If your Windows 11 PC feels sluggish or cluttered, unwanted preinstalled apps—aka bloatware—may be bogging it down. Let’s clean that up. In this guide, you’ll learn what bloatware is, why removing it helps, and how to safely delete it using both basic and advanced tools.
What Is Bloatware?
“Bloatware” refers to software that comes preinstalled on a new computer—often by the manufacturer or Microsoft—and which many users don’t use. It might include trial versions, promotional apps, extra version of utilities, games, or tools that you never asked for.
Synonyms include crapware, preloaded apps, OEM apps, unwanted software.
2. Why Remove Bloatware on Windows 11?
Removing bloatware can:
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Free up disk space
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Reduce memory (RAM) and CPU usage
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Decrease startup times
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Improve overall system performance
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Reduce clutter—fewer icons, fewer background apps
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Improve privacy (some apps collect usage data)
So yes—it’s worth it to clean up.
3. Things to Consider Before Removing Apps
Before you go on an uninstalling spree, keep these in mind:
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Create a restore point so you can roll back if something breaks.
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Some apps are deeply integrated; removing them might cause loss of features.
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Updates may reinstall certain apps.
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Administrative permissions are required for many operations.
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Always double-check: what you think is bloatware might actually be useful.
4. Method 1: Remove via Settings → Installed Apps
This is the safest, most user-friendly way to remove unwanted apps that aren’t system-critical.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps → Installed apps (or “Apps & Features”).
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Scroll through the list (or use the search bar) to find the app you want to uninstall.
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Click the three dots (…) next to the app.
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Choose Uninstall.
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Follow the prompts. Sometimes there’s a wizard; sometimes Windows handles it directly.
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Repeat for other apps.
This works well for the majority of non-system apps.
5. Method 2: Uninstall from Start Menu
A quick way for apps you notice in your Start menu:
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Open Start.
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Click All apps (to view everything).
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Find the app you want to remove.
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Right-click the app.
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Select Uninstall.
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Confirm when prompted.
This is especially handy if you see an app in Start you know you don’t use.
6. Method 3: Use Control Panel / Programs & Features
Some older desktop applications installed by OEMs or added apps show up in the classic Programs & Features area.
Steps:
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Search for Control Panel and open it.
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Go to Programs → Programs and Features.
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Look through the installed programs list.
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Select the one you want to remove.
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Click Uninstall (or right-click and Uninstall).
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Follow on-screen prompts.
This can remove things that aren’t listed in “Installed Apps” under Settings.
7. Method 4: Remove with PowerShell
When apps are more stubborn (built-in apps, apps for all users, or apps not showing up in normal uninstall locations), PowerShell (run as Administrator) is very useful.
Step-by-Step:
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Open the Start menu, type PowerShell, right-click and choose Run as administrator.
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To see a list of all apps installed per user, type:
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To see apps installed for all users, use:
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Find the app you want to remove by matching its Name or PackageFullName.
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Run a command like:
or for all users:
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If an app is provisioned (meaning Windows will reinstall it for new user accounts), also remove the provisioned package:
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Restart the PC to ensure removal is complete.
PowerShell is powerful—if you remove something you actually need, it can cause issues. So proceed with caution.
8. Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools & Scripts
If you have many apps to remove, or want more automation, third-party utilities and community tools help.
Some examples:
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Tools with GUI/uninstall lists (allowing batch removal)
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Scripts that remove a curated list of bloatware
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“Debloat scripts” or utilities designed for cleaning up OEM additions
When using third-party tools:
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Download from reputable sources.
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Read what each tool does before running it (some remove system features).
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Make sure the tool supports Windows 11.
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Back up or create a restore point first.
9. Advanced: Preventing Reinstallation of Bloatware
After you remove apps, they might come back via Windows Updates or OEM software. Here’s how to reduce chances:
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Use commands (PowerShell or DISM) to remove provisioned packages (packages that Windows associates with new user profiles).
