Every new Windows 11 laptop I unbox for a Toronto client has the same problem: 30-50 pre-installed apps the user did not ask for. McAfee trial. Candy Crush. ExpressVPN promo. HP Smart, Dell SupportAssist, Lenovo Vantage – each phoning home, popping notifications, eating RAM.
Here is the exact debloat I run on every new build. Safe, reversible, no third-party “tweaker” software that breaks Windows Update.
What can I safely remove from Windows 11?
Almost any preinstalled app you did not actively choose. Safe categories:
- Trial antivirus (McAfee LiveSafe, Norton trial) – Windows Defender is better in 2026
- Games (Candy Crush, Disney Magic Kingdoms) – Microsoft pushes these even on Pro
- Manufacturer “helper” apps (HP Smart, Dell Mobile Connect, Lenovo Smart Meeting) – rarely useful
- Office trial pop-ups – install Microsoft 365 fresh if you want it
- 3D Viewer, Mixed Reality Portal, Movies & TV, Solitaire – unused
Do NOT remove: Microsoft Store, Edge, Windows Security, Camera (some webcams need it), Photos.
How do I remove bloatware via Settings (safe pass 1)?
- Open Settings. Press
Win + I. - Apps, then Installed apps.
- Sort by Install date. Catches everything that came preinstalled.
- For each junk app: click the three-dot menu, Uninstall, confirm.
This catches 60-70% of bloat. Some apps refuse to uninstall (greyed out option) – those need PowerShell.
How do I use PowerShell to remove stubborn apps (pass 2)?
- Open PowerShell as admin. Right-click Start, Terminal (Admin).
- List installed appx packages:
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName - Remove what you want. Example – Candy Crush:
Get-AppxPackage *candycrush* | Remove-AppxPackage - Common targets:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.BingNews* | Remove-AppxPackage Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.Microsoft3DViewer* | Remove-AppxPackage Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MixedReality.Portal* | Remove-AppxPackage Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.WindowsFeedbackHub* | Remove-AppxPackage
If a Remove fails (“HRESULT 0x80073CFA”), it is a system app – leave it alone.
How do I remove HP/Dell/Lenovo manufacturer bloat?
This is where O&O AppBuster from O&O Software shines. Free, portable (no install), shows every app on the machine including hidden system apps. Filter by manufacturer or “appx packages by all users.”
On a fresh HP Pavilion I debloated last week: HP Smart, HP System Information, HP Documentation, HP JumpStart, HP Privacy Settings, HP Audio Switch – six apps gone in 30 seconds.
What about Windows 11 Pro vs Home for bloat?
Pro and Home install nearly identical preloaded apps. Pro adds Hyper-V and Group Policy, doesn’t ship less bloat. Education and Enterprise SKUs ship cleaner.
Is there a one-click debloat script I can use?
Yes – the community ChrisTitus Windows Utility bundles debloat, optimization, and update tweaks. Run with one PowerShell line from his site. I run it on every new build I set up. Backup first, but I have run it 200+ times without issue.
Avoid sketchy “tweakers” with names like “Win11Bloater” from random forums – some bundle malware.
What about disabling Windows telemetry?
Settings, Privacy & security, Diagnostics & feedback, switch to Required only. Then Activity history off. ChrisTitus tool tightens this further.
For full Windows hardening including local accounts, see my encryption guide. For replacing bundled Office with free alternatives, my free office suite roundup. For replacing bundled email (the new Outlook), my free email client guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing bloatware void my warranty?
No. Removing preinstalled software does not void hardware warranty. Manufacturer “helper” apps are not warranty conditions.
Can I reinstall an app I removed?
Yes – Microsoft Store has most of them. PowerShell command Get-AppxPackage -allusers PackageName | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage} restores system ones.
What about removing Microsoft Edge?
You can but it breaks several Windows features that embed Edge (PDF preview, some Settings pages). Better to ignore it and use Chrome/Firefox as default.
Does debloating make Windows faster?
Modest gains. The biggest win is reduced background CPU and notification spam, not raw speed. RAM savings are 200-600MB typical.
Should I disable Cortana?
It is already heavily limited in Windows 11 24H2. Right-click Cortana on taskbar, uninstall. Done.
