Windows 11 has brought a fresh interface and features to enhance productivity and user experience. However, many users find that the operating system comes with a plethora of pre-installed apps and features that they may never use. In this article, we'll explore practical techniques to remove bloatware from your Windows 11 computer.

The accumulation of bloatware can lead to slower performance and unnecessary clutter. Whether you’re looking to optimize your system for gaming, productivity, or simply to enjoy a cleaner system, debloating Windows 11 can significantly improve your experience.

What is bloatware?

Bloatware refers to unwanted software that comes pre-installed on your computer. This can include trial software, manufacturer apps, and even Microsoft apps that you might not find useful. While some of these apps may be beneficial to some users, others may find them redundant or irritating. These programs not only consume valuable disk space but can also contribute to slower startup times and increased resource usage.

Why debloat your Windows 11 computer?

Improved performance: Removing unnecessary applications can lead to faster boot times and overall system responsiveness.

Free up disk space: Every gigabyte counts, especially if your device has limited storage. Removing unwanted programs can free up space for more important files and applications.

Enhanced security: Fewer applications mean a smaller attack surface for potential malware or vulnerabilities.

Customization: Debloating allows you to tailor your operating system to fit your specific needs, ensuring that what you have is relevant to your usage.

Things you can do to debloat Windows 11

Manually uninstall nonessential apps

The simplest way to start debloating is to manually remove unneeded programs. To do this:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. Scroll down the left-hand column and left-click on Apps.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Installed apps.
5. From here, you can scroll through the list of installed applications. If you spot something you don’t use, left-click on the three horizontal dots next to it and select Uninstall.

Disable apps that start automatically

Not all applications need to run at startup. By preventing specific apps from launching during boot, you can substantially decrease the time it takes to start up your device.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Left-click on the Startup apps tab.
3. Right-click on any app you don’t need at startup and select Disable.

Use third-party apps to remove bloatware

If you prefer a less manual method, consider using third-party tools designed to help with debloating. Tools like O&O AppBuster and Win11Debloat allow you to easily install or uninstall apps.

• O&O AppBuster lets you select multiple apps to remove at once and also provides protection in case you decide to reinstall them later.
• Win11Debloat is a powerful script that automates much of the process of removing common bloatware.

Note: You should ensure any third-party tool is from a reputable source.

Adjust your privacy settings

Windows 11 offers various privacy settings that can be tweaked to improve performance and security:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. Scroll down the left-hand column and left-click on Privacy & security.
4. Review the permissions granted to applications and turn off any that you feel are unnecessary, such as Location services (under Location) or Camera.

Turn off suggested apps

Windows 11 sometimes suggests apps on the Start menu, which can be distracting. To turn these off:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. Scroll down the left-hand column and left-click on Personalization.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on Start.
5. Toggle off the options for Show recently added apps and Show most used apps to declutter your Start menu.

Routine maintenance

Once you've performed a debloat, maintaining your system regularly is a good practice. Periodically check for any new applications that may have been installed and apply updates to existing software to keep your system optimal.

Debloating Windows 11 can lead to a more efficient and customized experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your system and ensure optimal performance tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer manual methods or automated third-party tools, debloating your system can help you reclaim valuable resources and enhance your overall Windows 11 experience.

So you got a new computer and want to get rid of the junkware and bloatware that comes with it but do not want to spend hours trying to clean it up? Or you got a pre-owned computer and want to get rid of its questionable software. In either case, a quick reinstallation of Windows may be the best option.

So, for this article, I am going to assume that you have a new (to you) computer that is fully functional and want to get it back to factory default. In this case, you do not want to save anything and want a fresh Windows installation. As long as your computer can boot normally, you should have no problems.

For this exercise, you will need two (2) USB drives (8GB or larger), one that can be reformatted for the installation media and one for the drivers for your computer. The first thing you need to do is check the activation status and Windows version.

