How to clean up unused apps in Windows 11 and improve performance

If you use Windows 11 daily, it's very easy to end up with a lot of programs and apps that you never touch, but that are still there taking up space and, in many cases, consuming resources in the background. Clean up unused apps in Windows 11 Not only does it make the system more organized, it can also improve performance and prevent more than one headache.

Throughout this article you will see all the possible ways to remove unwanted software: from the classic Control Panel to PowerShell commands, including tools from the manufacturer, third-party uninstallers, and even little tricks for Remove bloatware and pre-installed apps that are usually difficult to delete. Everything is explained in a friendly tone, but with maximum detail so you can make your PC like new.

Why you should remove apps you don't use in Windows 11

Before we get down to business, it's worth understanding what you gain by cleaning up apps. Although many of them seem harmless, accumulating unnecessary software in Windows 11 It can have several negative consequences for your team.

To begin with, It affects the overall performance of the systemSome applications load at startup, others run in the background, and many add services and scheduled tasks that consume RAM and CPU. All of this slows down startup and makes the computer run less smoothly when you open multiple programs simultaneously.

Another important point is disk space. One by one it doesn't seem like much, but if you add up games you never open, program trials, duplicate apps, and manufacturer bloatware, you end up losing several gigabytes. Free up space by removing unnecessary programs and apps It leaves room for what really matters: your files, games, and work tools, and if you need more space, you can add it too. clean the WinSxS folder to recover additional space.

There's also the issue of organization and usability. When your Start menu, app list, and desktop are cluttered with shortcuts you don't use, finding what you do need becomes more cumbersome. A cleaner environment helps. reduce distractions and work more comfortablyespecially if you spend many hours in front of the PC.

Finally, from a security standpoint, less is more. Every installed program is a potential attack vector if it's not updated or if it leaves traces on the system. The fewer unnecessary programs you have installedThe smaller the surface area exposed to vulnerabilities or malware.

What pre-installed applications does Windows 11 come with, and what is the problem with bloatware?

When you install or use a new PC with Windows 11, you'll find a good number of programs already pre-installed. Some are essential, but others are there purely for marketing reasons. This set of pre-installed software, which you often don't need, is usually called the Windows 11 pre-installed software. bloatware or pre-installed applications.

Among the applications that usually come pre-installed with Windows 11 are tools such as Mail and Calendar, Microsoft Store, Photos, Xbox Game Bar, News and other utilities from Microsoft itself. In addition, depending on the device manufacturer, there may be promotional apps, trial versions, access to social networks, or even games you didn't request.

The debate arises because, although some people use some of this software, for many users they are simply programs that get in the way. Many people prefer third-party alternatives for email, photos, media player or image viewer, and doesn't want to have duplicate functions on their PC.

The good news is that Microsoft has recognized this frustration and is expanding uninstallation options. In the Windows Insider program's test builds, it's now possible to remove more apps with a single click than were previously "pinned" to the system. Applications such as Camera, Contacts, Photos, or Remote Desktop Connection They can now be removed from the settings, just like Cortana, whose use has been significantly reduced in recent years.

This change fits with a clear trend: give the user more control over which apps they want to have installedwithout forcing you to live with tools you'll never use. Even so, there are still system applications that shouldn't be touched and that Windows doesn't allow you to remove directly to avoid breaking the system.

Method 1: Use the program's own uninstaller

The first option, and often the simplest, is to use the uninstaller that comes included with the software itselfMost reputable programs include a specific tool for clean uninstallation.

Normally, you just need to open the Start menu and scroll through the list of applications until you find the program's folder. In many cases, you'll see two shortcuts: one to launch the program and another labeled something like... “Uninstall”, “Uninstall” or “Uninstaller”If you double-click on that uninstaller, a wizard will open and guide you step by step.

Sometimes there's no shortcut in the Start menu, but the uninstaller is in the program's installation folder. In that case, you can open File Explorer, navigate to the path where the software is installed (for example, C:\Program Files or similar), and look for a file with the .exe extension that has the name "uninstallation". Again, double-clicking it starts the process.

The advantage of this method is that, in theory, the program knows exactly which files, folders, and configuration entries it created on the system, and can delete them more precisely. When the official uninstaller works properly, it's usually the cleanest way to remove the software. without leaving significant remains.

