How to Remove Preinstalled Applications on Windows 11

In Windows 11, removing preinstalled applications can help free up storage and enhance overall performance by reducing bloatware. These applications can range from trial versions of software to games and other unnecessary programs that the manufacturer preinstalls. Although some of these apps are easy to uninstall through the settings menu, others may prove more challenging.

Using the built-in Windows settings, the command prompt, and third-party software are all methods that can be used to remove preinstalled applications on Windows 11. If you want to declutter your Windows 11 home screen or free up space on your device, this guide will help you remove unwanted preinstalled applications on your Windows 11 PC.

What is the Need for Removing Preinstalled Apps on PC?

It is possible that you would like to uninstall preinstalled apps on Windows for several reasons:

• Taking up storage space on your device can slow your system and limit the space available for your files and apps.
• It can slow down your system and drain your battery if you run preinstalled apps in the background.
• There is a possibility that some preinstalled apps will collect personal data or track your usage habits, so privacy is an issue.
• It may be necessary to uninstall some preinstalled apps because they are not useful or necessary for your use case. Uninstalling them will help free up system resources and clean up the interface.
• You can improve the overall security of your device by uninstalling preinstalled apps that may have vulnerabilities or be susceptible to malware.

Keeping in mind that uninstalling certain apps, like those classified as “system apps,” may not be advisable due to the possibility that they are required for the proper functioning of the operating system.

Top Ways to Remove Bloatware on Windows 11

The term “bloatware” refers to software programs that come preinstalled on a computer or device. In addition to taking up space and slowing down your system, these applications take up a lot of your valuable storage space. Here are some options for removing preinstalled Windows 11 applications using the Settings app and third-party software:

#1. Uninstall Bloatware Using the Windows 11 Settings App

The steps below will guide you through the process of uninstalling bloatware using the Windows 11 Settings app:

1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows 11 Settings app.
2. Select Apps.
3. You can uninstall bloatware by simply clicking on the three-dot button in front of the apps in the list of installed apps.
4. To uninstall, click Uninstall.
5. Then, in the pop-up window, click Uninstall to confirm you want to remove the app.
6. Once the app has been uninstalled, close the Settings app.

Note: Bloatware applications may not be uninstallable and may be hidden. If this is the case, you will need to use third-party software to remove it.

#2. Remove Bloatware Using PowerShell

Using PowerShell, you can also remove preinstalled apps, also known as bloatware, on Windows 11. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
2. From the menu, select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
3. Enter the command Get-AppxPackage in the PowerShell window.
4. With this command, you will be able to see all the applications that are currently installed on your system. Make a note of its PackageFullName on the list of applications you wish to remove.
5. If you wish to remove the app, type Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName in the command line, replacing PackageFullName with the actual package name.
6. Then hit Enter.
7. Wait for the app to be removed.
8. It is now time to close PowerShell.

Note: Using PowerShell to remove some apps can cause some problems with the system. Know what you are doing before using this method. Some apps can’t be removed with PowerShell, and you may get an error message when you try to do so.

#3. Remove Preinstalled Windows Apps Using the Start Menu

On Windows 11, you can also remove preinstalled Windows apps from the Start menu. Follow these steps:

1. On your screen, click on the Start menu button.
2. Select the app you wish to uninstall from the list of apps.
3. Simply right-click the app’s icon and choose Unpin from Start.
4. Right-click the app’s name in the Start menu and select Uninstall to remove the app fully
5. If a pop-up window appears, click on Uninstall to confirm your decision.

Note: If an app does not have an uninstall option, such as Microsoft Store, unpinning it will remove it from the Start menu.

#4. Remove Bloatware With Command Prompt (CMD)

By using Command Prompt (CMD), you can also remove preinstalled apps from Windows 11. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard to open the Quick Link menu.
2. From the menu, select “Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Enter the command “wmic” in the Command Prompt window.
4. Enter “product get name” and press Enter.
5. Using this command, you will be able to see a list of all the applications installed on your computer. Be sure to take note of the name of the app you’d like to remove from the list.
6. If you want to remove an app, type the command “wmic product where name=”AppName” call uninstall,” replacing “AppName” with its actual name.
7. Then press Enter.
8. Once the app has been removed, wait for it to be removed.
9. Close the Command Prompt window.

Note: If you want to remove some apps with CMD, ensure you understand what you are doing before using this method. Some apps can’t be removed using CMD, and you may get an error message.