How to Remove Bloatware From Windows 10

Although it might not be dangerous, bloatware does consume hard drive space that could be used by more meaningful applications. It could slow your system speed, as well. Fortunately, you can remove Windows 10 bloatware without much time or effort.

Types of Bloatware

There are a few different types of bloatware that are pre-installed on new computers. Trialware is software your new PC includes free to use for a specific trial period, such as 30 days or 6 months.

A full version of the software is commonly installed on the computer, even if only certain features are available to use during the trial period. When the specified time runs out, the program loses functionality unless and until you purchase a license. However, the software sticks around on your computer.

Applications created by the computer manufacturer are another common source of bloatware. You might find some of these programs useful, but others might never see the light of day.

The most dangerous type of bloatware that your Windows 10 computer could include is adware, which might cause popups, spyware, or worse.

Remove Bloatware in Windows 10 From Apps & Features

If you know what applications you want to remove, uninstalling them from Windows Apps & Features is a straightforward way to do so.

1. Log in to the computer as an administrator.

2. Type apps into the Windows 10 search box.

3. Select Open on Apps & Features from the list of search results under System Settings.

   

4. Choose Name, Size, or Install Date in the Sort By list.

   

   If you want to find apps that came pre-installed on your computer, sort by the date installed. Scroll to the bottom of the list, as the most recently installed applications will be displayed at the top of the list.

5. Select an application you want to remove.

   Research any applications you're not sure about to determine whether they're necessary programs you should keep or bloatware you could safely uninstall. Should I Remove It? is a helpful resource to decide what to keep and what to remove. The site uses crowdsourced data to provide recommendations as well as information about a plethora of applications.

6. Select Uninstall.

   

7. Confirm you want to uninstall the program and wait until the process is complete.

   

8. Repeat for each application you want to remove.

How to Remove Bloatware on Windows 10 Using Powershell

PowerShell is a command and scripting language. You can use it as a tool to simplify and automate tasks, such as hiding or removing Windows 10 bloatware. First, you must decide what you want to uninstall. Then you can run PowerShell as an administrator and enter commands to remove the applications.

1. Type powershell into the Windows search box.

   

2. Select Run as Administrator in the search results. Choose Yes if a user account control window appears. The PowerShell window will open.

   

3. Enter DISM /Online /Get-ProvisionedAppxPackages | select-string Packagename to access a complete list of installed apps.

   

4. Enter DISM /Online /Remove-ProvisionedAppxPackage /PackageName:PACKAGENAME replacing PACKAGENAME with the app you want to uninstall.

5. Repeat for each app you want to remove.

Using Third-Party Tools to Remove Windows 10 Bloatware

Another option is to use a third-party uninstaller to remove unwanted bloatware in Windows 10. These programs are especially helpful for applications that don't have a straightforward uninstallation process or those that will not uninstall completely.

How to Avoid Installing Bloatware

Although it's often pre-installed when you purchase a new computer, there are times when you might be adding it to your system without even realizing it. Knowing what to watch for and how to steer clear of it could help you prevent issues in the future.

Free software is often bundled with bloatware. Pay attention to the fine print and extra checkboxes, which are often selected by default, when you install a new program. Opt out from any extras unless they provide value that you need and want. If you cannot opt out of extra apps, reconsider downloading the software you intended to install. There could be a safer, less bloated alternative available.