However, it's not always perfect: some old or poorly designed programs don't erase everything, but as a starting point, it's one of the most recommended methods before getting into more advanced tools.

Method 2: Uninstall from Settings and Control Panel

If the program doesn't come with its own uninstaller, or you simply prefer a standard method, you can use the system's built-in tools. In Windows 11, the most common way is to use the section for Applications in the Settings appalthough the old Control Panel still exists for certain cases.

From the modern settings, the process is very simple: open the start menuClick on the gear icon (Settings) and enter the section ApplicationsInside, you'll find the section Applications and features, where all the software installed on the computer is listed.

In that list, you can search manually or use the search box to locate the application you want to remove. When you select it, a button usually appears. uninstallWhen you click it, Windows will launch the corresponding uninstaller or its own uninstallation routine, and you just have to follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

This method applies to both traditional desktop programs (Win32) and many others. modern UWP applications installed from the Microsoft Store. In the case of pre-installed apps that Microsoft has marked as removable, you'll also see the uninstall button here, thanks to the improvements that have been incorporated in Windows 11.

Meanwhile, the classic route still exists: going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and FeaturesFrom there, you can select a program from the list and click Uninstall. Although Microsoft is gradually encouraging the use of the Settings interface, there are still users and tools that rely on the Control Panel, so it's worth familiarizing yourself with it.

Method 3: Close frozen programs from Task Manager

Sometimes the problem isn't knowing where to uninstall the program, but rather that the software resists because it's still running or has "frozen". In those cases, Windows 11 Task Manager It's your best ally to force the closure before trying to uninstall again.

To open Task Manager you have several options, but one of the fastest is to press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC (Control + Shift + Esc) simultaneously. By default, it opens in the tab Processes, where it shows which applications and processes are running at that moment.

Locate the program or process in the list that corresponds to the application you want to remove. It usually appears with the software's brand name, although sometimes you'll need to look at the icon or description. Once you've found it, right-click on it and choose the option "Finish homework" to force the application to close.

When the program is completely closed and no processes of it are running, try uninstalling again using your preferred method: the manufacturer's uninstaller, Windows Settings, or the Control Panel. Many uninstallation errors are solved simply by killing the associated processes beforehand..

Be careful, though, not to close system processes you don't recognize. If in doubt, focus only on applications clearly identified by the name of the program you want to remove.

Method 4: Uninstall programs by starting Windows 11 in safe mode

There are situations where, due to driver conflicts, overly aggressive antivirus software, or malware, uninstalling a program normally becomes impossible. When that happens, one alternative is start Windows 11 in safe mode and repeat the process from that reduced environment.

Safe Mode is a way to start Windows by loading only the essentials: basic drivers, minimal services, and no third-party programs running at startup. In this way, Blockages and interference are reduced that can prevent an uninstaller from functioning normally.

Once in safe mode, you can go to Settings or Control Panel and try uninstalling the program using the usual method. Since it's not loaded in memory or protected by other processes, in many cases the uninstallation completes without errors.

This procedure is especially useful when dealing with Problematic software, applications that crash when opened, or remnants of security programs that resist exiting the system. However, it's advisable to follow Microsoft's official instructions for entering and exiting safe mode correctly.

Method 5: Use the Microsoft Installation and Uninstallation Troubleshooter

If, despite everything, a program refuses to leave, Microsoft offers a specific tool: the installation and uninstallation troubleshooterThis is a small utility that detects and corrects common errors related to corrupted installations or incomplete uninstallations.

The basic process involves downloading the troubleshooter from the Microsoft website and running it directly on the affected computer. When it opens, you'll see a link to Advanced which allows you to decide whether you want the tool to automatically apply the repairs or if you prefer to review what it will do beforehand.

If you leave the box checked “Automatically apply repairs” If you click Next, the wizard will try to fix the problems without asking you to make too many decisions. If, however, you uncheck that box, you can go step by step: first you choose whether the problem is during installation or uninstallation, and then you select in a list the problematic programIf it does not appear, the tool offers an entry called "Not listed" to handle special cases.

During the analysis, the troubleshooter can remove corrupted installation keys, correct paths, clean up leftover registry entries, or repair Windows Installer components. At the end, it will show you a detailed report of what was found and the actions takenand in some cases it will suggest that you try uninstalling the program again.

