Remove Windows 11 bloatware safely, free up disk space, and speed up your PC. Learn how to find and remove preinstalled apps and junk software from Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11 comes with a wide range of built-in and third-party apps that most users never actively use. These programs often run in the background, consume system resources, and occupy valuable storage space on the system drive. Many users notice their PCs are running slowly and start wondering: Is there a way to remove bloatware from Windows 11 safely? (from Microsoft Learn)
In this guide, you'll learn how to find and remove bloatware from Windows 11 and Windows 10, understand which apps are safe to uninstall, and avoid common mistakes that could affect system stability. See more discussion about how users think of Windows bloatware on Reddit:
| Windows 11; what do people consider "bloatware"? And why do so many choose to disable Copilot? - r/WindowsHelp |
| Windows 11 has so much bloat, and it makes my computer, which would normally be a pretty confident computer, work as well as a $600 Acer laptop. Any advice on removing unneeded software/bloat from Windows 11 - r/WindowsHelp |
| I really need a list of bloatware I can uninstall. I just built a pc and I am trying to delete bloatware to get some storage. I can't find anything about bloatware, so if someone could please help me, that would be greatly appreciated. - r/Windows 11 |
What does "bloatware" mean on Windows? Windows 11 bloatware refers to preinstalled applications and background components that are not essential to the operating system and provide little or no value to most users. These apps are often installed by default during Windows setup or added later through system updates and OEM customization.
While some preinstalled apps are harmless, many fall into the category of Windows 11 junk or crapware software that runs quietly in the background, auto-starts with Windows, or takes up storage without being actively used.
Bloatware is not always installed intentionally by the user. It typically comes from: default Windows installation packages, OEM custom Windows images, feature updates that reintroduce suggested apps, Microsoft Store auto-install recommendations, etc. Windows bloatware generally falls into several categories:
1️⃣. Microsoft Preinstalled Apps
Examples include Xbox-related apps, Mixed Reality Portal, Skype, or preloaded productivity tools that many users never open. These apps are common entries in a typical Windows 11 bloatware list.
2️⃣. OEM Manufacturer Software
PC brands such as Dell, HP, or Lenovo often add their own utilities, trial antivirus software, or system monitoring tools. These programs frequently overlap with built-in Windows features.
3️⃣. Promotional and Suggested Apps
Games, streaming app shortcuts, and sponsored software may appear after system updates. These apps are often mistaken for system components but can usually be removed.
4️⃣. Background Services and Auto-Start Apps
Some bloatware is not obvious because it runs in the background, consuming memory and CPU resources and contributing to performance slowdowns. Share this post to help more if you find it helpful.
Before you get rid of bloatware on Windows 11/10, it's important to identify which apps are truly unnecessary and which are required for system stability. You can locate most Windows 11 bloatware in the following places:
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These areas help you quickly find bloatware on Windows 11 without installing additional tools. You can learn more in this Microsoft Learn guide on how to identify bloatware on Windows.
Depending on your region and PC manufacturer, common examples may include:
Not all of these are harmful, but keeping unused apps installed can gradually affect system responsiveness. Tools and scripts that claim to remove "pre-installed software" are often overly aggressive and may remove essential Windows features. Therefore, the solution lies in maximizing your disk space, removing junk files, or uninstalling unwanted software. You can see more discussion from the Reddit post below.
Is it really necessary to debloat windows 11? And why do Youtubers always say that you get the best performance or better privacy by debloating windows 11?
byu/AfraidSoul inWindows11
Windows bloatware and junk files can quickly eat up disk space and slow down your computer. EaseUS Partition Master makes it easy to reclaim storage by optimizing partitions, migrating files, uninstalling unwanted software, and cleaning unnecessary data. Analyzing disk space usage and removing hidden caches, temporary logs, old installation files, and duplicate content helps boost system performance and keep your PC running fast and efficiently.
🔖If you want to extend the C drive using nearby unallocated space, select Option 1.
🔖To free up space by moving data to another partition or drive, Option 2 is a more suitable choice.
🔖If your C drive is out of space, Option 3 provides the best solution to resolve the issue.
Key features of EaseUS Partition Master:
🚩Option 1. Extend system C drive with Unallocated space
Extend System C drive with unallocated space
🚩Option 2. Migrate Data to another drive
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, navigate to "Partition Manager," right click the C drive, and select "Data Migration."
Step 2. Select the data you want to migrate and click "Next" to continue.
Step 3. Select a target partition to migrate and click "Start" to execute the task.
Step 4. After the migration, the available space on the C drive will be increased.
🚩Option 3. Clean up junk files
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master > click More > select CleanGenius.
