Removing bloatware from Windows 11 can be kinda frustrating sometimes. Those pre-installed apps often fill up space, run in background, and slow things down without you even realizing it. If your PC feels sluggish or just cluttered with stuff you never touch, cleaning out some of these apps can really help. The idea is to get back some storage, improve boot times, and have a cleaner software environment. It’s not always straightforward, especially if you’re not familiar with the menus or commands, so this guide aims to walk through some practical steps. Be aware — not every app is safe to delete, so a little research helps before hitting “Uninstall.”
How to Remove Bloatware from Windows 11
Getting started: Open Settings and find the apps
First off, click on the Start menu and select Settings, or just hit Windows + I for a shortcut. The Settings panel is kind of a hub for system tweaks. Once there, go to Apps — it’s usually pretty easy to spot. On some setups, that’ll take you directly to a list of all installed apps, both the useful ones and the junk. If you want to get really granular, clicking Installed apps helps you see everything in one spot, including those sneaky apps you might not even remember installing.
Pick the bloatware you wanna ditch
Scroll through that list—you’ll spot a lot of unfamiliar names, those little surprises Windows tends to pack in. When you hover over an app, you’ll see a hamburger menu or three dots (…).Click on it, then choose Uninstall. A confirmation dialog will pop up, asking if you’re sure. Because of course, Windows has to make it a bit harder than necessary. If you’re bold enough, select Uninstall and watch it vanish. Fair warning—sometimes apps refuse to uninstall easily, or they reinstall after updates. On some machines, the first time you try this, it might fail, but after a reboot or a second try, it usually sticks.
Repeat the process and be strategic
Keep going for other apps you know are just dead weight. Do some quick Google searches if you’re unsure if an app is system-critical—better safe than accidentally breaking something essential. If you find apps that only seem to run during startup or in the background, disabling them from startup can also help these days. You can do that by opening Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), switching to the Startup tab, and disabling unnecessary programs. On some rigs, this speeds up boot time noticeably without messing with the core system.
Extra tips for the cautious and savvy
Before you go ham on uninstalling, creating a system restore point is a smart move. Just in case you accidentally remove something important, you can roll back easily. To do that, search for Create a restore point in the Start menu, head into System Properties, and click Create. Also, for a more thorough cleanup, some folks use third-party tools like CCleaner, which can help identify hidden bloatware that Windows might miss. Just, don’t rely solely on those—research is key, since sometimes what looks like bloat is actually necessary for specific hardware or software.
Frequently asked questions
What is bloatware?
It’s basically those pre-installed apps that often don’t serve much purpose and only clutter your system or bog it down. Usually from the manufacturer or partners.
Is it safe to remove all bloatware?
Nope, not always. Some apps might seem useless but are actually needed for hardware functioning or system stability. Always double-check before deleting.
How can I tell if an app is safe to remove?
Look for apps you’ve never used, or ones you didn’t intentionally install. Check online if you’re unsure. If it’s a core Windows component, it’ll usually warn you or be harder to uninstall.
What if I mess up and delete something important?
You can reinstall apps later from the Microsoft Store or the official websites. But creating a restore point before messing around makes recovery easier.
Summary
- Open Settings and go to Apps
- Find Installed apps list
- Look for unwanted bloatware
- Click on apps and hit Uninstall
- Repeat until happy with the cleanup
Wrap-up
Getting rid of unnecessary apps in Windows 11 is kinda tedious but totally worth it if your machine feels sluggish. Not every app is bad—some might even be helpful—so it’s about being cautious and knowing what you’re deleting. Sometimes, a quick reboot helps things settle, especially if an app resists removal. Overall, this process can give your PC a bit more breathing room and speed up performance without breaking the bank. Just remember to do a little homework before hitting “uninstall, ” and don’t be afraid to look up weird names if you’re unsure. Good luck, and hope this makes your Windows run smoother!