Welcome to our guide on how to remove bloatware from Windows 10! If you’ve just purchased or upgraded to a new Windows 10 computer, you may have noticed that your new device comes with several pre-installed applications that you might not need or want. These applications, also known as bloatware, can take up valuable storage space and slow down your computer’s performance.
Fortunately, removing bloatware is a relatively simple process that anyone can do. In this article, we’ll take you through 12 easy steps to help you remove bloatware from your Windows 10 computer. We’ll also provide you with some useful tips and tricks along the way to help you optimize your PC’s performance.
Steps
Step 1: Create a Restore Point
Before removing any pre-installed software, we recommend creating a restore point in case something goes wrong during the uninstallation process. To do this, go to Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Create a restore point. From here, select your primary hard drive and click “Create”. This will ensure that you can easily roll back to a previous state if there are any issues.
Step 2: Make a List of Pre-Installed Applications
The next step is to make a list of all the pre-installed software on your computer that you want to remove. To do this, go to Start Menu > Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Scroll through the list of installed applications and make note of the ones you want to uninstall.
Step 3: Uninstall Using the Control Panel
Once you have your list, the next step is to uninstall these applications using the Control Panel. To do this, go to Start Menu > Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Select the application you want to uninstall and click “Uninstall”. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 4: Uninstall Using PowerShell
If you are having trouble uninstalling an application using the Control Panel, you can try using PowerShell instead. To do this, open PowerShell by right-clicking on the Start Menu button and selecting “Windows PowerShell”. Type in the command “Get-AppxPackage [App Name] | Remove-AppxPackage” and press enter. Replace [App Name] with the name of the application you want to uninstall.
Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Some pre-installed applications may continue to run in the background even after you uninstall them. To prevent this, you can disable unnecessary startup programs. To do this, go to Task Manager > Startup. Select the application you want to disable and click “Disable”.
Step 6: Remove Adware and Malware
In addition to pre-installed software, your computer may also have adware or malware installed without your knowledge. To remove these programs, we recommend using a trusted antivirus software. Run a full scan of your computer to detect and remove any unwanted programs.
Step 7: Use the Microsoft Store to Install Trusted Applications
To prevent future bloatware from being installed on your computer, we recommend using the Microsoft Store to download and install trusted applications. In addition to being free from bloatware, these applications are also more secure and reliable than third-party software.
Step 8: Clean Up Your Hard Drive
Removing unnecessary applications can help free up valuable storage space on your hard drive. To further optimize your PC’s performance, we recommend regularly cleaning up your hard drive using disk cleanup tools like Disk Cleanup or CCleaner.
Step 9: Customize Your Windows 10 Installation
When setting up your Windows 10 computer, you may have opted for the Express Install option, which installs all the included applications by default. To prevent this from happening in the future, we recommend customizing your Windows 10 installation by selecting the Advanced Install option.
Step 10: Use Third-Party Software to Remove Bloatware
If you’re having trouble removing pre-installed applications using the methods above, you can also use third-party software like PC Decrapifier or Revo Uninstaller to help you uninstall unwanted programs.
Step 11: Disable Windows 10 Telemetry Services
Windows 10 collects anonymous usage data to help improve the operating system. However, this feature can also slow down your computer’s performance. To disable Windows 10 telemetry services, open the Registry Editor by typing “regedit” into the Start menu. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\current\device\System. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value called “AllowTelemetry” and set its value to “0”.
Step 12: Keep Your Windows 10 Computer Up to Date
Finally, to ensure optimal performance and security, we recommend keeping your Windows 10 computer up to date with the latest updates and security patches. To do this, go to Start Menu > Settings > Updates & Security and click “Check for updates”.
Explanation
Removing bloatware can significantly improve your Windows 10 computer’s performance, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid any issues. Before uninstalling any pre-installed software, we recommend creating a restore point in case something goes wrong during the process. We also recommend making a list of all the pre-installed applications you want to uninstall, as well as disabling unnecessary startup programs and removing adware and malware.
