Removing bloatware from Windows 11 can actually make a noticeable difference. If your PC feels sluggish right out of the box or if storage is filling up faster than expected, chances are there’s some pre-installed junk running in the background. Some of these apps are straightforward to uninstall via the Settings menu, but others are sneaky—hidden in places where you need to turn to PowerShell or third-party tools. The main goal here is to clear out what’s unnecessary so your system can run smoother, boot faster, and have more space for stuff you actually use. It’s not always perfect—some apps might reappear after a Windows update, or removing certain ones could cause minor hiccups—but generally, it’s worth a shot if you’re tired of the bloat building up.
How to Remove Bloatware from Windows 11
Open Settings and get ready to dig in
Start by clicking the Start menu and heading to Settings. From there, go to Apps, then Installed apps. Here’s where you’ll find the list of everything installed, including those random preloads you never asked for. On some machines, this list can be kinda overwhelming, so use the search bar to find specific apps faster. Expect to see a ton of junk—games, trial versions, manufacturer tools, etc.— that you probably don’t need. The idea is to identify the stuff you’re pretty sure is safe to remove.
Uninstall apps directly from the Apps menu
Find the app you don’t want, click on the three dots next to it or directly on the app, then choose Uninstall. On some setups, you’ll get a confirmation box. Confirm, and watch the app disappear. Be aware, though, some apps like Bing or widgets might not be fully removeable through Settings—those often need the PowerShell route. Expect that process to be a little messier, but it’s often the way to get rid of stubborn bloatware.
Use PowerShell to wipe out stubborn bloatware
This is where it gets a little geeky—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary. Open PowerShell as an admin: right-click the Start button, pick Windows Terminal (Admin) or just type powershell into the search and run as administrator. For safety’s sake, it might be best to run these commands one at a time, especially if you’re new to PowerShell. To list all the built-in or pre-installed apps, you can run:
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullNameAnd to remove common bloatware, commands like this can help. For example:
Remove-AppxPackage -Package PackageFullNameReplace PackageFullName with the actual package name you want gone. Just be cautious—removing essential components can break some Windows features. On some setups it took a couple of reboots, and the stability isn’t always perfect—kind of weird, but it works after a second try.
Third-party tools for the lazy (but cautious) user
If all this command-line stuff feels daunting, there are decent third-party apps like [PC Decrapifier](https://www.pcdecrapifier.com/) or [Winhance](https://github.com/memstechtips/Winhance) that scan your system and try to automate the process. Just make sure you’re downloading from trusted sources, because even in this niche, shady software exists. These tools can often identify bloatware better than you can manually and remove the stuff en masse. They’re especially handy because they handle a lot of tricky cleanup behind the scenes—perfect for those who want quick results without the tech headache.
Tips for Removing Bloatware from Windows 11
- Always create a system restore point before messing around—because Windows glitches happen, and this saves a headache.
- Be extra careful with PowerShell commands so you don’t delete anything vital for Windows operation.
- Regularly back up your system, especially before major cleanups—because no one wants to be the guy restoring from a disaster image.
- Check reviews or forums before trying new third-party tools. Better safe than sorry.
- Keep Windows updated—sometimes MS patches these bloaty apps out of the box or offers better management options through updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as bloatware?
Pretty much anything that comes pre-installed that you don’t recognize or use. That could be trial apps, manufacturer-specific utilities, or promotional games. Basically, any software that’s not core Windows system stuff.
Is it safe to remove these apps?
Generally, yes, but watch out. Some apps might seem harmless but actually provide system features or device drivers. Always do a quick online search if unsure about an app. And yeah, creating a restore point beforehand is a must—just in case.
Will stripping out bloatware speed up my PC?
Almost definitely. Less background junk means fewer resources being wasted, leading to faster startup, more available storage, and smoother performance overall. Not all can be fixed this way, but it’s a good start.
How do I know which apps to uninstall?
If you didn’t install it, and it’s not related to Windows core functions, it’s probably safe to remove. If it’s unfamiliar, a quick Google search or checking online forums can help avoid deleting something critical.
Do I need to be a tech genius for this?
Hardly. Basic uninstalling through Settings is straightforward. PowerShell and third-party tools are more advanced but still manageable if following the guides carefully. Just don’t go wild with command-line fussing if you’re unsure.
Summary
- Open Settings, head to Apps & features
- Uninstall what looks unnecessary
- Use PowerShell for stubborn apps
- Try trusted third-party tools if you want it easier
- Always back up first—because Windows can surprise you
Wrap-up
Getting rid of bloatware on Windows 11 isn’t always a flawless process, but it’s totally doable. Sometimes you’ll find some apps that refuse to die, or get reinstalled after updates, but generally, trimming down the junk really boosts performance. It’s a bit of a dance—careful and deliberate is the key. If it’s your first time, don’t be too hard on yourself—just follow along, make backups, and take it slow. In the end, a cleaner, faster machine makes all the effort worth it. Fingers crossed this helps, and at least saves some headaches down the line.