Remove Bloatware on Windows 11/10

When you buy a new Windows PC or install Windows 11 or Windows 10, you may notice that several apps are already installed. Some of these apps can be useful, while others may be programs you never use. These unwanted or unnecessary applications are commonly called bloatware.

Bloatware can take up valuable storage space, appear in the Start menu, run background processes, send notifications, or launch automatically when Windows starts. Not every preinstalled application is harmful, but removing apps you do not need can make your PC easier to manage.

The good news is that you do not need complicated software to remove most bloatware. Windows provides several ways to uninstall unwanted applications safely.

In this guide, you will learn how to remove bloatware on Windows 11 and Windows 10, including Microsoft Store apps, traditional desktop programs, startup applications, and stubborn software that does not uninstall normally.

Remove Bloatware on Windows 11/10 [Complete Guide]

Before removing anything, remember that some Windows applications are connected to important system features. 

Avoid deleting an app simply because you do not recognize its name. If you are unsure about a program, research what it does before uninstalling it.

Step 1: Review the Apps Installed on Your PC

The first step is to identify which applications are actually installed on your computer. This gives you an opportunity to separate useful programs from applications you no longer need.

On Windows 11, open Settings by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard. Select Apps from the left side and then choose Installed apps.

You will see a list of applications installed on your computer. Windows also displays information such as the application’s name, installation date, and approximate size.

On Windows 10, open Settings, select Apps, and then select Apps & features.

Take some time to review the list. Look for applications that you installed but no longer use, trial software, manufacturer utilities you do not need, games you never play, and other programs that you know are unnecessary.

Do not rush this step. Identifying bloatware correctly is more important than removing as many applications as possible.

Step 2: Uninstall Unwanted Apps from Settings

Windows provides the easiest method for removing most applications through Settings.

In Windows 11, return to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find the application you want to remove. You can use the search box to locate it quickly.

Click the three-dot menu next to the application and select Uninstall. Windows may display another confirmation message. Select Uninstall again if prompted.

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Select the unwanted application and choose Uninstall.

Follow the application’s uninstall wizard if one appears. Some traditional desktop applications use their own uninstall program, so you may see several additional screens.

After the process finishes, check the installed-app list again to make sure the application has been removed.

Step 3: Remove Unwanted Microsoft Store Apps

Some bloatware comes in the form of Microsoft Store apps. These applications are generally easy to remove.

Open the Start menu and locate the application you no longer want. You can also search for its name using Windows Search.

Right-click the application and select Uninstall if the option is available. Confirm the removal when Windows asks you to do so.

You can also remove these applications through Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.

Keep in mind that certain Windows components cannot be removed through the normal uninstall option. If Windows does not provide an uninstall option, do not force the removal without understanding what the component does.

Step 4: Remove Manufacturer Bloatware

New computers often include applications installed by the PC manufacturer. These may include promotional software, trial applications, support utilities, update tools, diagnostic programs, and branded applications.

Some manufacturer utilities are genuinely useful. For example, a utility might control hardware settings, manage drivers, or provide firmware updates.

Before uninstalling manufacturer software, check its description and purpose. If the program controls an important feature such as Wi-Fi, audio, graphics, keyboard functions, or system firmware, it may be better to keep it.

However, if you find a trial application or promotional program that you never use, you can usually uninstall it through Settings > Apps.

This is one of the safest ways to reduce unnecessary software on a new Windows computer.

Step 5: Remove Unnecessary Startup Apps

Some applications may not seem like bloatware because they are not constantly visible. However, they may automatically start when you turn on your PC.

Too many startup applications can increase the time Windows takes to become fully usable and consume memory in the background.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. If Task Manager opens in its simplified view, select More details.

On Windows 11, select Startup apps from the left side. On Windows 10, select the Startup tab.

Review the programs listed there. Look at the Startup impact column to see which applications may have a noticeable effect on startup.

If you recognize an application that you do not need to launch automatically, select it and choose Disable.

Disabling a startup application does not uninstall it. It simply prevents the application from automatically launching with Windows. You can still open the program manually whenever you need it.

Step 6: Remove Programs Through Control Panel

Some older desktop programs may not appear in the way you expect in the modern Settings interface. For these applications, the traditional Control Panel can still be useful.

Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.

The Programs and Features window will open. Look through the installed programs and identify software you no longer need.

Select an unwanted program and click Uninstall near the top of the window. Follow the instructions provided by the application’s uninstall wizard.

