How to Remove Bloatware From a New Windows PC Safely?

You just unboxed a brand new Windows PC. It looks great. It smells new. But the moment you power it on, the Start menu is packed with apps you never asked for. Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, Candy Crush, McAfee trials, and dozens of other preinstalled programs are already eating up storage, memory, and patience.

This is bloatware. PC manufacturers and Microsoft bundle these apps because software companies pay for placement. The result? Your new computer feels slower and more cluttered than it should right out of the box. According to IT professionals and tech experts, a fresh Windows 11 install can include over 30 preinstalled apps that most users will never open.

The good news is that you can remove most of this bloatware safely. The bad news is that doing it wrong can break important system functions or cause apps to reinstall after updates. This guide walks you through every safe method to clean up your new Windows PC without causing problems. You will learn which apps are safe to remove, which ones you should leave alone, and exactly how to do it all step by step.

In a Nutshell

• Bloatware includes preinstalled apps, trial software, and pinned installer links that PC manufacturers and Microsoft add to new Windows computers. These programs use storage, consume memory, and slow down startup times.
• The safest starting point is Settings > Apps > Installed Apps on Windows 11 or Settings > Apps > Apps & Features on Windows 10. You can right click and uninstall most unwanted apps from here without any risk.
• PowerShell offers a more powerful removal method for stubborn apps that resist normal uninstall. Commands like Get-AppxPackage and Remove-AppxPackage can remove hidden system packages. However, you should always use an allowlist to protect essential apps.
• Some apps cannot be safely removed. Microsoft Edge, Phone Link, and certain system components are deeply integrated into Windows. Attempting to force remove them can cause instability and broken features.
• Windows updates can reinstall bloatware you already removed. Using Group Policy settings or scheduled PowerShell scripts can prevent this from happening after major updates.
• A clean Windows reinstall is the most thorough option for eliminating all OEM bloatware. Using the “English (World)” language trick during installation can also prevent many preinstalled apps from appearing in the first place.

What Exactly Is Bloatware on a Windows PC

Bloatware refers to any software that comes preinstalled on your computer that you did not choose and do not need. It falls into three main categories. The first is OEM bloatware, which includes programs installed by the computer manufacturer like HP, Dell, Lenovo, or Acer. These often include trial versions of antivirus software, system utilities, and branded apps.

The second category is Microsoft bloatware. This includes apps that Microsoft bundles with Windows itself. Games like Solitaire Collection, apps like Clipchamp, and features like Widgets fall into this group. Many users consider Copilot, the Weather app, and Xbox Game Bar as bloatware too.

The third category is the most deceptive. Many “apps” on your Start menu are not actually installed. They are pinned installer links, sometimes called ghost apps. ESPN, Instagram, and TikTok icons often appear on a new Windows 11 Start menu, but they only download and install when you click them. This makes them tricky because they do not show up in your installed apps list until you accidentally activate them.

Bloatware matters because it consumes system resources. Background processes from preinstalled apps eat RAM and CPU cycles. Trial software nags you with pop ups. Startup programs slow your boot time. Removing this software frees up resources and makes your PC feel faster and cleaner.

Why You Should Remove Bloatware From Your New PC

A cluttered PC is a slow PC. Preinstalled apps launch background processes that consume memory and processing power even if you never open them. On a budget laptop with 8GB of RAM, this wasted overhead can make a noticeable difference in daily performance.

Storage is another factor. A fresh Windows 11 install with full OEM bloatware can occupy significantly more disk space than a clean installation. On laptops with 256GB SSDs, every gigabyte counts. Removing unused apps can free up several gigabytes immediately.

Security is a real concern too. Trial antivirus software like McAfee or Norton eventually expires. Once expired, it stops updating definitions but continues running in the background. This creates a false sense of protection while potentially conflicting with Windows Security, the free built in antivirus that is already active and effective. Outdated trial software can actually make your system less secure.

Privacy is the final reason. Many preinstalled apps collect usage data, display targeted ads, and request permissions they do not need. Removing them reduces your digital footprint and stops unnecessary data collection. A clean system gives you full control over what runs on your hardware.

Which Windows Apps Are Safe to Remove

Not every preinstalled app is bloatware, and not every app can be safely removed. Here is a clear breakdown. Apps that are generally safe to remove include Solitaire Collection, Sticky Notes, Bing News, Bing Weather, Clipchamp, Mail and Calendar (legacy), Xbox apps (if you do not game), Microsoft Teams (personal version), and any OEM trial software.

Apps you should keep include Windows Calculator, Windows Terminal, Notepad, Microsoft Store, Paint, Snipping Tool, and Photos. These are lightweight utilities that do not waste resources and are genuinely useful for most users.

