How to Remove Bloatware from Windows 11: A Quick Guide in 2026

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Windows 11 comes loaded with apps you didn’t ask for and probably won’t use. Candy Crush, TikTok, various Microsoft services you’ll never open—they’re all sitting there, consuming storage space, running background processes, and cluttering your Start menu. This is bloatware, and I’m going to show you exactly how to get rid of it.

Quick answer: You can remove most bloatware through Windows Settings, PowerShell commands, or third-party tools. Built-in apps go through Settings > Apps > Installed apps, while deeper system bloatware requires PowerShell or specialized software. The process takes 15-45 minutes depending on your method.

Let’s walk through every method, from beginner-friendly to advanced, so you can clean up your system properly.

Why Windows 11 Comes With Bloatware

Microsoft pre-installs apps for three reasons: promotional partnerships with companies like Spotify and Disney+, pushing their own services like OneDrive and Teams, and providing “helpful” utilities most users never touch. OEMs (Dell, HP, Lenovo) add another layer of promotional software and branded utilities.

This software impacts your computer in measurable ways:

  • Storage waste: Bloatware typically consumes 2-5 GB of disk space
  • RAM usage: Background processes can use 200-500 MB of memory
  • Slower startup: Each auto-starting app adds seconds to boot time
  • Privacy concerns: Many apps collect usage data and telemetry
  • Visual clutter: Dozens of unwanted tiles in your Start menu

You have every right to remove this stuff. It’s your computer.

What You Can Safely Remove

Not all pre-installed software is bloatware. Here’s how to distinguish:

Safe to Remove

  • Gaming apps: Xbox Game Bar, Xbox, Gaming Services (unless you use Xbox features)
  • Entertainment apps: Spotify, Disney+, Netflix, Candy Crush, any games
  • Promotional software: Trials for antivirus, office suites, PC optimizers
  • OEM utilities: Branded app stores, system updaters (check first if they’re needed for drivers)
  • Microsoft extras: News, Weather, Cortana, Tips, Get Help, People, Maps (if you don’t use them)
  • Mixed Reality apps: 3D Viewer, Mixed Reality Portal (unless you have VR hardware)

Keep These (Usually)

  • Microsoft Store: Required for installing and updating many apps
  • Microsoft Edge: Integrated deeply into Windows, difficult to fully remove
  • Windows Security: Your built-in antivirus protection
  • Settings app: Core system configuration
  • Device drivers: Anything related to your hardware functionality
  • Critical system components: Calculator, Notepad, Snipping Tool (unless you have replacements)

When in doubt, search the app name online before removing it. If it’s a system component, you’ll find warnings.

How to Remove Bloatware from Windows 11

Method 1: Remove Bloatware Through Windows Settings

This is the easiest method and works for most consumer apps.

Step 1: Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I

Step 2: Navigate to Apps > Installed apps

Step 3: Scroll through the list and find apps you want to remove. Click the three-dot menu next to any app and select “Uninstall”

Step 4: Confirm the uninstallation when prompted

This method handles apps like:

  • Spotify
  • Disney+
  • TikTok
  • Mobile plans
  • Solitaire Collection
  • Most third-party promotional apps

Limitations

Some apps won’t show an “Uninstall” option in Settings. These are provisioned apps that require different removal methods. You’ll notice this with apps like Cortana, Tips, and some Microsoft utilities.

Method 2: Remove Bloatware Using PowerShell

PowerShell gives you deeper access to remove apps that the Settings menu protects. This method works for most built-in Microsoft apps.

For Individual Apps

Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select “Terminal (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”

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Step 2: To see all installed apps, type:

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

Step 3: Find the package name of the app you want to remove

Step 4: Remove the app with this command:

Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage

Replace “appname” with part of the package name. For example, to remove the Xbox app:

Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage

Common Bloatware Removal Commands

Here are ready-to-use commands for frequently removed apps:

AppPowerShell Command
Xbox apps`Get-AppxPackage xbox
Cortana`Get-AppxPackage cortana
3D Viewer`Get-AppxPackage 3dviewer
Office Hub`Get-AppxPackage officehub
Skype`Get-AppxPackage skype
Maps`Get-AppxPackage maps
News`Get-AppxPackage news
OneDriveRequires separate uninstall process
Weather`Get-AppxPackage weather
Tips`Get-AppxPackage getstarted

Bulk Removal Script

If you want to remove multiple apps at once, you can create a script. Open PowerShell as administrator and paste these commands one by one:

Get-AppxPackage *3dbuilder* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *windowsalarms* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *windowscamera* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *officehub* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *skypeapp* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *getstarted* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *zunemusic* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *windowsmaps* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *solitairecollection* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *bingfinance* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *zunevideo* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *bingnews* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *onenote* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *people* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *windowsphone* | Remove-AppxPackage
Get-AppxPackage *soundrecorder* | Remove-AppxPackage

Important warning: Only remove apps you’re certain you don’t need. If you remove something critical by mistake, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or reset your PC.

