Bloatware” refers to pre-installed applications on new tablets, computers, or smartphones. While some of these applications may be useful, the term is typically used to refer to unnecessary apps that clutter the interface, consume storage space, and potentially slow down loading times.
In this guide, we will share how to remove bloatware from Android devices and Windows. It is important to note that bloatware downloaded from websites without the user’s consent, which is often adware or malware, can be more harmful than pre-installed apps.
On Android, how to remove bloatware
- To open the Settings menu on your device, swipe down from the top of the screen. The number of swipes required may vary depending on the device you are using. Once the Settings menu is open, select “Apps” from the options available.
- To view a list of all installed apps, tap “See All [Number] Apps.” On some devices, the full list of apps will be displayed immediately. To uninstall or disable an app, select it from the list. Then, click “Uninstall” or “Disable” on the app info page to remove it. A pop-up window will appear to confirm your action. To proceed with the uninstallation or disablement, tap “OK” or “Disable App.” If the app cannot be disabled, the option will be greyed out.
- To re-enable an app that has been disabled, visit the same page and select “Turn On” or “Enable.” That is all there is to it.
Uninstall bloatware from your Android phone with Universal Android Debloater (2022)
- To begin, download the Universal Android Debloater (UAD). If you are using a Windows device, click on “Assets” to download the EXE file. If you are using a macOS device, download the .tar.gz file.
- Next, set up ADB on your computer by following the instructions provided. Once ADB is installed, launch a Terminal window (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS) and enter the following command:
- adb devices
- Move the UAD file to the platform-tools folder, then launch the Universal Android Debloater. It should automatically detect your Android device.
- Once your device has been detected, make sure the drop-down menu at the top says “Recommended,” based on the ROM of your device. The Universal Android Debloater will generate a list of bloatware that can be safely deleted, including a list of removable bloatware for major smartphone manufacturers. It is recommended that common users stick to the “Recommended” list.
- To remove bloatware, carefully read the package names and use your own discretion to select the packages you wish to uninstall. Then, click “Uninstall selection.” If you want to reinstall a disabled or uninstalled package, select it from the drop-down menu and choose “Restore selection.”
- You can also use the search bar to find specific apps, or you can download Package Name Viewer 2.0 for Android (free, with in-app purchases) to learn the package name of the application. To remove carrier-specific bloatware, OEM bloatware, Google bloatware, or AOSP apps, select the appropriate option from the third drop-down menu and uninstall the unnecessary programs.
How to Remove Bloatware from Window
class="wp-block-heading">1.Uninstall From the Start Menu
Upon opening the Start Menu in Windows 10, you may find a list of games and applications that you do not recall installing. Some of these may be installed when clicked in Windows 11 but are not actually present in Windows 10. However, it is not possible to take advantage of this convenience in Windows 10. Despite this, it is still possible to remove these unwanted programs from your device. The process is quite straightforward.
- To begin, open the Start Menu and right-click on the apps that you wish to uninstall. From the context menu, choose “Uninstall.” A small window will appear to confirm your decision. To proceed with the uninstallation, click “Uninstall” once more.
2.Through an Automated Script
PowerShell commands can be very powerful, but they may be too technical and challenging for novice users to utilize. Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of a helpful, free tool called Windows10Debloater. This app allows you to easily remove bloatware, including protected Microsoft apps that cannot be directly uninstalled, from your computer without the need to write any PowerShell scripts yourself. Instead, it uses commands similar to those mentioned in the previous section to accomplish this task.
- The Windows10Debloater is a community-managed tool that is hosted on a Github repository. To download the utility, use the green “Code” button and choose “Download ZIP.” This will save the entire package to your computer as a zip file.
- After extracting the downloaded file, you will find three PowerShell scripts that can be used to launch the tool, along with other files and folders. Among these scripts, the easiest version to use is the GUI. To launch it, right-click on “Windows10DebloaterGUI” and choose “Run with PowerShell.” This will open a new GUI window displaying the application, as well as a PowerShell terminal.
- To remove all unused software from your computer, simply click “REMOVE ALL BLOATWARE” within the GUI window.
It is advisable to carefully read the package name and use your own discretion before uninstalling any packages. With that being said, it is hoped that you have successfully uninstalled bloatware from your Android device and Windows computer.
