Removing bloatware on Windows 11 can actually make your PC run smoother and free up some space — a bit weird, but it definitely works. Bloatware’s those pre-installed apps that come with your new PC, and often they’re more annoying than helpful. To clear them out, you might think it’s just a matter of dragging and dropping in the Control Panel, but nope, sometimes you’ve got to do a bit more if you want them gone for good.
Uninstall Bloatware on Windows 11
Getting rid of these apps is pretty straightforward once you know where to look, but I’ll warn you: some of those stubborn ones might need PowerShell to be fully sorted. Here’s the rundown — easy enough even if you’re not a tech wizard.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click the Start menu, then tap the Settings icon (the gear). Or just press Windows + I — quicker if you’re in a rush. This opens your main menu for all the system tweaks.
Step 2: Select Apps
In Settings, find the Apps section. It’s right there on the sidebar, or in the main pane if you’ve got the side menu open. Click on it. This is where all your installed programs are listed.
Step 3: Go to Installed Apps
Within Apps, click Installed apps. You’ll see a long list of everything — some you recognise, some you probably don’t. Take your time scrolling through, it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not sure what’s what.
Pro tip: On some setups, the Installed apps list might be in a slightly different spot or take a moment to load. On Windows 11, you can also get to it faster via the Start menu — just type Apps & Features and click straight through.
Step 4: Uninstall Unwanted Apps
Select the apps you want gone. Click the three-dot menu next to each app and choose Uninstall. Usually it’s easy — but some pre-installed bloatware might ask for confirmation or show an extra prompt — just follow the prompts.
On some machines, clicking uninstall works immediately, but others might ask for admin rights or get a bit buggy. If that happens, you’ll need to use PowerShell for the heavy lifting.
Step 5: Use PowerShell for the Hard Cases
This is the more advanced bit. Sometimes, apps just won’t go away through the Settings. To deal with that, open PowerShell as an admin. Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click, and select Run as administrator.
Here’s an example command to remove a built-in app:
Get-AppxPackage *YourAppName* | Remove-AppxPackageFor example, to get rid of the Xbox app, you’d type:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.XboxApp* | Remove-AppxPackageIf that doesn’t do the trick, or you’re dealing with more stubborn apps, you might need to use DISM commands or third-party tools — just be careful, some apps might come back after updates.
Note: Tread carefully with PowerShell commands — removing core system apps can cause issues. It’s best to test on one app first and see if it sticks before doing a big cleanup.
This process might take a few goes or require a reboot, as Windows needs to apply the changes. Once finished, check your apps list — ideally, those unwanted apps should be gone.
Tips for Uninstalling Bloatware on Windows 11
- Always set a System Restore point before ripping out anything major — better safe than sorry, especially since Windows can be a bit fussy.
- Do a quick Google search on unfamiliar apps before you delete them — some bloatware is actually part of hardware features or drivers.
- Consider using tools like CCleaner if you want to tidy up a bunch of stuff at once.
- Make sure Windows is up to date, so nothing breaks after you remove all that junk.
- Keep an eye on your apps after any big update — some bloat might come back.
FAQs
What is bloatware?
It’s those unwanted apps that come pre-installed — they take up space and resources, often not worth having. They usually come from the device or OS maker.
Can uninstalling bloatware help performance?
Most of the time, yeah. Fewer apps running in the background or taking up space means your PC can run a lot smoother — especially if you get rid of the resource hogs.
Is it safe to use PowerShell to nuke apps?
If you’re careful and know what you’re doing, yes. But don’t just go deleting random stuff — some apps are built into Windows and removing them might cause issues.
How do I tell if an app is bloatware?
If it’s pre-installed, not really needed, and you didn’t install it yourself, chances are it’s bloatware. Think trial apps, manufacturer tools, extra video editors — that kind of stuff.
Can I reinstall apps I accidentally got rid of?
Sure thing. Just grab them from the Microsoft Store or official websites. Usually no fuss.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Click on Apps
- Go to Installed Apps
- Uninstall the apps you don’t want
- For the stubborn ones, use PowerShell
Hopefully, this makes things a bit easier and saves a chunk of time. The process isn’t foolproof — some apps might be stubborn — but it’s better than leaving that clutter hanging around. Just keep in mind, doing it properly can make your machine run a lot snappier. Hope this helps you out!