Uninstalling bloatware and unnecessary apps.
Uninstalling Bloatware and Unnecessary Apps in Windows 11
Windows
11 often comes pre-installed with a variety of applications, some of which may
be considered bloatware—software that is unnecessary and takes up system
resources. Uninstalling these apps can help improve system performance and free
up storage space. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to
identify and uninstall bloatware and unnecessary apps from your Windows 11
device.
Step 1: Access the Apps Settings
- Open Settings:
- Click on the Start
button (Windows logo) on your taskbar and select the Settings gear
icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I to open the
Settings app directly.
- Navigate to Apps:
- In the Settings window,
click on Apps from the left sidebar.
- Select Apps & Features:
- Click on Apps &
features to see a list of all installed applications on your system.
Step 2: Identify Bloatware and Unnecessary Apps
- Review the List:
- Scroll through the list of
installed apps to identify any bloatware or applications you no longer
need. Common bloatware may include pre-installed games, trial software,
or apps that you have never used.
- Research Unknown Apps:
- If you are unsure about a
specific app, you can do a quick online search to determine its purpose
and whether it can be safely uninstalled.
Step 3: Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
- Select the App:
- Click on the app you wish
to uninstall. A set of options will appear.
- Uninstall the App:
- Click the Uninstall
button. A confirmation window will pop up.
- Confirm Uninstallation:
- Click Uninstall
again to confirm. Windows will remove the app from your system.
Step 4: Uninstalling Built-in Apps via PowerShell
(if necessary)
Some
built-in apps may not have an uninstall option available through the standard
settings. You can remove these apps using PowerShell.
- Open PowerShell:
- Right-click the Start
button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Windows
PowerShell (Admin) to open PowerShell with administrative privileges.
- Run Uninstall Command:
- Use the following command
to uninstall a built-in app (replace AppName with the specific app you want to remove):
powershell
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Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage
- For example, to remove the
Xbox app, you would use:
powershell
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Get-AppxPackage *Xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage
- Repeat for Other Apps:
- If you want to uninstall
multiple built-in apps, repeat the command with their respective names.
Step 5: Using Third-Party Uninstaller Tools
(Optional)
If you
find the built-in uninstallation process cumbersome, you can use third-party
uninstaller tools that provide more features, such as batch uninstalling and
cleaning leftover files. Some popular options include:
- Revo Uninstaller:
- A powerful tool that
removes applications and their leftovers completely.
- IObit Uninstaller:
- Offers a user-friendly
interface and additional features like batch uninstall and forced
uninstall.
- Geek Uninstaller:
- A lightweight tool that
provides a simple way to uninstall programs and clean up residual files.
Conclusion
Uninstalling
bloatware and unnecessary apps in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that
can significantly improve your system's performance and free up valuable
storage space. By following these steps, you can identify and remove unwanted
applications, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined computing experience.
Regular maintenance, including reviewing installed apps, will help keep your
Windows 11 device running smoothly.