How to get rid of bloatware on your Windows PC – Komando
It can be fun setting up a new PC. Customizing your desktop so it looks just right, downloading fresh apps and sitting down to use it for the first time feels fantastic.
Unfortunately, it isnt always as simple as going through a quick setup process, selecting a few colors for fonts and windows and going from there. Tap or click here to learn how to customize your computer.
Many pre-built computers come with at least a modicum of extraneous, unwanted apps and software on them: bloatware. Bloatware can include trials of games you dont want, apps youll never use or proprietary software that can slow down your computer.
Luckily, there are simple ways to prune your new device of any additional software you dont want to use. Let us help you out.
If you want to rid your computer of frustrating bloatware, the first thing youll want to do is take inventory of programs you dont want anymore and start uninstalling them. But what programs are actually bloatware?
To ensure youre not getting rid of anything integral to your systems performance, you can download the free program Should I Remove It? to speed up the process. Once installed, the program will scan your computer for all applications you have installed.
Youll be shown a status bar to help gauge whether or not each program is worth keeping, which is closer to red or green based on what percentage of other users deleted or kept said program.
Its a helpful tool to crowdsource whether you should keep programs, and it makes the process extremely simple as well.
You could use Windows default uninstaller to get rid of unwanted apps after youve identified which ones you no longer want, but its much better to use a program specifically created to get rid of all traces of software.
Revo Uninstaller is a free and powerful tool that can help you ensure all traces of unwanted programs are fully removed upon the uninstall process.
All you need to do is download and install Revo Uninstaller and let it compile a list of programs you have on your PC. Then, choose what you want uninstalled and follow the prompts from there.
The only rub here is that you need to manually choose the software you no longer want. It can be an arduous process, but this lets you ensure youre getting rid of only the items you really want to.
You can use Revo for all your uninstallation needs, but make sure you dont accidentally remove anything you may need later. If youre unsure about something, do your due diligence and check it out online to see if its an important program.
If removing software is too granular or youre concerned you might mess something up, you might want to go with a fresh install of Windows. This means youll have to use an install disc and a valid license key, to strip your computer to the bare minimum.
When you install Windows, at least a copy thats meant for sale separately from your new PC, youll be met with a totally empty OS. This isnt a step for the faint of heart. Youll have to spend time installing software you do want afterward, but its a foolproof way to nuke all bloatware.
All in all, you might spend more time setting things up after the big Windows reinstall than picking off individual apps and software, but at least youll know youre free to customize your rig the way you want.
Now that youve customized your new PC and have it running without pesky bloatware, try out some of our other setup instructions. Tap or click here for 4 things to do when you get a new PC.
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How to get rid of bloatware on your Windows PC - Komando
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