How To Remove Bloatware on Windows 11

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After setting up a Windows device for the first time, you’ll notice plenty of software that’s already been installed.

Some of this is genuinely useful – most people couldn’t live without Settings or File Explorer, for example. But there are lots of other apps you’ll never use and might even forget about.

Microsoft includes lots of its own stock apps in Windows 11, but some PC and laptop makers also add their own. Not only are these annoying, they take up vital storage space and can slow down your device.

In this article, we’ll run through how to identify bloatware and then remove it from your computer. This tutorial only applies to Windows 11, but the process is similar on Windows 10.

What is bloatware?

Bloatware is an umbrella term to describe software which takes up space or uses device resources without being of use to the end user.

Which apps and services are considered bloatware will therefore vary, but there are a few popular examples. They include antivirus apps (especially those which encourage you to buy a subscription), entertainment apps, games and custom versions of tools such as notes and settings.

While this can have a negative effect on the user experience, the incentive for device makers is clear. Promoting their own services in addition to (or instead of) Microsoft’s is a useful way to increase popularity, while third-party companies will pay significant amounts of money for their apps to be installed.

It’s worth noting that bloatware on Windows is much less intrusive than Android, where extra apps and tools can transform the look and feel of your phone or tablet. But they’re still worth removing.

How to decide if a Windows 11 app is bloatware

In general, anything you recognise as an app or tool that isn’t required on Windows can be classified as bloatware. You can safely remove it without any harmful consquences for your device.

But what if you’ve never heard of it? A search online will shed some light, but a site such as shouldiremoveit.com is more reliable. Here, you can decide if any program is important to keep or simply bloatware.