Remove pre-installed apps (bloatware) in Windows 11: Complete guide

Windows 11 looks fantastic with its modern, transparent interface, but that glossy finish isn't always ideal for less powerful computers. When hardware is struggling, every background process and unused app can end up impacting startup time , RAM usage, and CPU consumption.

That's why one of the first things many people do when they get a new computer is to remove unnecessary software. Besides things like disabling BitLocker on computers where encryption isn't needed, uninstalling redundant antivirus programs (if you're already using Microsoft's), or even reconsidering your use of Edge if you don't need it, there's a key step: eliminating bloatware . Here's a complete guide, with manual methods, PowerShell, reliable tools, and the new features that come with Windows 11 25H2.

What is bloatware in Windows 11 and why does it affect you?

When we talk about bloatware, we're referring to software that comes pre-installed without your permission : applications, utilities, services, and packages that appear as soon as you turn on your PC for the first time. It's not malware ; in fact, it's usually legitimate and safe, but it bloats up your system with elements you rarely need.

Beyond the space they occupy, the problem is that some of these apps run in the background , consuming RAM and CPU, or adding telemetry and activity-monitoring components. On modest computers, this is very noticeable.

This phenomenon isn't unique to Microsoft. It happens frequently on Android and even in closed ecosystems, where manufacturer apps or promotional agreements also come pre-installed.

Why do they exist? The answer is simple: commercial and distribution agreements . The fact that Spotify appears pre-installed after reinstalling Windows isn't a coincidence; there's an agreement behind it. The result: a "heavier" system that needs to be lightened.

Advantages of removing bloatware

Cleaning up your system offers several advantages: performance, privacy, and storage . By not loading unnecessary processes, you free up memory and CPU; by disabling telemetry services, you reduce tracking; and by uninstalling apps, you recover disk space.

In real-world tests after a thorough debloat, some systems go from using around 4 GB of RAM at startup to using only about 2 GB . This isn't always worthwhile on powerful machines, but if your PC is already struggling, the difference is noticeable.

How to Identify Bloatware: Common Clues and Examples

Not every icon you see is actually taking up space. Many Start menu pins are shortcuts that trigger downloads when you click them. Removing them declutters the menu, though you won't free up any storage. However, there are apps and packages that are installed and you can delete them.

Common examples (depending on the edition and manufacturer) include OneNote, Xbox Game Bar , Get Help, People , Mail, Movies & TV , and even components like Cortana or Bing search integrations. Consider your needs: if you don't use them, they're unnecessary.

Manual methods: Start, Settings, and Control Panel

If you don't want to complicate things, start with the basics. From the Start menu, you can unpin and, in many cases, uninstall apps instantly: right-click on the app and select Uninstall . If you don't see it, go to All apps, scroll down until you find it, and repeat the process.

In Settings, go to Apps > Installed apps . There you'll see everything on your system. Locate the apps you don't need (for example, Sticky Notes if you don't use it) and tap Uninstall. Repeat for each one. It's quick and safe.

Some legacy applications are still managed from Control Panel > Programs and Features . If you have any manufacturer software or trial versions, uninstall them from there to free up space and eliminate background processes.

Bonus tip: Open the Start menu using the Windows icon on the taskbar and you'll see sponsored apps. Right-click them to quickly remove them and clear your view.

PowerShell and Terminal: From Selective Wipe to Batch Debloat

When you encounter apps that won't uninstall from the interface, PowerShell is your ally . Open Windows PowerShell as administrator and use the command:

Get-AppxPackage *appName* | Remove-AppxPackage

Replace appName with the package you want to remove. This is a direct method for uninstalling UWP apps that don't offer an uninstall button in Settings.

If you're looking for something more automated, you can run a script in Windows Terminal that downloads and executes a debloat tool with a single command. Type:

iwr -useb https://git.io/debloat|iex

A window will open with options to disable Cortana, the Edge PDF reader, dark mode , remove OneDrive , or delete bloatware in batches using the " Remove all bloatware" button . Keep in mind that these utilities require administrator privileges; they are open source , which allows for auditing their content, but caution is advised.

Reliable third-party tools: Win Debloat Tools and O&O AppBuster

Third-party utilities can fill the gaps left by the Settings app. They allow you to disable services, telemetry, and blocked apps , and even revert changes. Win Debloat Tools and O&O AppBuster are among the best performing.

