How to Remove Bloatware from Windows 10?

Bloatware refers to software programs that come pre-installed on a device, typically a computer or a mobile device, which may be unnecessary, unwanted, or redundant for the user. Bloatware can take up valuable storage space, use system resources, slow down the device, and potentially compromise its security.
It is important to remove bloatware because it can improve the device’s performance, increase available storage space, and reduce security risks. Additionally, removing unnecessary software can make it easier to manage and maintain the device.
How to Remove Bloatware from Windows 10?
Bloatware is software that comes pre-installed on a computer, and it can be challenging to remove in some cases. Here are several ways to remove bloatware from a Windows 10 computer:
- Uninstall programs via the control panel:
- Open the Start Menu and search for “Control Panel”
- Click on “Programs and Features”
- Find the bloatware program you want to remove and click “Uninstall”
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process
- Use a third-party uninstaller:
- Download and install a third-party uninstaller program, such as Revo Uninstaller or IObit Uninstaller
- Open the uninstaller program and select the bloatware program you want to remove
- Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process
- Use PowerShell to remove Windows 10 apps:
- Open PowerShell as an administrator by searching for it in the Start Menu, right-clicking on it and selecting “Run as administrator”
- Type in “Get-AppxPackage NameOfBloatware” (replace “NameOfBloatware” with the name of the bloatware program you want to remove)
- Hit Enter, and the command will search for the app
- Then type in “Remove-AppxPackage NameOfBloatware” to remove the app
- Use the Windows 10 Debloater Script:
- Download the Windows 10 Debloater Script from GitHub
- Extract the files and run the “Windows10DebloaterGUI.ps1” script
- Select the bloatware programs you want to remove from the list
- Click “Remove Selected Apps”
It’s important to note that removing certain bloatware programs can cause issues with your system, so it’s best to research the program before uninstalling it. Additionally, some bloatware programs may automatically reinstall after a Windows update, so it may be necessary to repeat the removal process.
Deleting Windows 10 Bloatware With DISM:
You can also use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to remove bloatware from Windows 10. Here’s how to do it:
- Open a command prompt as an administrator:
- Click the Start Menu and type “Command Prompt”
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”
- Check the list of installed apps using DISM:
- In the command prompt, type “dism /online /get-packages” and hit Enter
- This will display a list of all installed packages on your system, including the bloatware programs you want to remove
- Make a note of the package name(s) of the bloatware program(s) you want to remove
- Uninstall bloatware using DISM:
- In the command prompt, type “dism /online /remove-package /PackageName:PackageName” (replace “PackageName” with the name of the bloatware package you want to remove) and hit Enter
- Repeat the above command for each bloatware package you want to remove
- Optional: Reinstall any accidentally removed packages:
- If you accidentally remove a package that is necessary for your system, you can reinstall it using the command “dism /online /add-package /packagepath:C:\path\to\package\PackageFileName.cab” (replace “C:\path\to\package\PackageFileName.cab” with the path to the package file)
It’s important to note that removing certain bloatware programs can cause issues with your system, so it’s best to research the program before uninstalling it. Additionally, some bloatware programs may automatically reinstall after a Windows update, so it may be necessary to repeat the removal process.
Why Delete Windows 10 Bloatware Apps?
There are several reasons why you might want to delete bloatware apps from your Windows 10 computer:
- Free up disk space: Bloatware apps can take up a significant amount of disk space, especially if your computer has a smaller hard drive. By removing these apps, you can free up space for more important files and programs.
- Improve system performance: Some bloatware apps run in the background and use system resources, which can slow down your computer. Removing these apps can improve overall system performance and reduce system resource usage.
- Reduce security risks: Bloatware apps that you don’t use may contain security vulnerabilities that could put your computer at risk. By removing them, you can reduce the number of potential attack vectors on your system.
- Customize your system: Bloatware apps can clutter your Start menu and taskbar, making it more difficult to find the programs you actually use. By removing them, you can customize your system to your liking and make it more streamlined and efficient.
- Improve user experience: Bloatware apps can be annoying and distracting, especially if they are constantly prompting you to sign up for services or upgrade to a paid version. Removing them can improve your overall user experience and make your computer more enjoyable to use.
It’s important to note that while removing bloatware apps can be beneficial, some of these apps may be necessary for certain system functions. Before removing any bloatware apps, it’s important to research them to ensure that they are safe to remove and won’t cause any issues with your system.
How do I know if my device has Bloatware?
It’s possible that your device has bloatware if it came with pre-installed software that you don’t use or never asked for. Here are some ways to determine if your device has bloatware:
- Check the list of installed programs:
- Go to the Start Menu and click on “Settings”
- Click on “Apps”
- This will display a list of all installed apps on your system, including the pre-installed apps that may be considered bloatware.
- Use a third-party tool:
- You can use a third-party tool such as PC Decrapifier, which is designed to identify and remove bloatware from your computer.
- Simply download and install the tool, and it will scan your system for any pre-installed software that may be considered bloatware.
- Research your device:
- You can research the device you have purchased and look for information on the software that is pre-installed.
- Many manufacturers may list the pre-installed software on their website or in the user manual, allowing you to determine if any of the apps can be considered bloatware.
It’s important to note that not all pre-installed software is bloatware. Some programs may be necessary for the proper functioning of your device, such as drivers or system utilities. Before removing any pre-installed software, it’s important to research it to ensure that it won’t cause any issues with your system.
Conclusion:
Removing bloatware from Windows 10 can help free up disk space, improve system performance, reduce security risks, and improve user experience. There are several methods to remove bloatware, including using PowerShell, the Control Panel, and the DISM tool. Before removing any pre-installed software, it’s important to research it to ensure that it won’t cause any issues with your system. By following these steps, you can streamline and optimize your Windows 10 experience.