In addition to these basic steps, there are also other things you can do to optimize your PC’s performance. Customizing your Windows 10 installation, using third-party software to remove bloatware, and disabling Windows 10 telemetry services are all effective ways to ensure that your computer is running as efficiently as possible.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Be Selective When Choosing Apps
When downloading new applications for your Windows 10 computer, be selective and only install those that you actually need and trust.
Tip 2: Use a Solid State Drive (SSD)
Using a solid state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive can significantly improve your computer’s performance, especially when it comes to boot times and loading programs.
Tip 3: Use a Reliable Antivirus Program
Using a reliable antivirus program can help protect your computer from malware and other security threats. We recommend using a trusted program like Norton, McAfee, or Avast.
Tip 4: Regularly Run Disk Cleanup Tools
Regularly running disk cleanup tools like Disk Cleanup or CCleaner can help free up storage space and optimize your computer’s performance.
Tip 5: Install a Firewall
Installing a firewall can help prevent unauthorized access to your computer and protect your personal information.
Tip 6: Remove Unused Programs
In addition to removing pre-installed applications, regularly removing unused programs can also help free up storage space and optimize your computer’s performance.
Tip 7: Optimize Your Browser
Optimizing your web browser by clearing your cache and disabling unnecessary add-ons can help improve your browsing speed and overall performance.
Tip 8: Keep Your Drivers Up to Date
Keeping your computer’s drivers up to date can help ensure that your hardware is running as efficiently as possible. We recommend regularly checking for driver updates using Windows Update or third-party software like Driver Booster.
Tip 9: Use the Windows Performance Monitor
The Windows Performance Monitor is a useful tool for monitoring your computer’s hardware and software performance. You can use it to identify bottlenecks and areas that need optimization.
Tip 10: Take Care of Your Hardware
Finally, taking good care of your computer’s hardware can help extend its life and improve its performance. This includes regularly cleaning your keyboard and monitor, removing dust from fans and heat sinks, and keeping your laptop battery charged and cool.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Removing Bloatware from Windows 10
Bloatware is pre-installed software that often comes with Windows 10. While some of it may be useful, much of it is unnecessary and can slow down your computer. Removing bloatware can be beneficial, but it also has its downsides.
Advantages
- Improved performance: Removing bloatware can free up system resources, which can lead to faster boot times and better overall performance.
- More storage space: Bloatware can take up a lot of storage space on your computer. Removing it can free up some of that space for your personal files and applications.
- Better privacy: Some bloatware applications may collect personal data without your knowledge. Removing them can help protect your privacy.
- Less clutter: Removing bloatware can simplify your computer and make it easier to navigate.
- Greater control: Removing bloatware gives you more control over your computer and helps you to customize it to your needs.
- Speed up updates: Bloatware programs can slow down Windows updates, which can be frustrating. Removing them can speed up the update process.
- Avoid security risks: Some bloatware, like trial antivirus software or browser toolbars, can pose a security risk. Removing them can help you avoid potential threats.
- Better battery life: Some bloatware programs can run in the background, even when you’re not using them, and drain your battery. Removing them can help improve your laptop’s battery life.
- Less annoying ads: Removing bloatware can help reduce the number of pop-ups and unwanted ads you may see while using your computer.
- Increased productivity: With fewer unnecessary programs running in the background, your computer may be more efficient, allowing you to get more done.
Disadvantages
- Loss of functionality: In some cases, removing bloatware can remove a feature or program that you may use or need.
- Compatibility issues: Removing some bloatware may cause compatibility issues with other applications, especially if they were pre-installed by the computer manufacturer.
- Warranty voiding: Removing some bloatware may void your warranty, especially if it was installed by the computer manufacturer.
- No technical support: If you remove a program that was installed by the computer manufacturer, you may not be able to receive technical support for it.
- Time-consuming: Removing bloatware can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re not familiar with the applications or file paths.
- Potential errors: If you’re not careful when removing bloatware, you may delete a file or program that is important for your computer to run properly.
