Optimize and Speed Up Windows by Removing Unnecessary Preinstalled Apps
PC manufacturers often load new computers with extra software, or "bloatware," which can bog down system performance. Clearing out these unwanted apps can free up storage space and boost speed.
If your computer is slow to start, apps take forever to load, or storage is nearly full, it may be due to unnecessary preinstalled software. Most new PCs come with a variety of apps that aren't essential and can drain system resources.
When setting up a new PC or after a factory reset, it's smart to remove these nonessential programs. But which ones can you safely delete?
Many new computers come with trial versions of antivirus software that push paid subscriptions. However, Windows includes Microsoft Defender, which provides excellent protection from the start. Similarly, preinstalled photo editing software is often redundant, as Windows offers basic tools like Photos and Paint, plus many free, advanced options are available online.
You can safely uninstall these apps. Additionally, many PCs come with preinstalled games (e.g., Solitaire or Checkers), messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram), or social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok). These can be easily removed without harming system performance and reinstalled from the Microsoft Store if needed.
To remove unwanted apps, go to the Start menu, open Settings, select Apps, and choose Installed Apps. This will display a list of all installed programs. Click the three dots next to each app and select Uninstall.
If you're unsure about a particular app, such as "Microsoft Visual C++" (which should be kept), a quick internet search will help you identify what can be safely deleted. Don't worry, most essential system components can't be uninstalled.
For a deeper computer cleanup, consider using third party apps like Revo Uninstaller (a top pick), Uninstalr (lightweight and powerful), CCleaner, or Bulk Crap Uninstaller, which color codes programs to help identify questionable ones.
Similarly, Macs come with some preinstalled apps that may not be useful to everyone, such as GarageBand, iMovie, Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. These apps can be removed if you don't use them, freeing up space on your device. To uninstall, simply drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash to fully delete it.