Apps you should never force remove include Microsoft Edge, Phone Link, and system signed apps under the Windows OS umbrella. Microsoft has stated that Edge is an essential operating system component. Forcing its removal through scripts or registry hacks can cause Windows Update failures and break PDF viewing, web authentication, and other system features.

The key rule is simple. If an app does not show an “Uninstall” option in Settings, do not try to force it. Microsoft designed those apps as part of the operating system. Treat the absence of an uninstall button as a clear signal to leave that app alone.

How to Remove Bloatware Using Windows Settings

The simplest and safest method uses the built in Settings app. This approach requires no technical knowledge and carries almost zero risk. On Windows 11, open Settings, click Apps, then click Installed Apps. You will see a list of every app on your system.

Scroll through the list and identify apps you do not need. Click the three dot menu next to each unwanted app and select Uninstall. Confirm when prompted. The app will be removed from your user profile.

On Windows 10, the path is Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. The process is identical. Find the app, click it, and hit Uninstall.

You can also right click any app in the Start menu and select Uninstall. This works for both installed apps and pinned installer links. For ghost apps that are just installer links, right clicking and selecting “Unpin from Start” removes the link without triggering an installation.

Pros of this method: It is the safest approach with virtually no risk of breaking system functions. It requires no technical skills. It works for most common bloatware.

Cons of this method: It only removes apps for the current user profile. Other users on the same PC will still see the bloatware. Some deeply embedded apps will not show an uninstall option. Removed apps may return after major Windows updates.

How to Remove Bloatware Using PowerShell

PowerShell gives you deeper control over app removal. It can uninstall apps that do not appear in Settings and can remove apps for all users on a PC. Open PowerShell as Administrator by right clicking the Start button and selecting Terminal (Admin) on Windows 11.

First, inventory what is installed. Run the command Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName to see all installed app packages. This shows the technical names of every Store style app on your system.

To remove a specific app, use Get-AppxPackage -Name *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage. For example, to remove Solitaire Collection, run Get-AppxPackage -Name *SolitaireCollection* | Remove-AppxPackage. This removes the app for the current user.

To remove an app for all users on the PC, add the -AllUsers flag: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers -Name *SolitaireCollection* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers.

To stop an app from being provisioned for future user accounts, use Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where {$_.DisplayName -match "SolitaireCollection"} | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online.

Pros of this method: It can remove apps hidden from Settings. It works across all user profiles. It can prevent apps from being provisioned to new users. It is scriptable and repeatable.

Cons of this method: It requires administrator access and command line comfort. Removing the wrong package can break system functions. It does not prevent Windows updates from reinstalling certain apps. You must know exact package names to avoid mistakes.

How to Use an Allowlist Script for Safe Bulk Removal

Running individual PowerShell commands for each app is slow. A bulk removal script with an allowlist is faster and safer. An allowlist tells the script which apps to keep. Everything else gets removed.

Here is the concept. You create an array of app name patterns you want to protect, such as Calculator, Notepad, Paint, Edge, Terminal, and the Windows Store. The script then loops through all installed packages and removes any that do not match your allowlist.

A basic allowlist includes entries like *WindowsCalculator*, *WindowsNotepad*, *MicrosoftEdge*, *WindowsStore*, *WindowsTerminal*, and *Paint*. You should add any other app you want to keep to this list before running the script.

The script also checks each allowlisted app’s dependencies and adds those to the protected list automatically. This prevents accidental removal of components that your kept apps need to function.

Always test your script on a fresh installation before deploying it to your main PC. Create a system restore point first. Run the inventory command to review what will be removed. Only execute the removal after you have confirmed the list looks correct.

Pros of this method: It handles dozens of apps in one pass. The allowlist protects essential apps automatically. It is repeatable after updates. It saves significant time compared to manual removal.

Cons of this method: A poorly configured allowlist can remove apps you need. It requires PowerShell knowledge to customize. Scripts found online may be outdated or overly aggressive. Testing on a separate installation is strongly recommended.

How to Use Group Policy to Block Bloatware

Group Policy can stop many bloatware links from appearing on your Start menu in the first place. This method addresses the root cause by disabling the cloud content feature that Microsoft uses to push app suggestions and installer links.

Open the Group Policy Editor by typing “group policy” into the Windows search bar and clicking Edit group policy. This tool is available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Windows 11 Home users do not have access to Group Policy Editor.

Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content. Double click Turn off cloud optimized content and set it to Enabled. Click OK.

Next, you need to clear the Start menu cache. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy. You will need to show hidden files first. Delete the LocalState folder inside this directory. Restart your PC.