- Difficulty of reversal: Once you remove bloatware, it may be difficult or impossible to reinstall it. This can be problematic if you find that you need a program or feature that you previously removed.
- Updates may break your system: If you remove a program that is required for updates to work properly, you may encounter errors or be unable to update your system.
- May not improve performance: Removing bloatware may not always result in improved performance, especially if your computer is already fast and has plenty of storage space.
- Risk of messing up your system: If you’re not experienced with removing bloatware, you may accidentally delete important files or cause damage to your system.
In conclusion, removing bloatware from Windows 10 can have several advantages, including improved performance, more storage space, and better privacy. However, it also has its downsides, such as loss of functionality, compatibility issues, warranty voiding, and potential errors. Before removing any bloatware, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and determine if it’s worth the risk.
FAQ
1. What is bloatware?
Bloatware refers to the software that comes pre-installed on a new computer, such as trial versions of antivirus programs, games, and other programs that clutter up your system and taking up space without any real benefit.
2. Why should I remove bloatware from my Windows 10 PC?
Removing bloatware helps to optimize your computer’s performance and free up valuable disk space. It also helps to improve your computer’s overall speed and functionality.
3. Can I remove all bloatware from my Windows 10 PC?
No, you can’t remove all bloatware from your Windows 10 PC. Some bloatware is essential to the proper functioning of your computer.
4. How do I identify bloatware on my Windows 10 PC?
You can identify bloatware by going to the Control Panel and clicking on the Programs and Features option. This will show you a list of all the programs installed on your computer, including bloatware.
5. Can I remove bloatware from my Windows 10 PC using the Control Panel?
Yes, you can remove bloatware from your Windows 10 PC using the Control Panel. Simply select the program you want to remove and click on the uninstall button.
6. Can I remove bloatware from my Windows 10 PC using a third-party software?
Yes, there are many third-party software you can use to remove bloatware from your Windows 10 PC, such as CCleaner, PC Decrapifier, and many others.
7. How do I know which bloatware to remove from my Windows 10 PC?
You can identify which bloatware to remove by researching the program’s function and determining whether it is essential to the proper functioning of your computer. You can also ask expert recommendations or use a third-party software to identify bloatware.
8. Can removing bloatware from my Windows 10 PC cause any problems?
Removing the wrong bloatware can cause problems with your computer’s performance and functionality. However, removing the right bloatware will only be beneficial.
9. Can I reinstall bloatware on my Windows 10 PC?
Yes, you can reinstall bloatware on your Windows 10 PC if you ever need it again.
10. Will removing bloatware void my Windows 10 PC’s warranty?
No, removing bloatware will not void your Windows 10 PC’s warranty.
11. Can I remove bloatware on my Windows 10 PC if I am not an expert in computers?
Yes, you can remove bloatware from your Windows 10 PC regardless of your level of expertise. Follow the recommended steps or use a third-party software for ease of use.
12. How often should I remove bloatware from my Windows 10 PC?
You do not necessarily have to remove bloatware from your Windows 10 PC regularly. Do it only when you notice visible reductions in your computer’s performance or when disk space is running out.
13. Is removing bloatware from my Windows 10 PC worth it?
Yes, removing bloatware from your Windows 10 PC is ultimately beneficial to optimize its performance and free up valuable disk space.
How To Remove Bloatware From Windows 10
Windows 10 comes with a lot of pre-installed apps which might not be useful to every user. This pre-installed app is known as Bloatware. Bloatware takes up a lot of space and slows down the computer system which in turn affects the user experience. The good news is, Bloatware can be removed. In this article, we will be discussing how to remove Bloatware from Windows 10.
Conclusion and Closing
Removing Bloatware from your Windows 10 system will help to optimize the performance and speed of your computer. The steps listed above will help you to remove unwanted apps that are not necessary in your system. It is recommended to periodically check your Windows 10 computer system for Bloatware and remove them to keep your system running smoothly.
Thank you for reading this article on how to remove Bloatware from Windows 10. We hope this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who might find this article helpful. Bye for now!