This type of tool doesn't work miracles, but it can save you time when a program has become stuck on your system and there's no way to remove it using normal methods. Furthermore, being an official Microsoft utility, It's safer than manually messing with the registry or blindly deleting folders..

Method 6: Third-party uninstallers, with caution

When neither the program uninstaller nor Windows tools manage to clean it up, many people resort to third-party uninstallers such as Revo Uninstaller, IObit Uninstaller, or similarThese applications scan the system for program remnants after standard uninstallation and allow you to force the deletion of any stray files and registry keys.

Through a search engine (Google, Bing, etc.) you can find both generic uninstallers and specific tools for certain popular programs. In theory, these utilities are capable of remove even programs that no longer have their original uninstaller or that appear damaged in the application list.

However, it's wise to be very cautious. Not all apps of this type are trustworthy, and in fact, Much malware disguises itself as a “cleaner” or “optimizer” to gain access to the system. Even legitimate uninstallers can cause problems if used haphazardly, deleting registry entries that shouldn't be touched.

Furthermore, these programs often interact with the antivirus, and conflicts are not uncommon: the cleaner may mark as redundant files that the antivirus needs to function, or vice versa. If you're not sure what you're deleting, it's best to proceed with caution. and opt for less aggressive solutions.

As a general recommendation, you should only use third-party uninstallers when you are certain about the provider, trust the tool, and have a recent backup of your data. Even then, always review the list of items it proposes to delete before accepting.

Method 7: Revert to System Restore

On computers where the restore point function is enabled, you have a very useful resource for serious problems: System Restore. This feature allows you to return Windows 11 to a previous state, as if you rewind to a time when that conflicting program was not yet installed.

When you run System Restore, you choose a restore point that was created automatically (for example, before installing software or after an update) or manually. Upon confirmation, Windows Restores system files, settings, and registry entries to the selected dateundoing changes made afterward.

This can remove the problematic program and its traces, but be aware of the fine print: it not only deletes that software, but also... any other program installed between the restore point date and the current timeIn other words, you could miss out on recent installations that you are interested in.

Your personal files (documents, photos, etc.) shouldn't be affected, but it's highly recommended to create a backup before doing anything, just in case. Think of this option as a last resort when a program or update has left the system unstable and no normal uninstallation will fix it.

If you decide to use System Restore, follow Microsoft's official instructions and carefully review which restore point you select to minimize the impact on the rest of your software.

Method 8: Remove pre-installed applications and bloatware (including the CLI)

Many applications that come pre-installed on Windows 11 can be uninstalled with a simple right-click on their icon in the Start menu and choosing uninstallFor most basic bloatware, that's all it takes: the app disappears, and that's it. However, some system tools don't show that option, or the uninstallation fails for no apparent reason.

When that happens, there is the possibility of using the command line, either Command Prompt or PowerShellto force deletion. These are very powerful interfaces that allow you to execute advanced commands, but precisely for that reason, they must be used with great care: a typing error can cause serious system failures.

The first step is to open the console with administrator privileges. You can search for “Symbol of the system" or "PowerShellIn the Start menu, right-click and select "Run as administrator". Alternatively, right-click the Start button to open the power user menu and choose the command-line tool from there.

To remove an application installed as a package (typical in modern Windows apps, including the progressive web apps), a PowerShell command like this is used: Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackageWhere it says AppName, you must fill in part of the package name corresponding to the app you want to delete.

If you don't know the exact name, you can get a complete list of installed packages by running the following command in PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage | ft name, PackageFullName -AutoSizeThis will show the name and full name of each package, and from there you can locate the extra one and use it in the Remove-AppxPackage command.

I maintain that, although this method is very effective for Remove pre-installed system applications that cannot be deleted graphically.It's not suitable for everyone. Dell, Microsoft, and virtually every manufacturer advises against using the CLI without prior experience, especially if you don't have an up-to-date backup.

Method 9: Clean up “ghosts” in the Control Panel and the Registry

In some cases, after uninstalling a program, you may still see its name in the list of applications in the Control Panel or Settings. This is known as... ghost tickets: references to software that is no longer installed, but has left traces in the Windows registry.

The temptation for many advanced users is to open the registry editor and start manually deleting program-related keys. However, this is extremely risky. Deleting the wrong key in the registry can corrupt the operating system. or cause other applications to stop working.