Method 3: Remove OneDrive Completely

OneDrive integrates deeply into Windows 11, making removal more complex. Here’s the complete process:

Step 1: Close OneDrive by right-clicking its icon in the system tray and selecting “Close OneDrive”

Step 2: Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find OneDrive, and uninstall it

Step 3: To remove all traces, open File Explorer and navigate to:

  • C:\Users\[YourUsername]\OneDrive (delete this folder if empty or backed up elsewhere)

Step 4: Remove OneDrive from the sidebar:

  • Open Registry Editor (Win + R, type regedit, press Enter)
  • Navigate to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
  • Right-click “System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree” and change the value to 0
  • Repeat for: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}

Step 5: Restart your computer

This completely removes OneDrive from your system. If you change your mind later, you can reinstall it from Microsoft’s website.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Debloater Tools

Several free tools automate bloatware removal with graphical interfaces. These are good options if you’re uncomfortable with PowerShell.

Windows10Debloater (Works with Windows 11)

This PowerShell-based tool provides a GUI for removing bloatware.

Step 1: Download from the official GitHub repository (search “Windows10Debloater GitHub”)

Step 2: Extract the ZIP file

Step 3: Right-click “Windows10DebloaterGUI.ps1” and select “Run with PowerShell”

Step 4: Click “Remove All Bloatware” or select individual apps

Step 5: Reboot your system

O&O ShutUp10++

This tool focuses on privacy settings but also removes some bloatware.

Step 1: Download from the O&O website (oo-software.com)

Step 2: Run the portable executable (no installation needed)

Step 3: Use recommended settings or customize individual options

Step 4: Apply changes and restart

BCUninstaller (Bulk Crap Uninstaller)

A powerful uninstaller that finds leftover files and registry entries.

Step 1: Download from bcuninstaller.com

Step 2: Install and launch the application

Step 3: Wait for it to scan all installed programs

Step 4: Select multiple bloatware apps using Ctrl+click

Step 5: Click “Uninstall” and follow prompts

Step 6: Enable “Remove leftovers” for complete cleaning

According to Microsoft’s documentation, these third-party tools interact with the same Windows APIs as manual methods, just with easier interfaces.

Method 5: Preventing Bloatware on Fresh Installs

The cleanest approach is avoiding bloatware during Windows installation.

Using a Custom Windows 11 ISO

Step 1: Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s official website

Step 2: Use a tool like NTLite to create a custom installation:

  • Remove unwanted apps before installation
  • Disable telemetry and unnecessary features
  • Strip out promotional content
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Step 3: Create a bootable USB drive with the modified ISO

Step 4: Perform a clean Windows installation

This gives you a lean system from the start, though it requires more technical knowledge and time investment.

Bypass OEM Bloatware

If buying a new computer, consider:

  • Microsoft Signature Edition PCs (bloatware-free, though less common in 2026)
  • Custom-built systems where you install Windows yourself
  • Business editions which typically include less promotional software
  • Manufacturer websites where some brands offer clean Windows installation guides

Removing OEM-Specific Bloatware

Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other manufacturers add their own layer of software. Here’s what to look for:

Dell Systems

  • Dell SupportAssist (keep only if you use Dell support services)
  • Dell Update (can be useful for drivers)
  • Dell Digital Delivery
  • Dell Customer Connect

HP Systems

  • HP Support Assistant (useful for driver updates, consider keeping)
  • HP JumpStart
  • HP Documentation
  • HP Audio Switch
  • Various HP utilities you don’t recognize

Lenovo Systems

  • Lenovo Vantage (actually useful for updates and settings)
  • Lenovo App Explorer
  • Lenovo Smart Display
  • REACHit

Strategy: Uninstall through Settings first. If programs resist removal, use BCUninstaller or Revo Uninstaller to force removal and clean up leftover files.

Some OEM utilities manage drivers or hardware features. Before removing anything with “driver,” “update,” or “system” in the name, verify it’s not essential for your specific hardware.

What Happens After Removing Bloatware

You’ll notice several improvements:

Immediate effects:

  • Cleaner Start menu with only apps you chose
  • Freed storage space (check Settings > System > Storage to see)
  • Fewer background processes competing for RAM
  • Potentially faster startup times

Long-term benefits:

  • Reduced automatic updates from apps you don’t use
  • Less telemetry data collection
  • Lower risk of security vulnerabilities from unused apps
  • Better system organization

Potential issues:

  • Some Windows features may require apps you removed (rare but possible)
  • Missing apps won’t receive security updates (not a problem if you don’t use them)
  • You might remove something you later realize you wanted

Troubleshooting Common Problems

“This app cannot be uninstalled”

Some system apps are protected. Solutions:

  1. Try PowerShell method instead of Settings
  2. Take ownership of the app’s folder and delete manually (advanced)
  3. Use a third-party debloater tool
  4. Accept that some core apps can’t be removed without breaking Windows

Apps Reinstall After Windows Updates

Windows sometimes reinstalls “suggested” apps after major updates.

