If you’ve just installed or bought a new Windows 11 PC, chances are it came with a bunch of pre-installed apps — most of which you’ll never use. These unnecessary programs, known as bloatware, take up valuable storage space, slow down performance, and clutter your Start menu.
So, how can you get rid of them safely?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to uninstall bloatware on Windows 11 using different methods — from simple built-in tools to advanced PowerShell commands. Whether you’re a beginner or a tech enthusiast, you’ll learn exactly what to remove, what to keep, and how to make your PC faster and cleaner.
🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
| Step | Method | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uninstall from Start Menu | Removing individual apps | Easy |
| 2 | Use Settings App | Managing multiple apps | Easy |
| 3 | Use Control Panel | Older programs | Moderate |
| 4 | Use PowerShell | Pre-installed Microsoft apps | Advanced |
| 5 | Use third-party tools (like O&O AppBuster) | Bulk removal | Easy |
| 6 | Fresh Install | Starting completely clean | Advanced |
What Is Bloatware in Windows 11?
Bloatware refers to unwanted software that comes pre-installed on your computer or automatically added during Windows setup. These apps often include:
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Trial versions of antivirus software
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Manufacturer tools (like HP Support Assistant or Dell Update)
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Unnecessary Microsoft apps (e.g., Xbox, News, Weather, Candy Crush)
While some of them may be useful, most are rarely used and can slow down your system or consume background resources.
Why Should You Uninstall Bloatware?
Here are a few good reasons to remove bloatware from Windows 11:
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Improve Performance: Fewer background processes mean faster boot times and smoother multitasking.
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Free Up Storage Space: Unused apps can occupy several gigabytes.
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Reduce Clutter: A cleaner Start menu makes it easier to find what you actually use.
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Enhance Privacy: Some apps send telemetry data or show ads.
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Extend Battery Life: Less background activity equals longer battery runtime on laptops.
In short — removing bloatware helps you take full control of your PC.
How to Identify Bloatware on Windows 11
Before deleting apps, it’s important to know which ones are safe to remove.
Common Examples of Bloatware
| Category | Example Apps | Safe to Remove? |
|---|---|---|
| Trialware | McAfee, Norton, Office Trial | ✅ Yes |
| Entertainment | Spotify, TikTok, Netflix, Xbox | ✅ Usually |
| Manufacturer Apps | HP JumpStart, MyASUS, Dell SupportAssist | ✅ Often |
| Microsoft Extras | News, Weather, Mail, Calendar | ✅ Optional |
| Core Windows Tools | Microsoft Store, Photos, Settings | ❌ No |
👉 Tip: If you’re unsure about an app, Google its name before uninstalling it.
Method 1: Uninstall Bloatware from the Start Menu
This is the simplest way to remove unwanted apps — perfect for beginners.
Steps:
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Click the Start button on your taskbar.
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Find the app you want to uninstall.
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Right-click the app.
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Choose Uninstall.
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Confirm when prompted.
That’s it! The app will be removed.
✅ Best for: Built-in apps like Spotify, Xbox, or trial antivirus software.
Method 2: Uninstall Bloatware Using Windows 11 Settings
The Settings app gives you more control over installed apps.
Here’s how:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps → Installed apps.
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Scroll or search for the app you want to remove.
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Click the three dots (⋯) next to the app.
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Select Uninstall → Uninstall again to confirm.
Bonus Tip:
Use the Sort by Size filter to quickly identify large apps that take up the most space.
Method 3: Remove Traditional Programs via Control Panel
Some older programs don’t appear in the new Settings interface.
To uninstall them:
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Press Windows + R, type
control, and hit Enter. -
Select Programs → Programs and Features.
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Find the software you don’t need.
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Click Uninstall at the top.
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Follow the on-screen uninstallation wizard.
✅ Use this method for: Legacy apps or drivers installed by your PC manufacturer.
Method 4: Use PowerShell to Remove Pre-installed Microsoft Apps
If you want to remove built-in apps like Xbox, Weather, or News that don’t show the uninstall option — PowerShell is your friend.
⚠️ Warning:
Be careful. Removing essential system apps might cause issues. Always back up before proceeding.
Steps:
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Press Windows + S and type PowerShell.
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Right-click Windows PowerShell → Run as administrator.
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Type the following command to list installed apps:
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Find the app name you want to remove, then run:
For example, to remove Xbox:
Common Apps You Can Safely Remove
| App | Command Example |
|---|---|
| Xbox | `Get-AppxPackage xbox |
| Weather | `Get-AppxPackage weather |
| News | `Get-AppxPackage bingnews |
| Tips | `Get-AppxPackage getstarted |
| Groove Music | `Get-AppxPackage zunemusic |
Method 5: Remove Bloatware with Third-Party Tools
If manual removal feels tedious, you can use trusted third-party tools to automate the process.
