How to Get Rid of Bloatware and Speed Up Your PC

If you’ve ever used a computer, you’ve probably had some not so pleasant experiences where your PC would randomly freeze or begin to run slow. When you buy a new computer or laptop, you expect it to run smoothly and fast. However, you may notice that when you turn your PC on for the first time, it’s bogged down with tons of apps and software you don’t want or need. These unwanted additional utilities are called bloatware, and after a while, they can begin to slow down your computer. If you’re experiencing a slow PC, use this guide to get rid of bloatware and speed up your Windows computer.

Step 1:Uninstall Unused Apps

The first step to freeing up space on your computer to make it run faster is by uninstalling unused apps. When you purchase a computer, there are often numerous apps pre-installed that you will never use. Luckily, some of these apps are easy to remove. Do you see games such as the Microsoft Solitaire Collection or Bubble Witch 3 Saga on your start menu or desktop? If you see a game you know you will never play, you can simply right click it and hit uninstall.

Additionally, you can open Windows 10 Settings, click on Apps, then Apps & features, and click on an app you no longer want. Once you click the app, go to Advanced Settings and click the uninstall button. You can also speed up your PC by deleting larger files, photos, music, or videos you have stored on your computer. Do you have downloaded MP3 files from years ago before streaming services like Spotify became popular? Deleting large files like these will give your computer more storage to run faster so you can reach that project deadline or submit your final exam.

Step 2: Disk Cleanup

Windows also comes with advanced features that will help you manage what files and documents you have stored on your computer. Disk Cleanup Windows 10 works as the housemaid of your computer by sweeping through your hard drive and suggesting files that you should delete based on your usage. Windows Disk Cleanup will pick out files from your Recycle Bin, cached files, program download files, and temporary internet and Windows files for you to delete.

To access Disk Cleanup for Windows 10, type in “Disk Cleanup” in your taskbar and the program will begin scanning files. If you have more than one drive on your computer, you will have to select the drive you want to remove files from. Once the scanning is complete, Disk Cleanup will make a comprehensive list of files you should delete.

Step 3: PowerShell

Disk Cleanup will still leave some components of your computer untouched based on factory settings. Window’s PowerShell feature gives you direct control over your computer system. With PowerShell, you’re able to input a series of commands to either hide or remove bloatware. Similar to accessing Disk Cleanup, type PowerShell in your taskbar and click “Run as Administrator” to have complete command. Once opened, you’ll be able to remove or hide pre-installed apps such as Zune Music Player and even the Windows Calculator.

Step 4: Save Your New Settings

Deleting apps and software that was pre-installed on your computer doesn’t mean it’s gone forever…yet. If you decide to restore your PC to factory settings, some of these apps may be part of the factory package because of branded services and contracts. To avoid this from occurring and having to restart this process, you need to create a new image of your computer. Backup your computer with software such as Acronis’s True Image that will save your new settings permanently.

Saving your new settings will ensure everything you love is there and everything you hate is gone. With a personalized backup in place, you’ll have more storage and speed to enjoy playing video games or using photo editing software to grow your photography portfolio.

Wrapping Up

You don’t have to major in computer engineering to get rid of bloatware and speed up your PC. Fortunately, Windows creates an accessible user interface that makes navigating the system for experts and novices alike. Get rid of unused apps and files that bog down your computer using these steps to free up space!