- Removing bloatware improves performance, privacy, and frees up space.
- It combines native methods, reliable tools, and regular maintenance.
- Windows 11 now allows you to officially uninstall many pre-installed apps.
In addition to reviewing manual methods and reliable tools, you'll see which applications can be officially removed, how to reduce system memory, CPU, and network usage, and how to keep it lightweight in the long run. The goal is to bring Windows 11 closer to a clean and classic experience that doesn't get in the way of 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, non-essential programs, services, and components that come pre-installed and bloat the system without the user's permission. The term accurately describes that feeling of an "overly bloated" system.
Why does this keep happening? Primarily due to commercial agreements and product decisions. If an app like Spotify comes pre-installed, it's because there's an agreement between companies to promote its installation. This approach isn't unique to Microsoft: it's also common on Android phones and, to a lesser extent, in Apple's ecosystem with its own apps.
Advantages of removing unnecessary applications
Removing bloatware and features that don't add value has clear benefits. Improved performance : by getting rid of unused background processes, you free up RAM and CPU, and speed up startup.
Enhanced privacy : By reducing the number of services and apps that collect data or telemetry, potential tracking and monitoring activity are decreased. Additionally, disk space is freed up , which is essential on devices with limited storage.
Methods to "slim down" Windows 11 without surprises
1) Uninstall apps manually
This is 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 click Uninstall . You can also do this 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 Start screen or in the original list aren't the full application, but rather shortcuts or deferred installers. Removing them cleans up the interface , but it might not free up space since nothing has been downloaded yet. Many of these are UWP apps and function differently than traditional programs.
2) Third-party tools to go further
There are community projects published on GitHub that facilitate adjustments and removals that the native configuration doesn't allow. Win Debloat Tools stands out for its interface and open-source nature , which helps in understanding what it does and reverting changes if needed. It's also advisable to complement it 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. This utility lets you disable telemetry, remove non-uninstallable components (including Microsoft Edge) , enable visual changes like dark mode, and delete Windows.old to reclaim space. It also includes options to restore deleted items 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 each 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 removals. While they can work, they don't allow you to precisely choose what to touch and what not to touch . 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 stubborn Windows 11 components such as Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, Copilot, Clipchamp, and Bing Weather . The 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 advisable to create a restore point before modifying sensitive system components.
The official list of apps that Windows 11 allows you to uninstall
Microsoft has been expanding what users can easily remove, and in Insider channels (like Canary) the list is already quite extensive. The idea is to offer a cleaner base experience and let each user choose the apps they truly 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 tailor Windows 11 to your needs , avoiding unnecessary extras.
How to uninstall apps using native tools
There are several equally valid methods, depending on what you want to remove and where the installation came from. From the Start menu : find the app, right-click, and select 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 wizard if it appears.
Trick for a cleaner installation during OOBE
During a clean installation, you can adjust the regional format for time and currency in the initial setup wizard (OOBE) . Selecting "English (World)" or "Europe" will prevent the automatic installation of certain promotional apps that often sneak in during the initial setup.
This approach doesn't replace radical projects like Tiny11, which drastically reduce the system for very modest hardware. Rather, it's a complement to provide a "cleaner" official build from the start.
Cleaning and performance tips for a lightweight Windows 11
Once you've removed the unnecessary software, it's a good idea to organize and maintain your system. Let's start with the basics: uninstall anything you don't use from Settings or the Control Panel if it's a traditional 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 are taking up the most space . Sort by size and judiciously delete what you no longer need.
Be very careful with the 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 apps that have a high startup impact and that you don't always need.
The desktop also plays a role: the more items it loads at startup, the longer it takes. Reduce the number of visible shortcuts and files , and use the Start menu to pin frequently used items; this will help you maintain a clean and fast environment.
To pin apps to the Start screen, open "All apps," right-click on the app, and choose Pin to Start. You can also unpin apps you don't want to keep things organized and focused.
Check for any leftover files from previously uninstalled apps in C:\Users\yourusername\AppData (Local, LocalLow, and Roaming). Only delete what you're certain is unnecessary , because deleting the wrong folder can break settings for programs you actually use.
Explorer's Quick Access feature saves you time. Right-click on your frequently used folders and select Pin to Quick Access. Avoid cluttering it with too many shortcuts ; it's best to have a few well-organized, essential shortcuts.
In System > Storage > “Other” you can see which folders on your disk are using the most space. Use this to identify large files that you might want to archive or clean up.
If you manage 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. Delete only the confirmed duplicates to free up space without any 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 Cleanup recommendations to see temporary files, large unused files, inactive apps, and cloud items . It's a good checklist for an initial cleanup.
You can also manage Temporary Files from Storage and select which categories to delete. Once you've made your selection, tap Remove files and you're done.
Enable Storage Sense in System > Storage > Storage Sense to perform regular cleanups. This allows you to delete temporary files, automatically clear downloads, and manage synced content with custom settings.
Don't forget security: Open Windows Security from the system tray or Start menu and go to Virus & threat protection. Run a quick scan or choose a full or custom scan depending on your needs. Even the smallest amount of malware 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 malfunctions 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 don't offer Repair , so in those cases, Reset will be your only option.
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 option when there's damage or you want a clean slate.
How much can you gain by doing “debloat” in practice?
On modern, well-resourced systems, the improvement isn't always dramatic; the process shines brightest on less powerful machines. There are real-world examples of RAM usage dropping from approximately 4 GB to around 2 GB after startup with a deep debloat, which is particularly noticeable on laptops with limited memory.
If simply turning off telemetry, deleting a few apps, and adjusting startup settings is enough, the risk is likely minimal and the improvement reasonable. When you go further (removing Edge, Copilot, services), proceed methodically and prepare recovery options (restores or reinstalls) in case you need to revert.
To keep Windows 11 running smoothly over time, combine regular cleanup (temporary files, storage recommendations), startup control, and reviews of installed apps. Avoid accumulating unnecessary utilities and prioritize a clean desktop and Start menu, using pinned items judiciously.
Achieving a Windows 11 free of bloatware and intrusive assistants, without embedded news or weather updates, and with minimal background processes is possible with the right steps and tools. If you also disable telemetry, control startup, and take advantage of built-in cleanup options , you'll have a more responsive, less chatty system that's much more focused on what you truly need.