After the reboot, your Start menu should be free of the ghost app installer links like ESPN, Spotify, and Instagram.

Pros of this method: It prevents bloatware links from appearing at all. It addresses the source of the problem. It works for the current user and all new user accounts.

Cons of this method: It is only available on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It does not remove already installed apps. Windows feature updates may reset this policy. The Start menu cache deletion requires manual navigation through hidden folders.

How to Disable Startup Bloatware Without Uninstalling

Sometimes you do not want to remove an app entirely. You just want it to stop launching at startup and running in the background. Disabling startup entries is a zero risk way to improve boot time and reduce memory usage.

Open Settings > Apps > Startup on both Windows 10 and 11. You will see a list of apps that launch automatically when you sign in. Each app has a toggle switch. Turn off anything you do not need immediately at startup. Common offenders include OneDrive, Teams, Spotify, Skype, and various OEM utilities.

On Windows 10, you can also control background app activity. Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps. You can disable the master toggle to stop all background apps or switch off individual apps. This is especially useful for apps you occasionally use but do not want running behind the scenes.

On Windows 11, background controls are per app. Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery. Under Battery Usage, find an app and click “Manage background activity.” Set it to Never for apps you do not want running in the background.

You should also check Settings > System > Notifications. Disable notifications for apps that send unnecessary alerts. This reduces interruptions and improves focus.

Pros of this method: It carries zero risk since no apps are removed. It improves boot time and reduces resource usage immediately. Changes are easy to reverse by flipping toggles back on.

Cons of this method: Apps remain installed and still use disk space. Some apps may re enable their startup entries after updates. Background controls are not available for every app on Windows 11.

How to Do a Clean Windows Reinstall to Eliminate Bloatware

A fresh Windows installation is the most thorough way to remove all OEM bloatware. This method wipes everything the manufacturer added and gives you a stock Microsoft installation. It is ideal if your new PC came loaded with a heavy layer of third party software.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Click Reset this PC and choose Remove everything. Select Cloud download to get a fresh copy of Windows directly from Microsoft. This ensures you get a clean image without any OEM modifications.

An alternative approach involves creating a Windows installation USB drive using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Boot from the USB drive and perform a clean install. This gives you the purest version of Windows possible.

There is also a clever trick. During a fresh Windows 11 installation, select “English (World)” or “English (Europe)” as your language instead of “English (United States).” This has been documented to prevent many preinstalled consumer apps from appearing. Change the language back to your preferred regional English after the installation completes.

Pros of this method: It removes all OEM bloatware completely. You get the cleanest possible Windows experience. Cloud download ensures a fresh, up to date image.

Cons of this method: You lose all data on the drive. OEM specific drivers may need to be reinstalled manually. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Some manufacturer warranty recovery features may be lost. You will need to reconfigure all personal settings.

How to Stop Bloatware From Coming Back After Updates

One of the most frustrating aspects of bloatware removal is that Windows updates can bring removed apps back. Feature updates are the biggest offenders, but even cumulative updates have been reported to restore certain apps and settings.

The Group Policy method described earlier is your first line of defense. Keeping the “Turn off cloud optimized content” and “Disable Windows consumer features” policies enabled prevents many ghost app links from returning.

For PowerShell based removal, consider setting your cleanup script to run at user logon. This ensures that any apps restored by an update are automatically removed the next time you sign in. The first run takes a few minutes, but subsequent runs complete almost instantly because there is little to remove.

You should also disable several Windows suggestion features. Go to Settings > System > Notifications > Additional settings. Turn off “Show the Windows welcome experience after updates” and “Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.” These features often promote apps and features you already removed.

Under Settings > Privacy & Security > General, disable “Show me suggested content in the Settings app” and “Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches.” These settings reduce the promotional surfaces that Microsoft uses to push apps back onto your system.

How to Remove OEM Manufacturer Bloatware

OEM bloatware from manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Acer is separate from Microsoft bloatware. These are programs the manufacturer installed, including branded support tools, registration prompts, backup utilities, and trial antivirus software.

Most OEM bloatware can be removed through Settings > Apps > Installed Apps. Look for anything with the manufacturer’s name. HP computers often include HP Support Assistant, HP JumpStart, and HP Audio Switch. Dell includes Dell SupportAssist, Dell Digital Delivery, and MyDell. Lenovo includes Lenovo Vantage, Lenovo Now, and various McAfee trials.

Trial antivirus software should always be removed. McAfee and Norton trials are among the most common OEM additions. They consume significant system resources, display aggressive upgrade prompts, and conflict with Windows Security. After removing them, Windows Security activates automatically and provides solid baseline protection at no cost.

