- Bloatware refers to pre-installed applications that consume system resources and slow down the computer.
- There are various methods for its removal, from PowerShell scripts to open source tools and group policies.
- Cleaning the registry and optimizing startup are complementary steps to improve system fluidity.
I'm sure it's happened to you: you get a new computer or install Windows 11 from scratch and suddenly you're faced with a bunch of applications you never asked for. This software, known as bloatware , consists of pre-installed programs that come bundled with your system and, in most cases, only serve to take up hard drive space and hog RAM while running in the background.
Having your computer cluttered with digital files isn't just visually annoying; it can also cause your system to slow down , freeze, or even overheat. Luckily, although Microsoft sometimes makes it difficult, there are effective ways to perform a deep clean and get your operating system running smoothly.
Quick methods using the Windows Terminal
If you want to get straight to the point, the Windows Terminal is your best friend. One of the easiest ways to clean your system is with a command that downloads and runs an open-source tool. Just open the Terminal (or PowerShell if you're using Windows 10) and type the following command: `iwr -useb https://git.io/debloat|iex` . Pressing Enter will download and launch the program automatically.
Once the interface opens, you'll see a panel with various options. The most powerful is the "Remove all bloatware" button , which deletes all pre-installed apps at once. However, you can also disable things like Cortana, the Edge PDF reader, or OneDrive step by step. Being open-source software, it's quite secure since anyone can audit its code, although remember that it always requires administrator privileges to run.
If you prefer not to use external programs and want a more manual approach, you can use direct PowerShell commands. To remove a specific application, use the command ` Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage` , replacing "AppName" with the actual package name. This is a more precise method, ideal for those who don't want to remove everything at once.
Advanced tools and scripts from GitHub
For those seeking complete control, there are some very interesting projects on GitHub. One of them is Bloatynosy , a portable application that requires no installation. After downloading the ZIP file and running the .exe file (or Winpilot.exe), you can use the "Analyze" or "Interactive" options to review which elements to remove, including telemetry and intrusive Microsoft advertising.
Another very popular alternative is Win11Debloat . This system is based on PowerShell scripts and is used by running the "Run.bat" file located in its folder. It's best to choose option number 1, which removes most of the components that are rarely used, such as Bing Copilot or Clipchamp, leaving the system much lighter.
In professional or corporate environments, such as those using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise with Business Premium subscriptions, methods such as remediation scripts or integration with Intune are often used to manage mass uninstallation on multiple devices at once, although this is more complex and requires system administration knowledge.
What's new in Windows 11 25H2 and the Policy Editor
Microsoft has begun to give in, partly due to pressure from the European Union's Digital Markets Act, making it easier to remove its software. In Windows 11 version 25H2 , an option called "Remove default Microsoft Store packages from the system" was introduced in the Group Policy Editor (GPEDIT).
To access this, navigate to Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment. Once there, change the policy status to "Enabled" and select the programs you want to remove from the list. It's important to note that this method only works in the Pro and Enterprise versions, as the Home edition does not include the policy editor.
Final optimization: Registration and startup
Deleting applications is only half the job. Sometimes, traces remain in the Windows registry that can cause errors. To fix this, it's recommended to use tools like CCleaner to clean up orphaned entries. But be careful: before touching anything, it's essential to go to regedit and back up the registry using the Export option, in case something goes wrong and you need to revert the changes.
To complete the process, take a look at the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc). In the Startup tab, you can see which programs load when you turn on your PC. If you find any unnecessary pre-installed applications , right-click on them and select "Disable." This will make your computer boot much faster and use less CPU from the very first second.
Performing a thorough system cleanup using terminal commands, specialized scripts, or policy configurations can transform a slow computer into an optimized machine. By removing junk software and adjusting startup processes and the registry, we can make Windows 11 run remarkably smoothly , recovering valuable resources and customizing the user experience to suit our specific needs.