Popular Options
| Tool | Description | Free? |
|---|---|---|
| O&O AppBuster | Safely remove or reinstall Windows apps | ✅ Yes |
| BCUninstaller (Bulk Crap Uninstaller) | Batch uninstall programs | ✅ Yes |
| Revo Uninstaller | Deep clean leftover files | ✅ Limited Free |
Example: Using O&O AppBuster
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Download O&O AppBuster (portable, no install needed).
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Run the program and let it scan your system.
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It will list all installed apps — including hidden ones.
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Select the apps you want to remove.
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Click Remove Selected.
💡 Bonus: You can also create a restore point before making changes — just in case you change your mind later.
Method 6: Disable Startup Apps to Prevent Background Bloat
Even after uninstalling apps, some remain active at startup.
To disable them:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Startup apps tab.
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Right-click unwanted apps → Disable.
This prevents them from launching every time your PC starts — improving boot time.
Method 7: Use Windows Terminal (Alternative to PowerShell)
If you prefer the new Windows Terminal, it can also run PowerShell commands to remove apps.
Steps:
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Press Windows + X → Windows Terminal (Admin).
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Run the same
Get-AppxPackagecommands as shown earlier. -
Verify and remove unnecessary built-in apps.
Method 8: Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11 (Last Resort)
If your system is overloaded with manufacturer-installed junk, the best solution might be a fresh Windows 11 installation.
Steps to Clean Install:
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Back up your important files.
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Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
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Create a bootable USB drive.
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Boot your PC from the USB drive.
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Follow the installation steps and choose Custom: Install Windows only.
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Once done, you’ll have a clean, bloat-free Windows environment.
✅ Tip: Use your Microsoft account to restore only the apps you actually need afterward.
Method 9: Reset Windows 11 While Keeping Your Files
If you don’t want a complete reinstall but still want to clean up, you can reset Windows 11 while keeping personal files.
Steps:
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Open Settings → System → Recovery.
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Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
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Choose Keep my files.
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Select Remove apps and settings → Next → Reset.
This will uninstall all bloatware while preserving your personal data.
Method 10: Prevent Bloatware from Coming Back
Even after removal, Windows updates or OEM recovery tools might reinstall apps.
Here’s how to prevent that:
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Use Local Account: Avoid Microsoft sync restoring default apps.
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Disable Microsoft Store auto-installs:
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Go to Microsoft Store → Settings → App updates → Turn off auto-update.
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Block Suggested Apps:
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Go to Settings → Personalization → Start → Turn off “Show recommendations.”
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Bloatware
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❌ Deleting essential system apps like Settings or Microsoft Store.
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❌ Using untrusted uninstallers that modify the registry.
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❌ Forgetting to create a restore point before bulk removal.
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❌ Removing OEM drivers that control hardware functions.
Always double-check before uninstalling unfamiliar software.
Performance Gains After Removing Bloatware
| Feature | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Time | ~45 seconds | ~20 seconds |
| Storage Used | 120 GB | 95 GB |
| Background Processes | 150+ | ~100 |
| Battery Life | 4 hours | 6+ hours |
These results vary by system, but most users report noticeable speed and responsiveness improvements after cleaning up.
Final Tips for a Clean Windows 11 Experience
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Keep only essential apps.
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Update drivers and system files regularly.
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Use built-in storage cleanup tools like Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense.
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Create restore points before major changes.
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Consider lightweight alternatives to heavy software.
🏁 Conclusion: Take Control of Your Windows 11 Experience
Removing bloatware from Windows 11 isn’t just about freeing up space — it’s about taking charge of your system’s performance and privacy.
Whether you prefer using the Settings app, PowerShell, or third-party tools, the key is consistency. Clean up regularly, disable startup junk, and your PC will thank you with faster speeds, smoother performance, and longer battery life.
You now know exactly how to uninstall bloatware on Windows 11 — step by step. So go ahead and declutter your device today!
❓FAQs About Uninstalling Bloatware on Windows 11
1. Is it safe to remove built-in apps on Windows 11?
Yes, most built-in apps like Xbox or Weather are safe to remove. Avoid deleting system apps like Microsoft Store, Edge, or Settings.
2. Can I reinstall apps after removing them?
Yes. Open Microsoft Store, search for the app, and click Install to bring it back.
3. What’s the difference between bloatware and malware?
Bloatware is legitimate (but unnecessary) software; malware is malicious software designed to harm your computer.
4. Will uninstalling bloatware affect Windows updates?
No. Removing apps doesn’t interfere with Windows Update or system security patches.
5. How often should I clean up bloatware?
It’s a good idea to review your installed apps every 3–6 months, especially after major Windows updates.
✅ Key Takeaway:
Uninstalling bloatware on Windows 11 can drastically improve performance, save storage, and make your PC truly yours. Follow the step-by-step methods in this guide — and enjoy a faster, cleaner, and more efficient Windows experience.