If you’ve recently installed or bought a Windows 11 PC, chances are it came loaded with unnecessary apps and pre-installed software — often called bloatware. These programs take up valuable storage, slow down performance, and sometimes even run in the background, eating up your system resources.
The good news? You can easily get rid of all that clutter. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to remove all bloatware from Windows 11 step by step — using multiple safe and effective methods.
Whether you’re a beginner or a power user, by the end of this guide, your PC will be cleaner, faster, and more efficient.
What Is Bloatware in Windows 11?
Bloatware refers to pre-installed applications that come with Windows or your PC manufacturer (like Dell, HP, or Lenovo).
These apps often include things like trial antivirus software, redundant utilities, or games you never asked for.
Common examples include:
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Xbox Game Bar
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Microsoft News
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Spotify
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TikTok or Instagram app shortcuts
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OEM tools like “Dell SupportAssist” or “HP JumpStart”
While some of these apps may be useful, most users prefer a clean, lightweight system — free from unnecessary clutter.
💡 2. Why You Should Remove Bloatware
Still wondering whether it’s worth the effort? Here’s why removing bloatware from Windows 11 is a smart move:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧠 Improved Performance | Frees up CPU and RAM resources by stopping unwanted background tasks. |
| 💾 More Storage Space | Reclaims gigabytes of disk space by removing unnecessary software. |
| ⚡ Faster Boot Time | Reduces startup delays caused by background apps. |
| 🔒 Better Privacy | Some pre-installed apps collect data — removing them limits tracking. |
| 🧹 Cleaner Interface | A minimal, distraction-free Windows experience. |
🔍 3. Types of Bloatware on Windows 11
Bloatware usually falls into one of these categories:
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Manufacturer Bloatware – Apps added by your PC brand (HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.).
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Microsoft Bloatware – Default Windows apps like Xbox, Weather, or Solitaire.
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Third-Party Trial Software – Trial versions of antivirus or office suites.
🧾 4. How to Check Installed Bloatware
Before you start removing apps, it’s helpful to see what’s installed on your system.
Option 1: Using Windows Settings
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps → Installed Apps.
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Browse the list to spot unwanted apps.
Option 2: Using PowerShell
Run this command in PowerShell (Admin):
This displays all built-in and installed packages on your system.
⚙️ 5. Method 1: Remove Bloatware from Settings
The easiest way to uninstall bloatware is through the Windows 11 Settings app.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps → Installed Apps.
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Scroll through the list or use the search bar.
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Click the three dots (⋯) next to the app you want to remove.
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Choose Uninstall → Confirm.
✅ Tip:
This method works best for normal apps like Spotify, Disney+, or OEM utilities.
💻 6. Method 2: Uninstall Pre-installed Apps via PowerShell
Some built-in Windows apps (like Xbox or Microsoft News) can’t be removed through Settings — but PowerShell can do the trick.
Steps:
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Click Start, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator.
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Run the following commands to remove specific apps:
| App | PowerShell Command |
|---|---|
| Xbox | `Get-AppxPackage xbox |
| News | `Get-AppxPackage bingnews |
| Weather | `Get-AppxPackage bingweather |
| Camera | `Get-AppxPackage camera |
| Photos | `Get-AppxPackage photos |
| OneNote | `Get-AppxPackage onenote |
Remove All Bloatware at Once:
⚠️ Warning:
This command removes all built-in apps, including Microsoft Store — use it carefully.
🧠 7. Method 3: Use Winget to Remove Multiple Apps at Once
Winget (Windows Package Manager) is a powerful command-line tool that makes uninstalling and installing software faster.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal.
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Type this command to list installed apps:
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To uninstall an app, use:
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For batch removal, you can use:
Pro Tip:
Create a .txt file listing all unwanted apps, then run:
🧰 8. Method 4: Use Third-Party Bloatware Removal Tools
If you’re not comfortable using commands, GUI-based tools can simplify the process.
