What is bloatware and how to remove it easily is a common question for anyone facing slow devices filled with unwanted apps. Bloatware refers to pre-installed programs that take up space, reduce performance, and often go unused. Many users don’t realize these apps can even pose security risks.
In this blog, you’ll learn what bloatware is, why it matters, and the best ways to remove it easily for a faster, cleaner device.
What is Bloatware?
Bloatware refers to the third-party software that computer manufacturers or distributors pre-install on a computer. These applications can make a PC perform more slowly than expected, or worse, cause damage to the PC, user, or computing network the new PC is connected to.
Companies describe this “bloatware” as a bonus. Occasionally, it is, like tools not natively included Windows 10; however, more frequently than not, it is simply a way for the PC maker (or reseller) to gain a few extra bucks.
What Effect Does Bloatware Have?
Bloatware sounds pretty harmless, doesn’t it? It can actually have a huge impact on the performance of the new PC. Microsoft also sells “Signature PCs”, stock Windows 10 machines sold directly by Microsoft.
These devices wake up 104 percent faster, shut down 35 percent faster, and last 28 more minutes on a charge than laptops shipped with other software preinstalled, according to Microsoft. This informs you that bloatware impacts PC performance.
What Types of Bloatware Are There?
The bloatware can vary from device to device. Today even the distributors and manufacturers of smartphones put unnecessary programs on their mobile devices. When it is about PC-based bloatware, there are 2 major variants that you are going to notice.
The first are apps that plug-in to upgrade the original “tablet mode” usability built in Windows 10. They can be located as Start Menu tiles and are easy to get rid of. The other type are desktop mode-focused apps that lack a tile, which is why they are mixed in with all the apps you matched find on new PCs.
In addition to the two types, there are three different types of bloatware apps. They include:
- Utilities – There are manufacturers who provide software that they have created themselves in most cases to help improve equipment performance.
The issue is that a lot of companies don’t require this application as they have an option having been determined to help them with these responsibilities. Media players and phot-video editing software are great examples of this.
- Trialware —It allows you to use an application for free for a limited period of time or with limited access to certain functions that you can unlock with the full purchase of the product. Let’s say it allows you to sample it for free so you can make more informed decisions. For example, antivirus and antimalware programs are commonly included in this.
- Adware — Adware is the worst. Its sole purpose is to fire off ads, either from sites or through popups. It can also track your usage of your PC, and has been the cause of significant vulnerabilities.
Bloatware Is a Security Threat
Most people may agree that bloatware is a nuisance more than anything. This has not always been the case. A couple of years ago, Lenovo computers shipped with an app called Superfish pre-installed.
Superfish was an adware that didn’t just spy on the user but put a literal hole in the PC’s defenses. It made those systems vulnerable to a hacking attack known as a “man-in-the-middle” attack. Hackers might snoop on activity between the computer on — what ought to have been — secure websites.
How to Identify Bloatware on Your Device
Recognizing bloatware is the first step in optimizing your device’s efficiency and safety. Bloatware is usually pre-installed on new devices, or packaged with apps and software downloads. Watch out for apps you don’t recognize, rarely use or those that run in the background without your approval.
Symptoms typically include slow boot-up times, myriad pop-ups, and unexplained battery drainage. No one should have to scroll through their list of installed programs or app drawer of unreadable software] Plus, using task managers or settings to keep track of your system’s resource usage will show which apps are using too much memory or CPU power. Once a few apps are identified, review them and remove any that are unnecessary.
How to Remove Bloatware (Step-by-Step)
Do you notice that your devices are slow? Removing bloatware can help you free up storage space, make your devices run faster, and protect your privacy. Let’s look at this guide with step-by-step instructions for different types of devices:
On Windows (10 & 11)
Head to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and scan the list for suspect programs. Choose the app and press Uninstall. For particularly stubborn apps, you can use Windows PowerShell with certain commands to remove system-level bloatware, or a reputable third-party uninstaller tool for the job.
On Android
Go to Settings > Applications > All applications and look for the preloaded applications, the ones you never use. Some will offer you the option to uninstall them, but others you can only disable so they don’t run. If you want a complete removal, use ADB commands or a bloatware removal tool, but be very careful.
On iOS
From the home screen, press and hold the app until you see the options and select “delete app”. Note that some system apps cannot be deleted from the phone, but can be downloaded from Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This way, you free up space without losing data.
On macOS
Go to Finder > Applications, find the application you want to delete and drag it to the trash. If you want a complete deletion, you can use a third-party application cleaner, this way you can get rid of files and libraries that are no longer needed. Remember to check what is essential and what is not before deleting, you don’t want to get rid of applications that are vital for the optimal functioning of your systems.
Tips to Prevent Bloatware in the Future
Nobody likes uninvited guests, especially if they compromise the space and privacy of your devices. To avoid this in the future, the first thing is to be careful when using setup wizards or installing new software. Every time you install a program, make sure you choose the custom setup options and always uncheck the boxes to install additional applications or tools.
Another tip is to always purchase your devices directly from the manufacturers or official stores to avoid finding a lot of third-party applications pre-installed.
Periodically scan apps, removing anything you don’t frequently use. Maintain your system to prevent unwanted software from hitching a ride on antiquated platforms. Also, it dissolves well-known antivirus or anti-malware ones that can identify and minimize bloatware.
By following these best practices, you can leave your device cleaning, boost your performance and improve your privacy from those unwanted programs that run in the background.
