Understanding Bloatware on Windows 11: What It Is and How to Deal With It
Understanding Bloatware on Windows 11: What It Is and How to Deal with It
Windows 11 has arrived with a fresh, modern look and plenty of features designed to make life easier for its users. But alongside its sleek design and new tools, there’s something that might feel all too familiar to many of us—bloatware.
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through your app list wondering, “Why do I even have this installed?” You’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what bloatware is, why it’s there, and most importantly, how to deal with it on Windows 11.
What Is Bloatware?
Bloatware is a term for software that comes pre-installed on your computer, often before you even open the box. These apps can range from mildly useful to downright unnecessary. While some of them might be helpful depending on your needs, many are just taking up space and resources without adding much value to your experience.
Why Does Bloatware Exist on Windows 11?
So, why do these extra apps come with your brand-new PC? Here are a few reasons:
Partnership Deals:
Microsoft works with third-party companies who pay to have their apps pre-installed on your computer.
Promoting Microsoft Services:
Apps like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Xbox Game Bar are included to encourage you to use Microsoft’s ecosystem of services.
Hardware Vendor Additions
:Some bloatware comes from the manufacturer of your device, like trial antivirus programs or proprietary tools.
- Roblox
- Disney Magic Kingdoms
- Bubble Witch 3 Saga
Common Examples of Bloatware in Windows 11
If you’re not sure what qualifies as bloatware, here are some usual suspects:
Pre-installed Games:
Titles like Candy Crush Saga or Microsoft Solitaire Collection.Trialware:
Temporary versions of antivirus software like McAfee or Norton.
Redundant Apps:
Things like extra weather apps or news apps you didn’t ask for.
Here is a list of common bloatware apps found on Windows 11, categorized into games, social media, and others:
Games
- Candy Crush Saga
- Microsoft Solitaire Collection
- FarmVille 2
- Roblox
- Disney Magic Kingdoms
- Bubble Witch 3 Saga
- Microsoft News
- Weather App
- XBox Game Bar
- Spotify (trial version)
- OneNote
- McAfee (trial antivirus)
- Norton Security (trial version)
- Amazon App
- eBay App
Others (Stocks, Utilities, etc.)
- Skype
This list can vary based on the device manufacturer and region, but these are among the most common pre-installed apps classified as bloatware. Let me know if you’d like to incorporate this into your blog or need additional details!
Unnecessary Utilities:
Device-specific tools that don’t add much functionality.
Why Is Bloatware a Problem?
While some apps might just be minor annoyances, others can have a bigger impact, such as:
Slowing Down Your System:
Bloatware can use up RAM and processing power, leaving you with less for the apps you care about.
Taking Up Space:
These apps eat into your disk space, which is especially frustrating on devices with smaller storage.
Privacy Concerns:
Some bloatware apps may collect your data without you even realizing it.
Unnecessary Updates:
Pre-installed apps often require updates, cluttering your notifications and using your bandwidth.
How to Identify and Remove Bloatware on Windows 11
Step 1: Identify the Culprits
Check Your Installed Apps:
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and look through the list.
Spot the Unfamiliar:
If there’s an app you don’t recognize or never use, it’s a candidate for removal.
Track Resource Usage:
Open Task Manager to see which apps are hogging memory or CPU power.
Step 2: Remove What You Don’t Need
- Use the Settings Menu:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Click on the app you want to remove and hit Uninstall.
- Try PowerShell:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Type Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage to remove specific apps.
- Use a Third-Party Tool:
- Apps like PC Decrapifier or Windows Debloaters can make the process easier.
- One Script Solution:
This is the quickest and easiest way to remove the bloatware and enhance the performance if your windows 11 machine, the following refers to the PowerShell script that debloats your PC and increases the performance and security posture of the machine.
// upload the link for the script
Pre-Requisite:
Manually download the script & run the script via PowerShell. Only recommended for advanced users. PowerShell is required to be run in Administrator Mode.
- Download the latest version of the script, and extract the .ZIP file to your desired location.
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Browse to the directory where the extracted files are present
- Temporarily enable PowerShell execution by entering the following command:
Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope Process:
- In PowerShell, navigate to the directory where the files were extracted. Example: cd c:\Win11Debloat
- Now run the script by entering the following command:
.\Win11Debloat.ps1
- The Win11Debloat menu will now open. Select either the default or custom setup to continue.
Do a Clean Install:
If you want a truly fresh start, perform a clean installation of Windows 11 and skip the extras during setup.
Tips for Avoiding Bloatware
Request a Clean Install:
When buying a new computer, ask for a clean version of Windows with no extra software.
Use Debloat Scripts
: After setting up your PC, run a script designed to remove unnecessary apps.Stay Vigilant
: Regularly review your installed apps and remove anything you don’t use.
Final Thoughts:
Windows 11 brings plenty of exciting features and improvements, but bloatware can still weigh your system down. By taking the time to identify and remove these unnecessary apps, you can ensure your PC runs faster, has more storage space, and respects your privacy.
A little cleanup goes a long way in making your Windows 11 experience as smooth as possible. So, go ahead—declutter your system and enjoy bloat-free Windows!