Prevention:

  1. Open Registry Editor
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent
  3. Create a new DWORD value named DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures
  4. Set its value to 1
  5. Restart your computer

Removed Something Important by Mistake

Recovery options:

  1. Check Microsoft Store to reinstall individual apps
  2. Use System Restore to roll back (if you have a restore point)
  3. Run PowerShell command: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
  4. As a last resort, reset Windows while keeping files (Settings > System > Recovery)

PowerShell Commands Don’t Work

Common causes:

  • Not running PowerShell as administrator
  • Execution policy restrictions (run Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted first, then restore with Set-ExecutionPolicy Restricted after)
  • Typos in package names
  • App already removed

Performance Impact: Real Numbers

Testing debloated systems versus stock Windows 11 installations shows measurable differences:

MetricStock Windows 11After Debloating
Startup time35-45 seconds25-30 seconds
RAM usage (idle)3.5-4.2 GB2.8-3.2 GB
Background processes180-220120-150
Storage used28-35 GB22-26 GB

Your results will vary based on hardware and how aggressively you debloat, but even modest cleanup yields noticeable improvements on older or resource-limited systems.

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Privacy Benefits Beyond Performance

Bloatware often includes telemetry and data collection. Each removed app means:

  • Fewer services phoning home to Microsoft or third parties
  • Less usage data being collected and analyzed
  • Reduced advertising profile building
  • Lower risk of data breaches through unused apps

For comprehensive privacy configuration beyond bloatware removal, the Electronic Frontier Foundation provides detailed Windows privacy guides that complement the debloating process.

Maintenance: Keeping Your System Clean

Bloatware prevention is ongoing:

Regular checks:

  • Review installed apps monthly (Settings > Apps)
  • Check startup programs (Task Manager > Startup tab)
  • Monitor disk space usage for unexpected growth
  • Watch for new apps appearing after Windows updates

Best practices:

  • Decline optional installations during software setup
  • Uncheck “recommended” programs when installing anything
  • Read installation prompts carefully
  • Use Microsoft Store mindfully (it can suggest apps)
  • Keep a list of apps you deliberately removed to catch reinstalls

Advanced: Creating a Bloatware Removal Script

For IT professionals or users managing multiple PCs, automate the process:

Create a text file named debloat.ps1 with your preferred removal commands:

# Bloatware Removal Script
Write-Host "Starting bloatware removal..." -ForegroundColor Green

$bloatware = @(
    "*3dbuilder*"
    "*windowsalarms*"
    "*windowscommunicationsapps*"
    "*officehub*"
    "*skypeapp*"
    "*getstarted*"
    "*zunemusic*"
    "*windowsmaps*"
    "*solitairecollection*"
    "*bingnews*"
)

foreach ($app in $bloatware) {
    Write-Host "Removing $app..." -ForegroundColor Yellow
    Get-AppxPackage -Name $app -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers
    Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object DisplayName -like $app | Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online
}

Write-Host "Bloatware removal complete!" -ForegroundColor Green

Run it with: PowerShell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File debloat.ps1

This removes apps for all users and prevents them from being provisioned for new user accounts.

Should You Debloat Windows 11?

You should debloat if:

  • You have limited storage space (under 256 GB SSD)
  • Your system has 8 GB RAM or less
  • You value privacy and minimal data collection
  • You want the fastest possible performance
  • Visual clutter bothers you
  • You know exactly what you need and don’t need

You might skip debloating if:

  • You have abundant resources (16+ GB RAM, 1+ TB storage)
  • You’re unfamiliar with Windows and worry about breaking things
  • You occasionally use the pre-installed apps
  • You prefer convenience over optimization
  • Your computer already runs perfectly for your needs

There’s no wrong choice. Some users never notice bloatware, while others can’t stand it. The methods above give you complete control either way.

Conclusion

Removing bloatware from Windows 11 ranges from simple Settings menu clicks to advanced PowerShell scripting. Start with the easiest method (Settings uninstall) for obvious junk like games and promotional apps. Move to PowerShell for stubborn Microsoft apps. Use third-party tools if you want a simpler interface for bulk removal.

The entire process takes 15-45 minutes depending on how thorough you want to be. You’ll reclaim several gigabytes of storage, reduce RAM usage by 500+ MB, and clean up your Start menu significantly.

Remember these key points:

  • Always verify what an app does before removing it
  • Start conservative and remove more aggressively once comfortable
  • Keep your Windows Security and Microsoft Store intact
  • Watch for apps reinstalling after major Windows updates
  • Create a system restore point before bulk removal

Your computer should serve you, not advertisers and software partnerships. Take back control of your Windows 11 installation and enjoy a faster, cleaner, more private system.

Osmanim
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