Best Tools to Remove Bloatware:
| Tool | Features |
|---|---|
| O&O AppBuster | Free, safe, lists all Microsoft Store apps. |
| Revo Uninstaller | Deep uninstalls leftover files and registry entries. |
| Bloatbox | Portable, designed for Windows 10/11. |
| Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller) | Detects hidden apps, batch uninstall support. |
Steps (Example: O&O AppBuster):
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Download O&O AppBuster from the official site.
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Launch the tool (no installation needed).
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Check boxes for the apps you want to remove.
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Click Remove Selected Apps.
🧱 9. Method 5: Create a Custom Windows Image (Advanced Users)
For power users, creating a custom Windows ISO lets you install Windows without any bundled bloatware.
Tools Needed:
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NTLite or MSMG Toolkit
Steps (with NTLite):
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Download your official Windows 11 ISO.
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Open it in NTLite.
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Navigate to the Components tab.
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Deselect the apps and services you don’t need.
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Build and save the ISO.
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Install Windows using your custom image.
Result: A clean, lightweight Windows 11 installation with zero bloatware.
🔄 10. How to Reinstall Removed Apps (If Needed)
If you accidentally delete a useful app, you can restore it using PowerShell.
Command:
Or reinstall a specific app from Microsoft Store manually.
🚫 11. How to Disable Unwanted Startup Apps
Even after removing bloatware, some background apps may still slow your PC.
Steps:
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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 any unnecessary app and select Disable.
✅ This improves boot time and overall performance.
🧹 12. Tips to Keep Your PC Bloatware-Free
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Always choose custom installation when setting up new software.
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Avoid downloading apps from unknown sources.
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Use Windows Store or trusted vendors only.
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Regularly review installed apps in Settings.
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Create a restore point before major cleanups.
🧯 13. What to Do If You Accidentally Remove a System App
Don’t panic!
You can:
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Reinstall from Microsoft Store.
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Run the PowerShell reinstall command shown earlier.
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Or use System Restore to revert changes.
⚖️ 14. Pros and Cons of Removing Bloatware
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faster and cleaner PC | Some features may stop working if you remove core apps |
| More storage space | Time-consuming if done manually |
| Improved privacy | May require reinstall if you remove critical components |
🧭 15. Final Thoughts
Removing bloatware from Windows 11 is one of the best ways to reclaim your PC’s full potential. Whether you prefer using Settings, PowerShell, or third-party tools, every method helps streamline your computer and boost speed.
A clutter-free PC isn’t just about performance — it’s about control. You decide what stays and what goes.
So take a few minutes to clean up your system today — your PC (and your productivity) will thank you.
🧾 Key Takeaways
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Bloatware slows down your PC and consumes storage.
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Use PowerShell or O&O AppBuster for complete cleanup.
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Keep your system bloat-free by reviewing installed apps regularly.
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Always back up before removing system apps.
❓ FAQs about Removing Bloatware from Windows 11
1. Is it safe to remove built-in Windows apps?
Yes, but be cautious. Removing essential system apps like Microsoft Store can cause issues. Always back up your system first.
2. Can I reinstall apps I remove?
Absolutely. You can reinstall most apps from the Microsoft Store or using PowerShell commands.
3. Will removing bloatware speed up my PC?
Yes — removing unnecessary apps frees up RAM, CPU, and disk space, improving responsiveness.
4. What’s the best tool to remove bloatware automatically?
O&O AppBuster and Revo Uninstaller are the most reliable for beginners.
5. Does Windows 11 Pro have less bloatware than Home?
Generally, yes. Windows 11 Pro includes fewer pre-installed consumer apps, but you’ll still find some default Microsoft ones.
✅ In Summary:
Removing bloatware from Windows 11 is like giving your PC a deep clean. Whether you use PowerShell, Winget, or an app like AppBuster, the goal is the same — a faster, cleaner, and more efficient system tailored to you.