How to Safely Remove Pre-Installed Bloatware in Windows

Buying a new laptop often means getting a bunch of apps you never asked for — trial antivirus programs, sponsored games, manufacturer tools, and other junk. This unnecessary software is called bloatware, and it slows down your PC, wastes storage space, and drains battery life.

Here’s how to safely remove it and clean up your Windows system.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Click the Settings gear icon.

3. Or press Windows + I to open Settings instantly.

Step 2: Open Installed Apps

1. In the left sidebar, click Apps.

2. Select Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).

Step 3: Identify Bloatware

Scroll through the list and look for:

• Sponsored games (Candy Crush, Solitaire Collection, etc.)

• Trial antivirus programs

• Manufacturer apps (HP, Dell, Lenovo utilities you don’t use)

• Pre‑installed shopping apps

• “Free trials” or “offers”

If you don’t recognize an app, search its name online before removing it.

Step 4: Uninstall Unwanted Apps

1. Click the three dots next to the app (Windows 11). — or — Click the app name directly (Windows 10).

2. Select Uninstall.

3. Confirm by clicking Uninstall again.

Windows will remove the app completely.

 

Step 5: Clean Up Leftover Junk Files (Optional)

After uninstalling apps, you can remove leftover files:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Type Disk Cleanup.

3. Select your system drive (C:).

4. Check items like:

   • Temporary files

   • Recycle Bin

   • Thumbnails

5. Click OK → Delete Files.

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• How to Stop Windows from Automatically Restarting

• How to Fix a USB Drive That is Not Showing Up in Windows

Important Note

Do not uninstall:

• Microsoft Edge

• Microsoft Store

• System utilities

• Drivers

• Windows security components

Removing these may cause system instability.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Proceed at your own risk.