How To Get Rid Of Bloatware Windows 11

Windows 11 is a sleek and modern operating system, but it often comes with pre-installed software that many users find unnecessary. These unwanted programs, known as bloatware, take up valuable system resources, slow down performance, and clutter the start menu. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove bloatware and optimize your Windows 11 experience.

In this guide, we will explore the most effective methods to identify, remove, and prevent bloatware from returning to your PC.

Table of Contents

What is Bloatware?

Bloatware refers to pre-installed applications that come with Windows 11 or those added by PC manufacturers. These apps may include:

Trial Software (e.g., antivirus trials, office suites)
Unnecessary Windows Apps (e.g., Xbox Game Bar, Weather, News)
Third-Party Applications (e.g., manufacturer-specific tools, shopping apps)

While some bloatware may be useful for certain users, most people prefer to remove them to free up space and improve system performance.

How to Identify Bloatware on Windows 11

Before removing bloatware, it’s important to identify which programs are unnecessary. Here’s how you can do it:

Check the Start Menu – Look for apps you don’t recognize or use.
Review Installed Programs – Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps to see a full list.
Use Task Manager – Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary apps.
Check Background Processes – Some bloatware runs in the background and uses system resources.

Once you’ve identified bloatware, it’s time to remove it.

Method 1: Uninstall Bloatware Using Windows Settings

The easiest way to remove bloatware is through Windows settings. Follow these steps:

Open Settings – Press Win + I to open Windows settings.
Go to Apps – Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
Find the Bloatware – Scroll through the list and click on the app you want to remove.
Click Uninstall – Press Uninstall, then confirm the action.

This method works well for most pre-installed apps, but some system apps cannot be removed this way.

Method 2: Remove Bloatware Using PowerShell

For more control over app removal, Windows PowerShell can be used to uninstall stubborn bloatware.

Steps to Use PowerShell

Open PowerShell as Administrator
- Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
List Installed Apps
- Type the following command and press Enter:
```
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName
```
- This will display a list of installed apps.
Uninstall an App
- To remove a specific app, use the command:
```
Get-AppxPackage 'AppName' | Remove-AppxPackage
```
- Replace 'AppName' with the actual name of the app. For example, to remove the Xbox app:
```
Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage
```
Remove All Pre-installed Apps (Optional)
- If you want to remove all Windows Store apps (not recommended for casual users), use:
```
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
```

PowerShell is powerful but should be used carefully to avoid removing essential system apps.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Bloatware Removal Tools

Several free tools can help remove bloatware more efficiently than manual methods. Some of the best options include:

OandO AppBuster – Allows easy removal of pre-installed Windows apps.
Bloatware Removal Utility – Automates the removal of common bloatware.
CCleaner – Includes an app manager to uninstall unnecessary programs.

How to Use OandO AppBuster

Download OandO AppBuster from its official website.
Run the program (no installation required).
Select apps to remove from the list.
Click Remove and confirm the action.

These tools simplify the process and reduce the risk of deleting critical system files.

Method 4: Disable Bloatware from Running in the Background

Some apps remain installed but don’t need to run in the background. You can disable them to save system resources.

Steps to Disable Background Apps

Open Settings – Press Win + I.
Go to Apps – Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
Select an App – Click on the app you want to stop.
Click on Advanced Options – Scroll down to Background app permissions and select Never.

This prevents the app from running in the background, improving performance without uninstalling it.

Method 5: Remove Manufacturer Bloatware

If you bought a pre-built PC or laptop, it likely includes manufacturer-installed software. These can be removed using:

1. Control Panel

Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Find manufacturer-installed apps and click Uninstall.

2. Windows Reset (Clean Installation)

If your system is filled with unwanted manufacturer software, consider resetting Windows.
Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
Select Remove everything for a fresh installation.

This method is useful when dealing with excessive pre-installed apps from brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo.

How to Prevent Bloatware from Returning

Once you’ve removed bloatware, follow these tips to prevent it from coming back:

Avoid Installing Unnecessary Software – Only download apps from trusted sources.
Disable Automatic App Installations
- Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings and disable the auto-install option.
Use a Custom Windows Installation – Use tools like Windows 11 Debloater to install a minimal version of Windows.
Regularly Check Installed Apps – Periodically review your apps to ensure no unwanted programs are installed.

Removing bloatware from Windows 11 helps improve performance, free up storage, and create a cleaner system experience. Whether you uninstall apps manually, use PowerShell commands, or rely on third-party tools, each method has its advantages.

By identifying unnecessary apps, disabling background processes, and preventing unwanted installations, you can keep your Windows 11 PC optimized for speed and efficiency.