How to Remove Bloatware From a New Computer (Safely)

You unbox a shiny new laptop, turn it on, and before you've done anything it's asking you to activate an antivirus trial, register for three services and install a game. Welcome to bloatware: pre-installed software you didn't ask for.

• Slower performance: many of these apps run at startup and in the background.
• Wasted storage space.
• Nagging pop-ups for trials and upgrades.
• Conflicts: trial antivirus software can clash with Windows' built-in protection.
• Security risk: unused apps that aren't updated can have vulnerabilities.

Typical examples include:

• Trial antivirus or "security suites" (Windows Security is already built in).
• Manufacturer "helper" apps that duplicate Windows features.
• Pre-installed games and streaming or shopping app shortcuts.
• "PC optimizer" or "cleaner" tools.
• Promotional shortcuts in the Start menu.

Some pre-installed software is important:

• Drivers and hardware utilities: touchpad, audio, graphics, keyboard backlight, special function keys.
• Your manufacturer's update tool (e.g. Dell SupportAssist, Lenovo Vantage, HP Support Assistant). These deliver driver and firmware updates. You can turn off their marketing notifications instead.
• Anything with "Driver," "Chipset," "Intel," "AMD," "NVIDIA" or "Realtek" in the name, unless you know exactly what it does.

If you're unsure, search the program name before removing it.

Settings → Apps → Installed apps. Click ⋯ next to an app → Uninstall.

Uninstall the trial from Installed apps, then restart. Windows Security will turn itself back on automatically. Check it in Windows Security → Virus & threat protection. If removal leaves pieces behind, the antivirus maker usually offers an official removal tool.

Right-click pinned apps you don't want → Unpin from Start or Uninstall. Many are just shortcuts that install the app if clicked.

Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → Startup apps. Disable anything you don't need at login.

Settings → Personalization → Start → turn off recommendations for tips and new apps.

Macs ship with less third-party bloatware, but you may not want every Apple app. Some can be deleted from the Applications folder (such as GarageBand, iMovie, Pages, Numbers and Keynote). Core system apps can't be removed.

For the cleanest possible start, some people reinstall Windows from Microsoft's official installation media. This removes all manufacturer software. But you may then need to download drivers from the manufacturer's website. Only do this if you're comfortable with the process, and back up first.

Scripts that promise to strip out everything can remove important components and cause problems with updates. Stick to the built-in uninstall options unless you really know what the script does.

Uninstall trials, games and duplicate utilities. Keep drivers and your manufacturer's update tool. When in doubt, search before you delete. A few minutes of cleanup makes a new computer feel faster and much less annoying.