Be careful when using this list. Many entries are system components, drivers, runtime packages, or software required by other applications. Do not remove something simply because its name looks unfamiliar.

Step 7: Remove Unused Gaming and Promotional Apps

Windows PCs can sometimes contain games, entertainment applications, promotional programs, or trial software that you never use.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and search for applications you recognize as unnecessary.

If you do not use a particular game or entertainment application, select its three-dot menu and choose Uninstall.

Removing unused large applications can also recover a significant amount of storage space, especially when the program includes large game files or downloaded content.

Remember that removing an application does not necessarily remove personal files created by that application. Check the program’s documentation first if you need to preserve saved games, projects, downloads, or other data.

Step 8: Use Windows Terminal Carefully for Stubborn Apps

Some Microsoft Store applications may not provide a normal uninstall option. Advanced users can use Windows Terminal or PowerShell to manage certain applications.

Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin), depending on your Windows configuration.

PowerShell commands can remove applications that are difficult to uninstall through Settings. However, this method requires considerably more care because removing the wrong package can affect Windows features.

For beginners, it is better to use Settings or Control Panel whenever possible. Use PowerShell only when you know exactly which package you are removing and what that package does.

Never copy random debloating commands from the internet and run them blindly. Some aggressive scripts can remove Windows components that you may later need.

Step 9: Restart Your PC

After removing several unwanted applications, restart Windows.

A restart allows Windows to finish uninstall operations, release resources, and reload system services without the removed programs.

Once your computer starts again, check the Start menu and the installed apps list. Confirm that the applications you removed are no longer present.

You may also notice fewer notifications, fewer background processes, or more available storage.

Step 10: Keep Your PC Clean Going Forward

Removing bloatware once is useful, but preventing unnecessary software from accumulating is even better.

When installing a new application, pay attention to the installation screens. Some installers may offer additional software, browser extensions, or optional utilities.

Choose Custom, Advanced, or similar installation options when available so you can review what will be installed.

Regularly review Settings > Apps > Installed apps and uninstall programs you no longer use. Also review Startup apps from Task Manager occasionally.

A simple cleanup routine can help keep Windows organized without relying on aggressive debloating tools.

FAQs

What is bloatware in Windows?

Bloatware generally refers to unnecessary or unwanted software that comes preinstalled with Windows or a computer. It may include trial applications, promotional programs, manufacturer software, games, or apps you simply do not use.

Is it safe to remove bloatware from Windows 11?

Yes, removing applications that you clearly recognize as unnecessary is generally safe. However, you should avoid removing Windows system components, drivers, security features, or hardware utilities unless you know exactly what they do.

Does removing bloatware make Windows faster?

It can help, particularly when unwanted applications run background processes or automatically start with Windows. The improvement depends on how much unnecessary software was installed and how powerful your computer is.

Can I remove Microsoft apps from Windows?

Some Microsoft applications can be uninstalled normally, while others are closely integrated with Windows and may not offer an uninstall option. If Windows does not allow an application to be removed normally, it is usually best to leave it alone unless you understand the consequences of removing it.

Should I use a debloat tool for Windows 11?

You do not need a third-party Windows debloat tool to remove ordinary bloatware. The built-in Settings, Control Panel, and Task Manager provide enough control for most users. Third-party scripts can be powerful, but an overly aggressive cleanup can remove components you later discover you need.

Does disabling a startup app uninstall it?

No. Disabling a startup app only prevents it from automatically launching when Windows starts. The application remains installed and can still be opened manually.

Will removing bloatware delete my personal files?

Normally, uninstalling an application does not delete unrelated personal files. However, an application’s own uninstall process may remove associated data. If you have important documents, projects, saved games, or other files stored inside the application’s folders, back them up before uninstalling.

Summary

Removing bloatware from Windows 11 and Windows 10 does not have to be complicated. Start by reviewing your installed applications and identifying programs you genuinely do not need. Use Settings to uninstall modern applications and Control Panel for older desktop programs.

You can also reduce unnecessary background activity by reviewing Startup apps in Task Manager. Manufacturer software and Windows components require extra caution because some utilities are responsible for important hardware or operating-system functions.

For most users, the safest approach is simple: remove only software you recognize, avoid aggressive debloating scripts, and keep important Windows components intact. 

With a little regular maintenance, you can keep your Windows PC cleaner, more organized, and easier to manage.