Step 2. Click Scan > you'll see all the detected junk files and invalid entries.
Step 3. Click Clean to remove your unwanted or unnecessary files.
Uninstalling pre-installed software is the most common way to remove Windows 11 bloatware, but it carries certain risks. Removing built-in apps may cause system instability, break essential features, or lead to update issues. Some apps are also difficult to restore after deletion.
In addition, uninstalling bloatware alone may not noticeably improve performance if the system drive is still low on space. If you understand the risks and still want to remove Windows 11 bloatware, keep reading to learn effective removal methods.
Local Group Policy is a powerful method to remove Windows 11 bloatware and manage Windows 11 crapware. It allows users to review their Windows 11 bloatware list, disable Windows 11 junk apps, and safely remove bloatware. This approach helps speed up computer performance and improve responsiveness.
Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run box > type gpedit.msc in the box > click OK or press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content > double-click Turn off cloud optimized content > policy setting.
Step 3. In the Turn off cloud optimized content window, select Enabled > click OK.
Step 4. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer > click C drive > go to Users/admin/AppData/Local/Packages > locate the Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy.
Step 5. Find the LocalState folder > right-click on it > Delete it.
Step 6. After that, restart Windows.
If you want to speed up Windows 11, removing unnecessary built-in apps is an effective solution. Many users are affected by Windows 11 crapware and hidden background processes, which raises the question: Is there a way to remove the bloatware from Windows 11 safely? Using PowerShell, you can easily find and remove bloatware from Windows 11, clear out Windows 11 junk, follow a simple Windows 11 bloatware list, and ultimately stop your computer from slowing down.
Step 1. Type powershell in the search bar > click Run as administrator to open it.
Step 2. To view all installed apps, type Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName in the window.
Step 3. To remove common Windows 11 bloatware, type the following command lines in order.
Step 4. To fully get rid of bloatware on Windows 11, type Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage.
Step 5. To prevent reinstallation, type the following command lines.
Windows Settings is a built-in method to find and remove bloatware from Windows 11. More precisely, it allows users to review the Windows 11 bloatware list, uninstall Windows 11 crapware, and get rid of bloatware on Windows 11 safely. Please refer to the following steps.
Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings > select Apps > click Apps & features.
Step 2. After showing the app list, right-click on your unwanted application > select Uninstall.
Microsoft Store helps users find and remove bloatware from Windows 11 by reviewing the Windows 11 bloatware list and uninstalling Windows 11 crapware. This method makes it easier to remove bloatware on Windows 11, reduce Windows 11 junk, speed up Windows 11, and prevent the computer from slowing down.
▶️Please type Microsoft Store in the search bar > click it to open it > scroll down to find Library > locate the app you intend to remove > right-click on it > choose Uninstall.
Is there another easy way to remove Windows 11 bloatware? Sure, File Explorer allows users to find and remove bloatware from Windows 11 by locating Windows 11 junk files and leftover folders. This method removes leftover files and folders after apps are uninstalled, freeing up storage space and improving system performance. Please note that these steps follow a process similar to removing apps in Windows Settings.
Control Panel helps users find and remove bloatware from Windows 11 by reviewing the Windows 11 bloatware list and uninstalling Windows 11 crapware through Programs and Features. This method makes it easier to remove bloatware, reduce Windows 11 junk, and stop computer from slowing down.
Step 1. Type Control Panel in the search bar > open it > click Uninstall a program under Programs.
Step 2. In the Programs and Features window, right-click on your unwanted app > select Uninstall.
Bloatware is annoying when it slows down computer performance. You can stop bloatware before it starts. Windows 11 can reinstall unwanted apps during updates or system resets. The following methods help prevent installing bloatware.
Windows 11 may install suggested or promoted apps in the background without clear notice. These apps often appear after updates and contribute to Windows bloatware high CPU usage over time. There are steps to disable automatic app installation via the Registry.
Step 1. Press Windows + R, type "regedit," and press Enter.
Step 2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager.
Step 3. Modify the "SilentInstalledAppsEnabled" DWORD value to 0.
Extra - How to customize Windows permissions.
Step 1. Open "Settings" on your computer.
Step 2. Go to "Privacy & security."
Step 3. Select "General."
Step 4. Turn off "Let apps show me personalized ads."
Step 5. Turn off "Show me suggested content in the Settings app."
Step 6. Disable "Show suggested apps" if available.
The Microsoft Store can automatically download or update apps that you may not use. Over time, this can add Windows 11 bloatware and consume disk space. Here is how to control Microsoft Store app downloads.
Step 1. Open Microsoft Store.
Step 2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Step 3. Select "Settings."