Be careful with manufacturer driver management tools. Some OEM utilities handle driver updates and BIOS configurations. Removing them may mean you need to update drivers manually through Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website. If you are comfortable managing drivers yourself, remove these tools. If not, keep the main support utility and remove everything else.

Pros of removing OEM bloatware: It frees up significant disk space and system resources. It eliminates nag screens and trial expiration warnings. It simplifies the software environment.

Cons of removing OEM bloatware: Some OEM tools manage important driver and firmware updates. Warranty support utilities may be useful for hardware troubleshooting. You may need to find alternative tools for features like keyboard backlight control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Bloatware

The biggest mistake is using aggressive debloat scripts from unknown sources without understanding what they remove. Many popular scripts delete critical system components alongside actual bloatware. This can cause Windows Update to fail, break the Microsoft Store, or disable important features.

Never try to force remove Microsoft Edge. Multiple online guides suggest registry edits or third party tools to uninstall Edge. Microsoft has explicitly stated that Edge is a core operating system component. Removing it can break PDF rendering, web authentication protocols, and various system functions that depend on Edge’s rendering engine.

Do not remove all Xbox related packages if you use any PC gaming features. The Xbox Identity Provider handles authentication for many games. The Xbox Game Bar provides the overlay for screenshots, recording, and performance monitoring. Remove these only if you are certain you will never use them.

Avoid using “one click debloat tools” from third party developers. These tools apply a generic removal list that does not account for your specific needs. Bloatware is subjective. What one person considers junk, another person uses daily. A removal tool that deletes 50 apps may include 10 that you actually want.

Always create a system restore point before making changes. Open the Start menu, type “Create a restore point,” and click the result. Click Create, name your restore point, and confirm. If something goes wrong, you can revert your system to its previous state in minutes.

What to Do After Removing Bloatware

After cleaning up your PC, take a few minutes to optimize your fresh environment. Check your default apps in Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Make sure your preferred browser, email client, media player, and photo viewer are set as defaults.

Review your privacy settings under Settings > Privacy & Security. Disable any telemetry or data sharing options you are not comfortable with. Turn off advertising ID, location tracking for apps that do not need it, and diagnostic data beyond the required minimum.

Update your remaining apps and Windows itself. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Open the Microsoft Store and update all remaining Store apps. Fresh updates often include security patches and performance improvements.

Consider installing a lightweight browser of your choice, a password manager, and any productivity tools you need. Keep your software list minimal. Every additional program adds potential startup entries, background processes, and update prompts. A lean system stays fast longer.

Finally, create a full system backup of your clean configuration. Use Windows Backup or a third party imaging tool. If you ever need to start fresh, you can restore this clean image instead of going through the entire debloat process again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to remove bloatware from a new Windows PC?

Yes. Removing bloatware through the Settings app or Start menu right click is completely safe. These methods only remove apps that Microsoft and the manufacturer have marked as removable. The risk increases with PowerShell and third party tools, so always use an allowlist and create a restore point before making advanced changes. Stick to documented removal paths and you will not damage your system.

Will removing bloatware make my PC faster?

It can. Removing apps that run at startup and in the background frees up RAM and CPU resources. The improvement is most noticeable on budget PCs with limited hardware. On high end machines with 16GB or more of RAM, the speed difference may be minor. However, the reduction in pop ups, notifications, and desktop clutter makes the experience feel significantly smoother regardless of hardware.

Can I reinstall apps after removing them?

Yes. Most apps removed from Windows can be reinstalled through the Microsoft Store. If you remove Paint, Snipping Tool, Calculator, or other Microsoft apps, you can search for them in the Store and install them again at any time. OEM software can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s support website if you need it later.

Does a Windows reset remove all bloatware?

A Windows reset using Cloud download removes all OEM bloatware and returns your PC to a stock Microsoft configuration. However, it still includes Microsoft’s own preinstalled apps like Solitaire, Clipchamp, and others. You will need to remove those separately after the reset if you consider them bloatware.

How often does bloatware come back after removal?

Major Windows feature updates, released once or twice per year, are the most common cause of bloatware returning. Cumulative monthly updates occasionally restore certain apps or settings too. Using Group Policy settings and scheduled PowerShell scripts can prevent most reinstallation. Check your app list after every major update to catch anything that returned.

What is the difference between uninstalling and deprovisioning an app?

Uninstalling removes an app from the current user or all current users. Deprovisioning stops Windows from automatically installing that app for new user accounts created in the future. If you want complete removal, you need to do both. Deprovisioning alone does not remove the app from profiles that already have it installed.