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

Summary: This 2-3 minute blog defines bloatware and explores how you can remove it from Windows 10 to speed up your system. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support, the IT experts, at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss bloatware and how they can help you get your computer system and network running as fast, safely and efficiently as possible.

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. Although many of these apps might be useful at some point (such as Adobe Flash Player or the QuickTime video app), users must weigh how much they need bloatware apps. Many of these programs, unfortunately, come 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.

Windows 10 Bloatware Removal

Bloatware removal should start from Day One. 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 won’t often use, if ever. Of course, once you’ve identified the apps you don’t want, you can uninstall/remove those apps. Here’s how:
  • 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 apps referred to as “crap removers,” which may be purchased to help remove bloatware faster and “in bulk.”

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. 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 activities on and offline, must be inspected regularly. When 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 “doing the business” that they ignore essential IT maintenance issues.

Computer Health Often Requires Professional Home or SMB IT Services

Whether you work from home or in an office, you might not be aware of all the new IT issues presented over the last decade. These include threats to your emails, computer, network and all your 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 from the start. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect your private data and get the most out of your computers, networks, mobile devices and all your online activities. In addition, they can free up your time to concentrate on more substantial business or personal tasks.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support provides world-class IT consulting services and specializes in customized network design and support, computer repairs, installations, updates, and maintenance for homes and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID knows all about bloatware and how it can slow you down. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions, from “How do I get rid of bloatware?” to “When do I need to upgrade my computer hardware?” More importantly, when your home or business computer and other devices go down, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. Instead, they are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. So, in addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support should be ongoing, including learning how to access the most helpful features your connected devices can offer.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss all the ways they can maintain and secure all aspects of your home or SMB computer system.