner: Targets unwanted browser extensions, a common bloat source.

Strengths​

• Comprehensive: Can uninstall almost anything, even some “protected” Windows apps.
• User-Friendly Interface: Clear, modern design suitable for beginners.
• Regular Updates: Keeps up with emerging threats and latest Windows changes.

Potential Risks​

• Aggressive Removal: Sometimes, overzealous cleaning can interfere with system stability—caution is advised when removing unfamiliar apps.
• Bundled Offers: Free versions sometimes bundle their own recommended apps; always opt out during installation to avoid adding further bloat.

Revo Uninstaller​

This established name in software removal is known for its precision and thoroughness. Its claim to fame is the exhaustive scan-and-remove process that leaves very little behind.

Key Features​

• Advanced Scanning: Eradicates leftover files, folders, and registry entries after uninstall.
• Hunter Mode: Drag-and-drop or point at any app window to mark it for removal.
• Portable Version: No install required; great for troubleshooting on the go.

Strengths​

• Accurate and Reliable: Its deep registry scans are well-recognized as some of the most effective on the market.
• Minimal Footprint: The portable version is lightweight and doesn’t install additional clutter.
• Versatility: Supports batch-mode uninstall and detailed logs.

Risks and Cautions​

• Learning Curve: While powerful, advanced features may overwhelm newbies—be sure of what you delete.
• Limited Free Tier: Some premium features are gated behind a paywall.

Win11Debloat​

For advanced users seeking ultimate control, Win11Debloat isn’t a traditional app but rather a scripted toolkit. Generally sourced from GitHub, these scripts automate the removal of Windows’ preinstalled apps and services at a low system level.

Key Features​

• Scripting Power: Leverages PowerShell and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) for deep cleaning.
• Customizability: Users can pick and edit scripts for personalized cleaning.
• Bulk Removal: Clears dozens of system apps in one operation.

Strengths​

• Maximal Flexibility: There are virtually no restrictions on what you can remove.
• Efficiency: Cleans a fresh Windows installation in mere minutes.

Caveats and Risks​

• No Visual Safety Nets: If you remove an essential component, recovery might be tricky.
• Scripts Vary by Source: Always verify the trustworthiness of scripters before running any code found online.
• Possible Windows Update Conflicts: Aggressively debloated systems may encounter issues with future Windows updates or features.

Bloatware Beyond Microsoft—The OEM Problem​

It’s important to note that many so-called “garbage apps” aren’t placed by Microsoft, but by the hardware manufacturer. PC brands often preinstall their own update managers, driver tools, or “experience assistants,” which range from genuinely useful to outright nuisances.

• Lenovo Vantage, Dell SupportAssist, and HP JumpStart are common examples.
• Many OEM apps auto-launch at startup, adding seconds to boot time and siphoning off memory.
• Removal varies; some can be uninstalled via Settings, while others need third-party help.

Always check with your device manufacturer’s support site to ensure you aren’t deleting vital drivers. If in doubt, back up your system or create a restore point before uninstalling OEM utilities.

Step-By-Step: Cleaning Up a New Windows PC​

To maximize both performance and security on a brand-new system, a responsible cleanup process follows these steps:

1. Audit What’s There​

• Upon first boot, look through the Start menu and Settings > Apps list.
• Make a record (screenshot or notepad document) of the preinstalled software.

2. Uninstall via Windows Settings​

• Remove obvious bloatware, such as Netflix, Candy Crush, and redundant Microsoft apps, directly from the Apps menu.

3. Use a Third-Party Uninstaller​

• Download and run a reputable tool like IOBit Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller; follow the batch-removal process.
• Always deselect offers to install toolbars or promotional add-ons.

4. Consider Advanced Debloating (Optional)​

• For technical users, review Win11Debloat scripts on trusted platforms like GitHub.
• Run these only if you’re confident in restoring or reinstalling Windows if something goes wrong.

5. Clean Up Leftovers​

• Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense to clear residual files.
• Run a registry cleaner, if desired—but note that registry cleaning has diminished importance in Windows 11 and, in rare cases, can cause harm.

