How to Safely Remove Bloatware from Windows Using Built-In Tools

Removing applications through Windows Settings

The most direct and secure method for managing installed software is the built-in Settings menu. On Windows 11, users can go to Settings, select Apps, and open the Installed apps menu. Windows 10 users access the same functionality through the Apps and features page.

This interface allows for sorting applications by size or installation date, which helps identify preloaded software that may not be necessary for daily use. Common candidates for removal include Microsoft News, Clipchamp, Solitaire Collection, Tips, Get Help, Feedback Hub, and the consumer version of Microsoft Teams. Trial software often pre-installed by PC manufacturers, such as antivirus trials or branded utilities, can also be removed via this menu.

Not all applications are candidates for removal. Xbox-related components are integrated with the Game Bar and Game Pass, and removing them may disable features relied upon by gamers. Similarly, users should verify their cloud storage settings before uninstalling OneDrive, as this action can alter the default location of Desktop and Documents folders. Core components, including Microsoft Edge, the Microsoft Store, and the Settings app, are protected from removal by design.

Utilizing PowerShell for advanced cleanup

For applications that do not provide an uninstall option in the Settings menu, Windows PowerShell offers a more granular approach. Before performing these tasks, it is recommended to create a restore point through the System Protection settings to ensure a recovery path if errors occur. To initiate this process, users must right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) on Windows 11, or Windows PowerShell (Admin) on Windows 10.

Users can view installed packages by running the command Get-AppxPackage with a filter for the name and package full name. Removing a specific package involves piping the Get-AppxPackage command into Remove-AppxPackage. Adding the AllUsers parameter allows for the removal of packages across every account on the machine.

A critical consideration is the system’s provisioning list, which can cause removed apps to reappear for new user accounts. The Get-AppxProvisionedPackage command with the Online parameter identifies these provisioned entries, which can then be removed using Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage. Users are cautioned to avoid removing essential components such as the Windows Shell Experience Host, the Microsoft Store, and critical runtime libraries like .NET components, as these are required for system functionality.

Managing background resource consumption

Even when applications are not actively in use, they may continue to consume system memory, network data, and battery power by running in the background. Windows provides controls to limit this activity. On Windows 11, users can go to Settings, select Apps, and then Installed apps. By clicking the menu next to a specific Store application and selecting Advanced options, users can adjust how that application behaves when it is not in the foreground.

These manual cleanup steps represent a departure from earlier methods, which frequently relied on automated scripts that often removed software without user verification. By relying on native tools, users maintain control over their system configuration, and any removed application can be reinstalled later via the Microsoft Store if necessary.