Your PC Feeling Bloated? How To Remove Bloatware from Windows 10

Summary: Removing bloatware from Windows 10 can speed up your computer. New computers come loaded with unnecessary programs that can slow them down and take up space on the drive.

What Is Bloatware?

Bloatware is a general term for all the apps pre-installed with Windows without users wanting them. Practical reasons to remove bloatware are that these apps (that you never asked for) consume space on your storage drive and drain battery power on a laptop, phone or tablet. Although many of these apps might be useful at some point users must weigh how much they need bloatware apps. Many of these programs, unfortunately, come pre-downloaded with your computer and may include apps like QuickTime, CCleaner, and Adobe Flash Player.

How Do You Know If You Have Bloatware?

Nowadays, if you buy a PC, it probably will come loaded with bloatware. The good news is that it is often very easy to find and uninstall/remove these apps. If you do not have time to do this or worry about removing an essential operating app, contact an IT technician to help.

Windows 10 Bloatware Removal

Windows 10 bloatware removal should start from day one with any new device, and as soon as possible with older devices. Here are some simple steps users should take:

• See What Apps Came with Your Windows 10 - Once you boot up your new computer and any time thereafter, you may check Windows for unwanted applications. By scrolling through your apps list in your search bar, you can identify apps you did not manually install and that you know you will not often use, if ever. Of course, once you have identified the apps you do not want, you can uninstall/remove those apps. Here’s how to remove unwanted Windows 10 bloatware apps:
• In the search bar, begin typing the word “Add.” The “Add or Remove Programs” option will appear at the top of the list. Click on it.
• Next, scroll down to any app you do not want and click on the app and select “Uninstall.”
• For users who do not have the time to go through a long list of apps and uninstall them, or for apps that are more difficult to uninstall, there are separate apps referred to as “crap removers,” which may be purchased to help remove bloatware faster and “in bulk.”

What is bloatware’s role in computer security? Although pre-installed bloatware is usually benign and comprised of advertisements, there is still a risk of cyber vulnerability and the threat of external attacks, especially for apps that have not been updated with new security fixes. The dramatic increase in remote access work has led to a substantial rise in cybercrime. Hackers pose so many possible threats that all aspects of your computer and phone system must be inspected regularly. When suspicious computer events occur, they must be dealt with quickly and efficiently to ensure you stay up and running. Unfortunately, some users and SMBs are so busy running their business that they ignore essential IT maintenance issues until a devastating cyber event occurs.

Computer Health Often Requires Professional Home or SMB IT Services

Whether you work from home or in-office, you might not be aware of all the new IT issues presented over the last few years. These include threats to your emails, computer, network and all devices such as tablets, printers, phones and smart home devices. IT experts can assess all your specific needs and all aspects of your computer systems and networks, recommend solutions and keep your system running smoothly.

A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect your private data and get the most out of your devices and online activities. In addition, they can free up your time to concentrate on more substantial business or personal tasks and handle regular computer maintenance and security tasks quickly and professionally.

Mobile and Remote IT Support for Home or Office

A positive change in the IT industry is the ability for technicians to work on your computer remotely. Using special software, the technician establishes a one-time connection to your device (with your permission) and then has access to your computer screen while you observe. This can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. Once the connection is broken, the process would have to be repeated and you would have to click and select permission again. This service is helpful for installing software, troubleshooting issues, updating items, locating computer viruses and more. You can schedule service for a convenient time, such as lunch, after you get home or as soon as a technician is available. It is typically the fastest form of service.

If you do not have time to handle Windows 10 bloatware removal or need a computer check-up or repair, many companies now offer mobilized computer repairs. A tech will visit your home, office or work site and diagnose problems. If parts are needed, they will return for installation once the part is delivered to you. This avoids clients having to unplug and carry computers to repair shops, carry them home and re-attach wires. While there, they can also handle IT maintenance and perform a security assessment to check for viruses, spyware and malware to keep your computer running in the way it was designed.