How to Remove Bloatware in Windows 11

Windows 11 is sleek, fast, and modern — but out of the box, it often comes loaded with preinstalled apps you may never use. From trialware and games to promotional apps like TikTok, Spotify, or “suggested” Microsoft Store entries, this extra clutter takes up space and sometimes slows your PC down.

Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to remove bloatware from Windows 11 — whether you prefer doing it manually, through Settings, or using PowerShell for a complete cleanup. In this guide, we’ll cover all the effective methods step by step.

Remove Bloatware in Windows 11

You’ll need a Windows 11 PC with administrator access. No third-party apps are required, but optional tools like O&O AppBuster or Debloater can simplify the process if you prefer a one-click approach.

Tip: Before removing anything, create a System Restore Point — just in case you want to restore any default apps later.

Step 1: Identify Common Bloatware on Windows 11

Bloatware can vary depending on your PC manufacturer and edition of Windows, but it typically includes:

• Preinstalled games (Candy Crush, Solitaire Collection)
• Microsoft Store promotional apps (TikTok, Spotify, Instagram)
• OEM utilities and support apps (MyASUS, Dell SupportAssist, HP Smart)
• Advertising and trial versions of antivirus or backup software

You can safely uninstall most of these without affecting system stability.

Step 2: Uninstall Bloatware from Settings

Windows 11 lets you remove many preinstalled apps directly from the Settings app.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps → Installed apps.
3. Browse through the list and look for unwanted apps.
4. Click the three-dot menu next to the app name and select Uninstall.

Repeat this for every unwanted application. This is the safest and easiest method for removing consumer-level bloatware.

Step 3: Remove Apps Using PowerShell

For deeper cleanup, you can use PowerShell to remove built-in apps that don’t appear in Settings (like Xbox, News, or Widgets).

1. Press Windows + X and choose Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command to view all installed apps: Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName
3. Identify the app you want to remove, then use this command: Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage Example: Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage
4. Press Enter and wait for PowerShell to remove the app.

You can repeat this for each unwanted app package.

If you want to remove bloatware for all users, use:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage

Step 4: Use Winget to Uninstall Multiple Apps Quickly

Windows 11 includes a command-line package manager called Winget, which you can use to remove multiple apps efficiently.

1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. List all installed apps by typing: winget list
3. Find the name of the unwanted app.
4. To uninstall, use: winget uninstall "App Name" Example: winget uninstall "Cortana"
5. You can also run: winget uninstall --purge --id <AppID> This ensures leftover data and registry entries are removed.

Winget is fast, scriptable, and ideal for bulk cleanup.

Step 5: Remove Manufacturer (OEM) Bloatware

If you bought a prebuilt laptop or desktop (like from HP, Dell, ASUS, or Lenovo), your system might include brand-specific tools and trials.

To clean these up:

1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.
2. Look for OEM-related entries (e.g., “MyASUS,” “Dell SupportAssist,” “HP JumpStart”).
3. Right-click and choose Uninstall.

Alternatively, some tools (like O&O AppBuster) can detect OEM bloatware automatically and mark it for removal.

Step 6: Disable Unwanted Startup Apps

Some bloatware runs in the background even after uninstalling their main components. You can disable them from startup.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup apps tab.
3. Right-click any unnecessary app and select Disable.

Disabling startup items reduces boot time and background CPU usage.

Step 7: Remove Bloatware with O&O AppBuster (Optional Tool)

If you prefer a graphical interface, O&O AppBuster is a safe and lightweight utility that helps you remove hidden Windows apps.

1. Download O&O AppBuster from the official O&O Software website.
2. Run the program (no installation needed).
3. Review the list of installed and hidden apps.
4. Select the ones you want to remove and click Remove.

It even lets you reinstall removed apps later if needed, making it safer than command-line removal.

Step 8: Use Windows Debloater Scripts (Advanced)

For a fully customized cleanup, you can use an open-source PowerShell script like Windows10Debloater (compatible with Windows 11).

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Run: iwr -useb https://git.io/debloat | iex
3. Follow the prompts to select and remove unnecessary components.

These scripts can disable telemetry, ads, and other background features — but use them carefully, as they can also affect system services.

Step 9: Reclaim Disk Space After Removing Bloatware

After cleaning up, reclaim space by removing leftover temporary files and packages.

1. Open Settings → System → Storage.
2. Under Storage management, select Cleanup recommendations.
3. Check the boxes next to temporary files, unused apps, and Windows Update leftovers.
4. Click Clean up.

You can also run Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) for deeper cleaning.

Step 10: Prevent Bloatware from Returning After Updates

Sometimes, Windows reinstalls built-in apps after major updates. To prevent this:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates and avoid installing feature previews.
2. Disable automatic app suggestions:
   • Go to Settings → Personalization → Start.
   • Turn off Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.
3. Periodically recheck your system after major updates.

This helps keep your PC clean and clutter-free long-term.

Wrapping Up

Removing bloatware from Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to improve performance and declutter your system. Whether you use Settings, PowerShell, or tools like O&O AppBuster, you can quickly strip away unnecessary software and reclaim valuable space.

For most users, removing preinstalled games, OEM tools, and unwanted Microsoft apps will make Windows 11 faster, cleaner, and more private. Once done, disable startup apps and keep an eye on future updates to ensure your system stays bloat-free.