6. Restart and Re-Audit​

• Reboot to ensure no critical features were removed and double-check that unwanted apps are gone.

Measuring the Impact: Is It Worth the Effort?​

Is all this effort worthwhile? For many users, the answer is a resounding yes. Numerous independent benchmarks show that decluttering Windows can:

• Speed Up Boot Times: Removing startup items cuts average boot times by up to 40%.
• Reduce Background Processes: Freeing up CPU and RAM often translates to snappier everyday performance.
• Free Up Storage: Getting rid of bloat on a new machine can reclaim anywhere from 5GB to 15GB of disk space.
• Increase Security: Fewer third-party and vendor apps mean fewer attack surfaces for malware or vulnerabilities.

However, the impact depends on initial bloat level and how methodically you strip away the junk. Overly aggressive removal (especially with debloat scripts) can have unintended side effects, from breaking updates to disabling features.

Preinstalled Apps and Future Windows Updates​

A critical and sometimes overlooked concern is how deep cleaning affects future Windows updates. Microsoft sometimes reinstalls default apps with major feature updates, which can partially reverse your hard work. Additionally, removing certain system apps can lead to update errors or prevent new features from installing correctly. This is especially pertinent when using unofficial scripts or aggressive third-party removal methods.
Best Practice: Keep third-party uninstallers up to date and always check changelogs before applying major Windows updates. Consider creating a restore point or system image before running debloat scripts, so you can recover if an update conflicts with your optimized setup.

Security Considerations and Safe Cleaning​

Removing bloatware not only improves speed and usability but can also boost your system’s security—for example, eliminating redundant “trial” antivirus software that may conflict with Windows Defender or become a source of pop-up spam. Still, users must exercise vigilance when employing aggressive cleaning tools:

• Download Only from Official Sites: Avoid sketchy mirrors; always verify digital signatures when possible.
• Beware of Fake Debloaters: Malicious actors sometimes disguise malware as “debloaters” on unofficial forums and repositories.
• Do Not Remove Critical System Apps: Elements like .NET Framework, Visual C++ Runtimes, and essential drivers must remain intact.

Alternatives to Uninstalling: Disabling and Hiding​

If you’re unsure about deleting an app, many can simply be disabled or hidden:

• Disable Startup: Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) > Startup tab to turn off apps that auto-launch on boot.
• Hide from Start: Right-click apps in the Start menu and select “Unpin from Start” or “Don’t show in this list.”

This approach allows you to keep the app in storage but out of sight and out of RAM, minimizing the risk to system stability.

Future Outlook: Is Microsoft Listening?​

Pressure from users and antitrust regulators has led Microsoft to reduce—but not eliminate—bundled apps over the years. With Windows 11, there are fewer “forced” third-party promotions than in Windows 8, and the removal process is marginally easier. However, critics argue that Microsoft still prioritizes ecosystem control over user choice by locking down removal of certain core apps.
Recent news suggests some hope for the future. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act and similar global regulations are increasing the pressure on tech giants to offer “cleaner” and more user-controlled software environments. Microsoft has already made small concessions, and more flexibility may come in subsequent updates.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Windows Experience​

The proliferation of garbage apps on new Windows PCs remains a sore spot for both newcomers and seasoned pros alike. While Microsoft frames preinstalled apps as a benefit, the real-world impact is a noisier, slower, and less secure computing experience. Fortunately, users no longer have to tolerate it. The combination of native tools, third-party uninstallers like IOBit Uninstaller and Revo Uninstaller, and advanced options such as Win11Debloat grants unprecedented control to anyone willing to put in a few minutes.
Nevertheless, the path to a truly clean system isn’t without risk. Overzealous removal, especially via third-party scripts, can break updates or core features. Always back up, proceed methodically, and double-check before confirming deletions. Ultimately, with the right knowledge and tools, you can reclaim your PC’s intended performance—and enjoy a more personal, efficient version of Windows, free from the default clutter.

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