Unnecessary apps in Windows 11: a complete guide to removing them

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In addition to reviewing manual methods and reliable tools, you'll see which applications can be officially removed, what to do to make the system consume less memory, CPU, and network resources, and how to keep it lightweight in the long run. The idea is to bring Windows 11 closer to a sober and classic experience. that does not hinder or interfere with your daily work.

Debloat in Windows 11: what it is and why bloatware exists

When we talk about “debloat” we mean reducing or eliminating bloatware, that is, programs, services, and non-essential components that come pre-installed and that inflate the system without asking the user's permission. The term accurately describes that feeling of an "inflated" system.

Why does this keep happening? Mainly due to trade agreements and product decisions. If an app like Spotify appears pre-installed, it's because there's an agreement between companies. to promote its installation. This approach is not exclusive to Microsoft: it is also common on Android mobiles and, to a lesser extent, in the Apple ecosystem with its own apps.

Advantages of removing unnecessary applications

Removing bloatware and features that don't add value has clear benefits. Performance improvementBy getting rid of background processes you don't use, you recover RAM and CPU, and also speed up startup.

Enhanced PrivacyBy reducing the services and apps that collect data or telemetry, potential tracking and monitoring activity decreases. Furthermore, disk space is gained, something essential in devices with limited storage.

Methods to "slim down" Windows 11 without surprises

1) Uninstall apps manually

It's the safest and most direct way. Open Settings with Windows + I, go to Apps, and then to Installed apps. Find the ones you don't need and tap UninstallYou can also do it from the Start menu by right-clicking on the app and choosing Uninstall.

Keep in mind that many of the "apps" you see on the Home screen or in the original list are not the full application, but simply shortcuts or deferred installers. Removing them cleans the interfaceHowever, it may not free up space since nothing has been downloaded yet. Many of these pieces are UWP apps and they work differently than classic programs.

2) Third-party tools to go further

There are community projects published on GitHub that facilitate adjustments and deletions that the native configuration does not allow. Win Debloat Tools stands out for its interface and for being open source.This helps to understand what it does and how to reverse changes if needed, and it's advisable to complement this with the DISM interface for managing and repairing Windows in more complex tasks.

Guide to using Win Debloat Tools: access the repository, download the ZIP from Code > Download ZIP, extract the contents and run the OpenTerminalHere.cmd file to open a terminal in that folder. Next, it launches the preparation command and the main script.: Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser -Force; ls -Recurse .ps1 | Unblock-File; ."WinDebloatTools.ps1".

Once inside, select the settings you want and apply them with Apply Tweaks. With this tool you can Disable telemetry, remove non-uninstallable components (including Microsoft Edge)It also includes options to enable visual changes like dark mode and delete Windows.old to reclaim space. You can also restore deleted files if you change your mind.

3) Selectively disable services

Another way to lighten your system is to review Services (search for it in Start) and focus on those that start automatically and that you don't use. Filter by running services, go into their properties, and try stopping them and setting startup to Disabled. Document every change so you can revert it. if any function stops behaving as expected.

4) “All-in-one” scripts (not recommended)

There are scripts that automate bulk deactivations and deletions. While they may work, They do not allow you to choose precisely what to play and what not to play.Furthermore, a malicious or careless script can delete important data, corrupt the system, or force you to reinstall.

5) Talon: One-click removal of unwanted software

For those who prefer a very direct approach, Talon allows you to uninstall Windows 11 components that are often difficult to install, such as Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot, Clipchamp or Bing WeatherThe project is available for free in its GitHub releases section. After applying the changes, restart your computer to complete the process.

This type of removal reduces resource consumption by preventing unwanted software from automatically loading or updating. As always, it's a good idea to create a restore point. before touching sensitive parts of the system.

The official list of apps that Windows 11 allows you to uninstall

Microsoft has been expanding what the user can remove without complications, and in Insider channels (like Canary) there is already a fairly generous list. The idea is to offer a cleaner, more basic experience and let each person choose the apps they really need.

• Photos (new)
• People (new)
• Remote Desktop (new)
• Camera
• Cortana
• Calendar
• Mail:
• Calculator
• Clock
• Feedback Hub
• Family
• Movies & TV
• Maps
• media Player
• Microsoft 365
• Microsoft Clipchamp
• Microsoft ToDo
• News
• Paint
• Notepad
• Fast assistance
• Snipping tool
• Sound recorder
• Bus Terminal
• Tips
• Xbox
• Time

If you delete something and regret it, you can always reinstall from the Microsoft Store. The modular approach makes it easy to adjust Windows 11 to your needs.avoiding extras that you don't need.

How to uninstall apps using native tools

There are several equally valid paths, depending on what you want to remove and where the installation came from. From the Start menuFind the app, right-click and uninstall.

From Settings: Home > Settings > Apps > Apps & features (or Installed apps), locate the app and tap Uninstall.