How to check activation and version of Windows

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. Left-click on the Settings (gear icon) app to open it.
3. In the left-hand column, click on System.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and select Activation. If the Activation state is good, note the version, Home or Pro, and you are ready to proceed.

Download the operating system and drivers

It may seem out of order, but we will get the drivers for your system first, then the OS. Depending on whether your computer is a name-brand system or a custom-built one, you will have to find the correct drivers.

The best bet is to perform a Google search for the make/model of your computer (name-brand) or motherboard (custom-built) to find the support page for your system. Then you can choose which drivers you want to download.

Remember that network adapter drivers (ethernet or wifi) are the minimum driver(s) you will need when the reinstallation is complete. Once you have downloaded the drivers, extract them if they are in a compressed file, and then copy them over to one of the USB drives.

Next, download the Windows Media Creation Tool to create the installation media on the second USB drive. Once you download the tool, insert the second USB drive in to your computer and run the Windows Media Creation Tool. Just follow the prompts to create bootable installation media.

When the Windows Media Creation Tool is finished, leave that USB drive attached to your computer and disconnect any other external drive, including the USB drive with the drivers.

Boot your computer on the install drive

1. With the install media attached, left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. Left-click on the Settings (gear icon) app to open it.
3. In the left-hand column, click on System.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and select Recovery.
5. In the right-hand column to the right of Advanced startup, left-click on Restart now.
6. When your system restarts, it should boot to the Choose an option screen. There, you click on Use a device.
7. Left-click on the USB drive you used for the installation media.
8. Your system should now boot up on the installation USB drive and start the setup program. Proceed through the setup screens until you get to the Select setup option. Make sure that Install Windows 11 is selected and the I agree that everything is going to be deleted checkbox is checked.
9. When prompted for a product key, select I don't have a product key and proceed with the installation. Windows will download the product key and reactivate once the installation is complete and your computer connects to the Internet.

So you just got a new computer and are ready to go. You're going to install programs and transfer files to it. But before you personalize it, you should do a few things first. Here are five things you should do first when you get a new computer.

Register your new computer

Here's one that almost everyone, including myself, postpones until a later time. The problem is we never get around to it; we keep putting it off. But if something ever goes wrong with your new computer, you will be glad you did. This is one of those 'do it right now' items. Then you can forget all about it and hope you never need it.

Get the latest Windows updates

You might think that your new computer is up to date, being brand new. But the fact is you don't know when the manufacturer made the operating system image used on your hard drive. Windows 8 had updates available before it even went on sale. Run Windows Update to check for updates; odds are there are some available. You may have to run Windows Update more than once to get all the updates. But doing it right now will get your new computer entirely up to date before you start installing your programs.

Activate or install anti-virus software

Almost all computer manufacturers will pre-install some anti-virus software. It's usually only a 30 to 60-day trial subscription and will run out before you know it. If you plan on keeping it, buy a full subscription now and be done with it. If you want to use other anti-virus software, including the built-in Windows Defender, now is the time to change it.

Remember to uninstall the anti-virus software that came with your new computer before installing any other. Windows Defender can detect when another anti-virus program is installed or uninstalled and will disable or enable its real-time scanning. Remember that having two or more third-party anti-virus programs running on the same computer will significantly decrease performance.

Set up a backup system

Establishing a reliable backup system is crucial when you get a new computer. Whether it's an external hard drive, a cloud-based service, or both, regularly backing up your data can save you from a potential disaster in the future. Set up automatic backups to ensure that your important files are always protected.

How to backup your Windows 11 computer using Windows Backup and File History

How to backup your Windows 10 computer using Windows Backup and File History

Uninstall unnecessary bloatware

Many new computers come with pre-installed software, also known as bloatware, that you may never use. Review the programs installed on your computer and remove any you don't need. This can free up valuable disk space and improve your computer's performance.

By following these five steps, you can ensure that your new computer is set up for success. Taking the time to update software, install security measures, set up backups, and remove bloatware will help you get the most out of your new device. Enjoy your new computer!