What is Bloatware and How to Remove it?

Published on: 07/01/2023 | Updated on: October 24, 2024

Do you know, what is bloatware and how to remove it?

When you buy a new smartphone, tablet, or computer, you expect it to be in immaculate condition and perform optimally.

However, some devices come with pre-installed programs (bloatware) that reduce performance, compromise your security, or violate your privacy.

In this article, we will delve the question what is bloatware and how to remove it from your device.

What is bloatware?

Bloatware or junkware is pre-installed software that you didn’t ask for.

This can be a game, video tool, browser, text editor, or music app on your device.

Usually, bloatware is not harmful, but some programs can track your browsing history or swamp you with annoying ads.

Also, they occupy unnecessary space, making your new device slow down significantly.

The reason why most manufacturers embed bloatware in devices is that they benefit from them.

For example, a developer creates a computer game and asks Microsoft to include it on Windows operating system.

Since millions of people use the OS, a few will pay for the game and even subscribe to it.

The developer will get a new customer while Microsoft receives a commission – everybody wins.

Common bloatware examples

Bloatware may come in the form of:

• Sports apps
• Weather apps
• Map and navigation apps
• Messaging apps
• Health and fitness apps
• Toolbars and junk browser extensions
• Music player
• Personal productivity apps
• System update apps

From the above list, it’s evident that some of the apps considered to be bloatware aren’t annoying or dangerous.

In fact, some of them can be helpful, like the health, sports streaming, and fitness or weather apps.

So, before removing bloatware from your device, consider if it will come in handy in your daily life.

How to remove bloatware from Windows 11

1. Open the Start menu and launch Settings
2. Click on Apps
3. Select the app you want to remove
4. Click Uninstall
5. Click Uninstall again to confirm and remove the app permanently

How to remove bloatware on Windows 10

1. Launch the Start menu
2. Click on Settings
3. Go to Apps
4. Choose the app you want to remove
5. Click Uninstall
6. Click Uninstall again on the pop-up to remove the app completely

How to remove bloatware on macOS

Although Apple devices don’t come with bloatware, you might consider removing some apps you no longer use.

1. Launch Finder and choose the apps in the left menu.
2. Click on the app you want to remove and drag it to the bin.
3. A password may be required to complete the action.

Note that this may not work with some apps because the latest macOS version doesn’t allow the uninstallation of specific built-in software.

The only way you can delete an app is to disable System Integrity Protection, which safeguards your computer from malware.

That is why we recommend you to do it with caution.

How to remove bloatware on Android

1. Open Settings > Apps > Manage apps
2. Select the app you want to delete
3. Click Uninstall > OK

How to remove bloatware on iOS

1. Tap and hold the icon of the app you want to delete
2. Tap Rearrange Apps
3. Tap X in the upper-left corner to delete the app
4. Tap Delete.

How to avoid bloatware

The amount of pre-installed programs will depend on the manufacturer.

So, before you buy a new device, check out which installs fewer unwanted applications.

Also, bloatware may be bundled with some apps and drains your device’s vitals in the background.

Hope now you know that perfect answer of what is bloatware and how to remove it.

If you had ever affected with bloatware and how you get rescued from that, let us know in the comment box.