Step 4. Turn off "App updates."
Step 5. Review installed apps under Library and remove unused ones.
Many new PCs come with OEM trial software preinstalled by the manufacturer. These programs often run background services and slow down Windows. Common examples include antivirus trials, backup utilities, and media tools. If you want to avoid OEM trial software, please follow:
Step 1. When setting up a new PC, choose "Custom setup" whenever possible.
Step 2. Review all preinstalled apps after the first login.
Step 3. Uninstall trial software you do not plan to use.
Step 4. Download only the software you actually need from official sources.
Some apps continue running in the background even when they are not actively used. This behavior can increase CPU usage and slow down system performance. To prevent bloatware from running in the background, follow the steps:
Step 1. Open Settings.
Step 2. Go to Apps.
Step 3. Select "Installed apps."
Step 4. Choose an app and open "Advanced options."
Step 5. Set "Background app permissions" to Never.
Removing bloatware is only part of keeping Windows fast. Basic system maintenance helps prevent slowdowns over time and keeps performance stable during daily use. There are some tips to keep Windows running smoothly and improve PC performance.
Disk Cleanup helps remove system cache, update leftovers, and temporary files that build up over time. Running it regularly can free up disk space and reduce background disk activity. This is a simple way to prevent Windows from slowing down.
Too many startup programs can slow down boot time and increase background CPU usage. Disabling apps you do not need at startup helps Windows load faster and run more efficiently during daily use.
The system drive directly affects how Windows performs. When it becomes too full or poorly organized, system operations take longer. Keeping it properly sized and maintained helps Windows respond faster and remain stable.
See also:
Disk issues can affect performance before obvious errors appear. Monitoring disk health allows you to detect potential problems early, especially on older drives. This helps avoid sudden slowdowns or data loss. You can use EaseUS Partition Manager to check disk health. EaseUS Partition Master excels at disk health monitoring with advanced S.M.A.R.T. checks.
Temporary files are created by apps, browsers, and system processes. These files are often forgotten but can grow quickly. Cleaning them regularly helps maintain stable performance and reduces unnecessary disk usage.
Windows works best when the C drive has enough free space. Keeping at least 15–20% free space allows the system to handle updates, virtual memory, and background tasks efficiently. A nearly full C drive can lead to slow response times and update failures.
Share these tips to help more users boost PC performance.
Windows bloatware is a common issue in Windows 11 and Windows 10. It may cause high CPU usage, slow performance, and low disk space. You can remove bloatware from Windows 11 using multiple methods. These methods include Windows Settings, PowerShell, Control Panel, and Microsoft Store.
After you remove bloatware on the computer, you may notice that the system feels more responsive. But optimization should not stop there. It is recommended to boost PC performance with EaseUS Partition Master. This reliable tool helps delete hidden junk, resize the system, and monitor disk health.
1. What Windows apps should not be removed?
Some Windows apps should not be removed. They are essential for system stability and security. Core components are required for normal operation, such as Microsoft Store, Windows Security, device drivers, and background system services.
2. Is it safe to uninstall preinstalled apps from Windows 11?
Uninstalling preinstalled apps from Windows 11 is generally safe. Games, trial software, third-party tools, and promotional apps can usually be removed without risk. However, removing core Windows components may lead to system instability.
3. Does removing bloatware improve Windows performance?
Yes, removing bloatware often improves Windows performance. Many preinstalled apps run background processes that consume CPU, memory, and disk resources. After removing Windows 11 bloatware, users may notice faster startup times, lower CPU usage, more available storage space, and smoother overall performance.
4. Can I reinstall removed Windows apps later?
In most cases, removed Windows apps can be reinstalled. Many apps are available again through the Microsoft Store or can be restored using PowerShell commands. Some system apps may also return after a major Windows update or system reset.
5. Why is my C drive still full after uninstalling bloatware?
Uninstalling bloatware does not always free up much space on the C drive. Windows updates, temporary files, system restore points, cached data, and user files can still occupy significant storage. In addition, hidden system files may consume space. Running Disk Cleanup and reviewing storage usage can help identify the real cause.
6. Is third-party software safe for removing Windows bloatware?
Some third-party tools are safe and effective, but others may pose risks. Reliable software from reputable developers usually provides clear warnings and restore options. Unknown tools may remove critical system components or bring unwanted software. Please refer to genuine reviews when selecting these programs.
7. Does removing bloatware void my PC warranty?
Removing bloatware usually does not void a PC warranty. It does not affect hardware components. Software changes, such as uninstalling apps, are considered normal user actions. However, modifying system files, firmware, or BIOS settings may impact warranty coverage.
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