Win Debloat Tools (available on GitHub) runs from the terminal. Download the ZIP file, extract it, and open the OpenTerminalHere.cmd file to launch a console in your project folder. Then, run:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser -Force; ls -Recurse .ps1 | Unblock-File; ."WinDebloatTools.ps1"

The script will display a simple interface for selecting which tweaks to apply and which apps to remove . Clicking "Apply Tweaks" will uninstall packages, disable telemetry, and optimize system values. It can even remove Microsoft Edge or clean up Windows.old with a single click , and includes options to restore what was removed.

O&O AppBuster, on the other hand, is portable, requires no installation, and offers three modes: Current User , All Users , or Team . Before making any changes, create a restore point directly from the tool so you can undo them. Select the apps you want to remove, tap Remove , and choose whether to remove them only from your profile or from everyone; confirm with Yes , and you're done.

Disabling services: useful, but be careful

Another way to lighten the system is to disable non-essential services . Search for "Services" in Windows, filter by those that are running, and then, one by one, go into their properties to click Stop and set the startup to Manual or Disabled.

This method is powerful, but it requires knowing what each service does. Make a note of every change so you can revert it if something stops working, and test them one at a time. If you find a problem, re-enable the associated service and restore automatic startup.

Headless Automated Scripts: Why They're Not the Best Idea

There are scripts that do "everything" for you without asking. While effective, we don't recommend their indiscriminate use . Not knowing exactly what commands they execute can lead to removing necessary components, corrupting the system, or even deleting data.

If you decide to use them, do so after carefully reviewing them and creating a backup or restore point . The alternative with a graphical interface (Win Debloat Tools or O&O AppBuster) allows you to select, apply by module, and revert.

What's new in Windows 11 25H2: more native uninstall options

Microsoft is giving users more control. In the Windows 11 25H2 update , some users will be able to uninstall pre-installed apps like Media Player, Notepad, or Xbox without using external tools.

This option appears as " Remove Default Microsoft Store Packages" under Windows Components > Package Deployment in the Group Policy Editor. Note: This option is only available for editions with access to GPE (Pro and Enterprise), excluding the Home edition.

Furthermore, due to legal requirements of the European DMA , it will be possible to uninstall Microsoft Edge in the EU, but not universally in all regions. 25H2 will arrive as an enablement package , which speeds up installation compared to previous releases. After the setbacks of 24H2 (AutoHDR, Wi-Fi), the aim is to minimize risks and installation time.

When debloat pays off and when it doesn't

On modern computers with plenty of RAM and a good processor, removing four apps won't change your life. The difference is most noticeable on modest PCs or those with limited storage. In those cases, it's worth disabling telemetry, deleting unused packages, and optimizing startup.

If your machine has plenty of resources, prioritize the basics: remove startup items, uninstall obvious programs , and disable anything you don't want to run at startup. That'll clean things up without any hassle.

Prefer not to touch apps? Free up space and speed up your system.

If you don't feel like removing bloatware, there's another way: optimize storage . Partition management tools like EaseUS Partition Master allow you to resize/move partitions, clone disks, or extend your C: drive by utilizing contiguous free space.

The typical workflow is to create unallocated space adjacent to C: by shrinking an adjacent partition, and then extend C: into that space. Finally, you apply the changes. This doesn't remove bloatware, but it frees up space for updates and caches , reducing bottlenecks.

Safety recommendations before touching anything

Before you start deleting, create a restore point or a backup. It's quick and saves you trouble if something doesn't go as planned. The recommended tools also allow you to revert tweaks and reinstall system apps.

Avoid running scripts you don't understand and double-check every setting you select . Take your time: it's better to go step by step (Start/Settings > PowerShell > Tools) than to launch everything at once.

Quick Start Guide: Methods, Use Cases, and What to Expect

• Manual method (Start/Settings/Panel) — Safe, ideal for beginners. App-based removal, risk-free and with complete control.
• PowerShell with Get-AppxPackage More range for rogue UWP apps. Note the package name.
• Terminal Script iwr -useb https://git.io/debloat|iex Automate common settings, with interface and options to customize.
• Win Debloat Tools / O&O AppBuster — Maximum coverage and reversal. Telemetry, Edge, Windows.old, component reinstallation, etc.
• Disable services — Effective but delicate. Only if you know what each service does and document changes.

Cleaning Windows 11 of bloatware isn't a race; it's a process that deserves patience. With manual methods and trusted tools, you can restore performance, improve privacy, and free up space without any hassle. And with Windows 25H2, you'll get more convenient native options for uninstalling default apps if you're using editions with Group Policy. If your PC is struggling, you'll notice the difference; if not, at least you'll have a more organized system tailored to your needs.