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Disable or tweak OEM software auto-installs and “promotional” apps if you have vendor-specific utilities.
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During Windows setup (first boot), decline optional apps or skip installing optional components.
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Use Group Policy (if available) to disable features like “suggested apps”, “consumer experiences”, or “app recommendations” so your system doesn’t try to reintroduce unwanted apps.
10. Advanced: DISM & Provisioned Packages
For very deep removal (especially for OEM or Microsoft apps that are provisioned), use DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management).
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator or PowerShell as admin.
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List provisioned app packages:
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Remove the specific provisioned package:
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After removal, restart your computer.
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For new user accounts, the app should no longer be automatically installed.
Using DISM is more technical. Be especially cautious about what you remove—mistakes here can affect Windows components.
11. What Not to Remove: Essential System Apps to Leave Alone
To keep your system stable, avoid removing:
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Windows Store (if you use it)
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Essential system frameworks and runtime components
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Windows Shell components (for example, Start Menu, Taskbar experience)
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Security tools like Windows Security / Defender (unless you have an alternative)
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Drivers or hardware utilities critical for your machine
If you’re not sure what an app does, leave it or research first.
12. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some problems people run into—and what to do:
| Problem | What Happens | How to Fix / Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Uninstall grayed out | You can’t click Uninstall in Settings or Start | Use PowerShell as administrator; remove provisioned packages; or use third-party tool |
| App comes back after update | Microsoft/OEM reinstalls it | Remove provisioned version; disable “consumer experiences” or suggested apps policies |
| Loss of functionality | Removed something essential | Restore via PowerShell or system restore; reinstall app via Microsoft Store or DISM |
| Errors in PowerShell / DISM | Commands fail, user lacks permission, wrong package names | Run as admin; double check package names; search for correct “PackageFullName” |
13. Best Practices for a Clean, Fast System
To keep your Windows 11 system lean and more performant:
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Only keep apps you use regularly
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Periodically review installed programs and remove unused ones
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Use minimal, trusted startup apps
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Keep Windows updated (security patches are important)
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Use lightweight alternatives for tools (if many OEM apps are heavy)
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Keep a backup / system image or restore point before making big changes
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Use disk cleanup tools and manage storage settings
14. Conclusion
Deleting bloatware on Windows 11 is absolutely doable—even if you’re not a power user. Start with the basic methods in Settings and Start menu. When needed, move to PowerShell, DISM, or curated third-party tools. Always proceed carefully. Removing the right apps can free space, improve speed, and make your PC feel like it’s yours, not someone else’s.
Go ahead: start with one app or two—see how it feels—and build confidence.
15. FAQs
Q1. Can I restore a preinstalled app after I delete it?
Yes. You can reinstall many apps from the Microsoft Store, or restore system apps using PowerShell or by installing from Windows’ default package if available.
Q2. Is it safe to remove all built-in Microsoft apps?
Not always. Some are integral to system stability, security, or usability. Removing them could break features like notifications, Store, or even system updates. Always research the app first.
Q3. Will Windows Update reinstall bloatware I already removed?
Sometimes yes—if the app was provisioned or tied to OEM settings or promotional content. Removing provisioned packages and disabling relevant policies can help prevent that.
Q4. What about using “debloat scripts” or tools downloaded from the internet?
They can be helpful, especially for batch removal, but also risky. Always get tools from trusted sources, check what they do, and back up first. Remove only what you understand.
Q5. Can removing bloatware improve battery life?
Yes. Fewer background apps and less unnecessary software means less CPU and disk work, which can help with battery usage, especially on laptops.
16. Summary / Key Takeaways
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Bloatware = preinstalled, often unused apps that use resources.
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Use Settings > Installed Apps, Start Menu, or Control Panel for simpler uninstall tasks.
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For stubborn or system apps, use PowerShell (and run as admin), remove provisioned packages, or use DISM.
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Be careful not to remove essential system components.
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Employ tools or scripts only after verifying their trustworthiness.
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Make backups or restore points before making major changes.