Windows 11, PC Cleanup, Bloatware Removal

How to Remove Windows 11 Bloatware Safely and Take Back Your PC

Windows 11 is sleek on the surface, but many PCs ship with extra apps you never asked for and will never use. The good news is that you can remove a lot of this bloatware yourself, without special tools or technical skills. With a few careful clicks, you can reclaim storage, simplify your Start menu, and make your system feel more focused and efficient.

Start in Settings: Your Built‑In Bloatware Control Panel

You do not need third‑party “PC cleaner” software to get started. Windows 11 already gives you a clear view of what is installed and how much space it takes. Everything begins in the Settings app.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
2. In the left sidebar, choose Apps.
3. Click Installed apps. This is your master list of programs and built‑in apps.

At the top of this list you will see a Sort by dropdown. This is where you gain real control over the clutter on your system, because you can instantly reorder everything by Size or Install date instead of scrolling through a random alphabetical list.

Pro Tip: Sort by Size to Tackle the Biggest Space Hogs First

If your main goal is to free up disk space, your best move is to sort by Size. This simple step puts the largest apps right at the top, so you immediately see which programs are consuming hundreds of megabytes or even several gigabytes. Removing just a few of these heavy hitters can create more space than deleting dozens of tiny utilities.

Sorting by Install date is also powerful. It highlights everything that arrived recently, such as promotional apps added during a Windows update or pre‑installed software from your PC manufacturer. When you see a cluster of apps all added on the same day you unboxed your device, those are strong bloatware candidates.

Common Windows 11 Apps That Are Safe to Remove

Not every built‑in app is essential. Microsoft and PC makers often bundle games, trials, and utilities that are harmless to remove if you do not use them. Here are some common examples you can confidently uninstall through Settings → Apps → Installed apps:

• Candy Crush and other Microsoft‑promoted games: These casual games and their companions (like Solitaire Collection promotions) are classic bloatware. If you do not play them, uninstalling them will declutter your Start menu and notifications without affecting system stability.
• Mixed Reality Portal: If you do not own a VR or mixed reality headset, this app serves no purpose. Removing it will not break regular desktop, gaming, or video usage.
• Clipchamp: This is Microsoft’s video editor. If you already use another tool (or never edit videos at all), you can safely uninstall it and reinstall later from the Microsoft Store if needed.
• Movies & TV: This app plays local and purchased videos, but many people rely on other players or streaming services. If you never open it, feel free to remove it and reclaim the space and Start menu real estate.
• Feedback Hub: Designed for sending feedback and diagnostics to Microsoft, this app is not required for Windows to function. If you are not actively reporting issues, you can uninstall it without losing core features.
• Phone Link (if you do not use it): Phone Link connects your Android phone or iPhone to your PC for messages, photos, and calls. If you never set it up or do not plan to, it is safe to remove. You can always reinstall it later if you change your mind.

To remove any of these, click the three‑dot menu next to the app’s name in Installed apps, then choose Uninstall and follow the prompts. Taking a moment to review each one keeps you in control and ensures you only remove what you truly do not need.

What You Cannot Remove: Core System Apps and Essentials

While Windows 11 lets you uninstall a surprising number of extras, some apps are considered core system components and cannot be removed through Settings. These are tightly integrated with the operating system and are required for stability, security, or basic functionality.

Examples include the Microsoft Store, core parts of Microsoft Edge, and system tools that manage updates, security, and account sign‑in. In the Installed apps list, you will notice that these entries either do not have an Uninstall option or the option is grayed out. That is Windows protecting itself on your behalf.

You might find online guides that use complex scripts or PowerShell commands to rip out these core components. That approach can easily cause weird glitches, break updates, or create security holes. Sticking to the built‑in uninstall options keeps your cleanup safe, reversible, and stress‑free.

Build a Leaner, More Focused Windows 11 Experience

Removing bloatware is not about stripping Windows down to the bone; it is about aligning your PC with your needs. By using Settings → Apps → Installed apps, sorting by Size and Install date, and targeting clearly optional apps like Candy Crush, Mixed Reality Portal, Clipchamp, Movies & TV, Feedback Hub, and unused Phone Link, you create a cleaner, more responsive system with less noise in the Start menu and taskbar.

The best part is that you stay in control the entire time. You do not need to rely on aggressive “optimizer” tools or risky tweaks. Instead, you can confidently manage your apps from one familiar screen, knowing that Windows will not let you uninstall critical core system components by accident.

Set aside ten or fifteen minutes, open your Installed apps list, sort by size, and start trimming. Each unnecessary app you remove is one less update to install, one less icon in your way, and a little more space and clarity on the PC you use every day.