From the classic Control Panel (Win32 programs): search for “Control Panel”, go to Programs > Programs and Features, select the program and choose Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. Follow the manufacturer's assistant. if it appears.

Trick for a cleaner installation during OOBE

During the installation from scratch, in the Initial assistant (OOBE) You can adjust the regional format for time and currency. Select “English (World)” or “Europe” and You will avoid the automatic installation of certain promotional apps that often slip into the first configuration.

This approach does not replace radical projects like Tiny11, which fundamentally cut the system for very modest equipment. Rather, it's an add-on to have a "cleaner" official build. from minute one.

Cleaning and performance tips for a lightweight Windows 11

Once you've removed the excess, it's a good idea to tidy up and maintain. Let's start with the basics: uninstall what you don't use From Settings or the Control Panel if it's a classic program. If you're still having trouble, use its own uninstaller or reputable third-party tools.

If you're worried about storage space, go to System > Storage and open Apps & features to see which apps take up the most spaceSort by size and judiciously delete what you no longer need.

Be very careful with apps that start with Windows. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Delete > Task Manager, or right-click on the taskbar), go to the Startup tab, and disable any that have high-impact start-up and that you don't always need.

The desktop also plays a role: the more elements it loads at startup, the longer it takes. Reduces shortcuts and visible filesAnd use the Start menu to pin what you use most; this way you keep your environment clean and fast.

To pin apps to Start, open "All apps", right-click on the app and choose Pin to Start. You can also unpin anything you're not interested in. to maintain order and focus.

Check for possible remnants of previously deleted apps in C:\Users\yourusername\AppData (Local, LocalLow and Roaming). Delete only what you are sure is unnecessary.because deleting the wrong folder can break settings of programs you do use.

Explorer's Quick Access feature saves you time. Right-click on your frequently used folders and select Pin to Quick Access. Avoid overloading it with too many accessesThe useful thing is to have a few significant shortcuts that are well organized.

In System > Storage > “Other” you can see which folders on the disk are consuming the most space. Use it to detect space “elephants”. that you should perhaps archive or purge.

If you handle a lot of photos, consider searching for duplicates with a dedicated app like Find.Same.Images.OK. The process is simple: select the folders to scan, press Start, and review the detected pairs. Remove only the confirmed ones to free up space without surprises.

To free up space without installing anything external, run the native disk cleanup tool: type cleanmgr In Start, run it as administrator, choose the drive and select the types of files to delete. The assistant details what each option removes.That way you make an informed decision.

In Settings > System > Storage, go to Cleaning recommendations to view temporary files. large unused files, inactive apps, and cloud itemsIt's a good checklist for a first cleaning pass.

You can also manage Temporary Files from Storage and select which categories to delete. Once you have made your selection, click Remove files and ready.

Activate Storage Sense in System > Storage > Storage Sense to perform periodic cleanups. It allows you to delete temporary files, automatically clear downloads, and manage synchronized content. with custom parameters.

Don't forget security: open Windows Security from the system tray or Start menu and go to Virus & threat protection. Launch a quick test or choose a full or customized analysis depending on your needs. If there is malware, however small, it will affect performance and stability.

Regarding the Registry: exercise extreme caution. Before touching anything, open the Registry Editor with Win + R > regedit and export a copy from File > Export. Only check the usual routes and entrances that you can identify with certainty. (HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE and \SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node), and use the search function if needed. An incorrect deletion can leave your system unstable.

If an app crashes but you don't want to uninstall it, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, tap Advanced options and use Repair (keeps data) or Reset (resets the app to factory settings). Some third-party apps do not offer RepairSo in those cases, your only option will be to Reset.

As a last resort, you can reset Windows from Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. The wizard lets you keep your personal files or erase everything. It's the drastic way out when there's damage or you want a "clean slate".

How much can you gain by doing “debloat” in practice?

In modern equipment with ample resources, the leap is not always spectacular; the process shines brightest in modest machines. There are real-world experiences that show RAM usage after startup reduced from ~4 GB to ~2 GB with a deep debloat, which is very noticeable in laptops with limited memory.

If simply turning off telemetry, deleting a few apps, and adjusting the startup settings is enough for you, the risk is likely minimal and the improvement reasonable. When you go further (removing Edge, Copilot, services), act methodically and prepare return routes (restorations or reinstallations) in case you need to revert.

To keep Windows 11 running smoothly over time, it combines regular cleanup (temporary files, storage recommendations), startup control, and reviews of installed apps. Avoid accumulating profits "just in case" and prioritize a clean desktop and Start menu, using pinned items judiciously.

Achieving a Windows 11 without bloatware or intrusive assistants, without embedded news or weather, and with few background processes is possible with the right steps and tools. If you also disable telemetry, you'll have control over startup and can take advantage of native cleaning options.You'll have a streamlined system, less chatty and much more focused on what you really need.