For this reason, it's generally recommended to avoid manually tampering with the registry unless you know exactly what you're doing and have a complete system backup. Alternatively, there are third-party registry cleaners that promise to automatically remove these extra entries.

Once again, you need to be very careful. Many registry cleaners don't work well with antivirus software, flagging legitimate files as suspicious and quarantining essential system components. If the user is unable to identify what each string in the record doesRelying on a cleaner can be dangerous.

In short, if the only problem is a lingering name in the program list but the system is otherwise working fine, it's almost better to live with that stray entry than risk breaking something by over-cleaning. And if you do decide to use a cleaner, make sure it's a well-known, highly-rated one, and always use a recent backup.

Method 10: Uninstalling problematic Windows 11 updates

It's not just apps that can cause you trouble: sometimes they are Windows 11 updates themselves These updates can cause system failures, incompatibilities, or errors. In such cases, a possible solution is to uninstall the recent update that appears to be causing the problem.

This is done from the same section of Applications and features From the Control Panel or from the Windows Update section in Settings. There you will find a history of installed updates, and, in some cases, the option to uninstall those that allow it.

Removing an update reverts Windows to the previous version of that component, which can fix bugs introduced by the recent patch. However, it also implies forgo potential security improvements and bug fixes that update brought, so it's worth considering whether it's really necessary.

When the problem is more serious (for example, a critical failure after a major feature update), it's worth consulting official Microsoft documentation or specific guides that detail the steps to follow, because in some cases they offer additional methods to reverse major changes.

In any case, uninstalling updates should not be the first option, but a path to consider once you have ruled out that the source of the problem is a specific application or a third-party driver.

How to prevent apps from opening automatically when Windows 11 starts

Cleaning up programs you don't use is only part of the equation; the other is controlling what runs when you turn on your computer. Many applications are configured to to start automatically with Windows 11 without you realizing it, which slows down the start and consumes resources from minute one.

The quickest way to manage this is through the Task ManagerRight-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager” or use the keyboard shortcut mentioned earlier (CTRL + SHIFT + ESC). Once open, go to the tab Home, where you will see the list of programs configured to start with the system.

For each entry, its status (Enabled or Disabled) is indicated, and often the estimated impact on startup. If you don't want an app to open automatically at startup, simply right-click on it and choose "To disable"After the next restart, that application will no longer run automatically.

In addition, many applications have their own internal settings to decide whether or not they open with Windows. It's a good idea to review the settings of tools like messaging clients, cloud storage services, or gaming platforms and uncheck any options that don't automatically open with Windows. automatic startup option that you are not interested in.

By reducing the list of programs that launch at startup to only the strictly necessary ones, you'll achieve a faster boot time and a less cluttered environment, even if you still have some applications installed that you only use occasionally.

Extra tips for keeping Windows 11 clean and optimized

Removing unused apps is a key step, but not the only one if you want your computer to run smoothly. There are a number of best practices that, combined with bloatware removal, help to Keep Windows 11 optimized in the long term.

On the one hand, it is important Keep the system up to date with the latest updatesMicrosoft is constantly fixing security flaws, improving performance, and even expanding the options for uninstalling pre-installed applications, so it's advisable to install the patches they release, except in rare cases where they cause specific problems.

If you use a mechanical hard drive (HDD) instead of an SSD, it's worth defragmenting it from time to time. Defragmentation reorganizes the data so the drive can read it more efficiently. Although Windows 11 usually schedules these tasks automatically, check the status of the units from time to time is not more.

Another ally is Disk Cleanup and similar tools, that helped to delete temporary files, caches and residual data that accumulate over time. This doesn't replace uninstalling programs, but it does complement that cleanup to recover extra space.

Finally, don't forget to check the programs that start with Windows The list of installed applications is now available. Performing a quick periodic review prevents your system from becoming cluttered with tools you no longer use and allows you to keep your computer running smoothly without having to do a major cleanup every few months.

With all these techniques and tips at hand, from classic uninstallers to using PowerShell, including startup app control and bloatware management, you have everything you need to keep Windows 11 under control: a system with fewer useless applications, more performance, and a much more comfortable working environment that truly adapts to what you need, and not to what others decide to pre-install for you.