Windows 11 is a sleek, modern operating system, but it often comes preloaded with apps and services you may not need.

These extras—commonly known as bloatware—can slow down your PC by consuming system resources like memory, CPU, and storage.

Debloating Windows 11 involves removing unnecessary applications and disabling resource-heavy features to streamline performance.

Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, this guide will walk you through practical, user-friendly methods to optimize your system for speed and efficiency. Let’s get started!

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Why Debloat Windows 11?

Bloatware doesn’t just clutter your Start menu—it runs in the background, draining resources and potentially slowing boot times. By debloating, you can:

  • Free up disk space and RAM.
  • Reduce background processes for faster performance.
  • Eliminate unwanted telemetry and ads.
  • Customize your PC to suit your needs.

Ready to transform your Windows 11 experience? Here are the best methods to debloat your system effectively.

Method 1: Remove Unwanted Apps via Settings

The simplest way to start debloating is by uninstalling preinstalled apps you don’t use, like Weather, Xbox, or third-party trials, directly through Windows Settings.

  1. Open Settings
    • Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Apps
    • Click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Installed Apps.”
  3. Find and Uninstall Bloatware
    • Scroll through the list to identify apps you don’t need. Look for items like “Microsoft Solitaire Collection” or “Clipchamp.”
    • Click the three-dot menu next to an app, then select “Uninstall.” Confirm if prompted.
  4. Repeat as Needed
    • Remove all unnecessary apps one by one. Note that some system apps (e.g., Microsoft Edge) may resist removal here—don’t worry, we’ll tackle those later.

This method is safe and beginner-friendly, requiring no technical expertise. For a list of common bloatware, check Microsoft’s official app documentation.

Method 2: Use PowerShell for Deeper Cleaning

For apps that can’t be removed via Settings, PowerShell offers a more powerful solution. This built-in tool lets you uninstall stubborn system apps with a few commands.

  1. Launch PowerShell as Administrator
    • Press Windows + S, type “PowerShell,” right-click it, and choose “Run as administrator.”
  2. List Installed Apps
    • Enter this command to see all installed apps:
      text
      Get-AppxPackage | Select-Object Name, PackageFullName
    • Scan the list for apps like “Microsoft.BingNews” or “Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay.”
  3. Remove Specific Apps
    • To uninstall an app, use this command (replace “AppName” with the app’s PackageFullName from the list):
      text
      Remove-AppxPackage -Package AppName
    • Example: To remove the Weather app, type:
      text
      Remove-AppxPackage -Package Microsoft.BingWeather_4.53.51451.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe
  4. Prevent Reinstallation
    • To stop apps from returning after updates, use:
      text
      DISM /Online /Remove-ProvisionedAppxPackage /PackageName:AppName

PowerShell gives you control over system-level apps, but be cautious—removing critical components like the Microsoft Store can disrupt functionality. Learn more about PowerShell commands in Microsoft’s official documentation.

Method 3: Leverage a Debloat Script for Automation

If manually uninstalling apps feels tedious, a debloat script can automate the process. One popular option is the “Win11Debloat” script from GitHub, which removes bloatware, disables telemetry, and tweaks settings in one go.

  1. Backup Your System
    • Before proceeding, create a restore point. Go to “System Properties” (search sysdm.cpl), click the “System Protection” tab, and select “Create.”
  2. Download the Script
  3. Run the Script
    • Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
    • Right-click “Run.bat” and select “Run as administrator.”
    • Choose “Default Mode” for a balanced cleanup or “Custom Mode” to pick specific items to remove.
  4. Restart Your PC
    • After the script finishes, reboot to apply changes.

This method is fast and thorough, stripping away telemetry, ads, and preinstalled apps like Copilot or OneDrive. Always review the script’s changelog on GitHub to understand what it removes.

Method 4: Disable Background Services and Features

Beyond apps, Windows 11 runs background services that can bog down performance. Disabling these frees up resources without third-party tools.

  1. Turn Off Startup Programs
    • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the “Startup” tab, and disable unnecessary programs (e.g., Skype) by right-clicking and selecting “Disable.”
  2. Disable Visual Effects
    • Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
    • Under the “Advanced” tab, click “Settings” in the Performance section.
    • Choose “Adjust for best performance” or uncheck effects like animations manually.
  3. Limit Telemetry
    • Go to Settings > “Privacy & Security” > “Diagnostics & Feedback.”
    • Set “Diagnostic data” to “Required” and disable “Tailored experiences.”

These tweaks reduce CPU and memory usage, making your system feel snappier. For advanced service management, explore the Services app.

Bonus: Install a Lean Windows 11 Version

For a bloat-free experience from the start, consider a custom Windows 11 installation like Tiny11. This lightweight version removes most preinstalled apps and services out of the box.

  1. Download Tiny11
  2. Create a Bootable USB
    • Use a tool like Rufus to make a bootable drive from the ISO.
  3. Install Windows
    • Boot from the USB and follow the installation prompts.

Tiny11 is ideal for low-spec PCs or users who want a minimal setup, but it’s unofficial, so ensure you have a valid Windows license.

Wrap-Up

Debloating Windows 11 is a straightforward way to boost performance and reclaim control over your PC. Whether you opt for manual app removal, PowerShell precision, automated scripts, or a fresh Tiny11 install, each method offers unique benefits tailored to your skill level. Start with the basics, experiment cautiously, and enjoy a faster, leaner Windows 11 experience!

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