What Is Bloatware & How Do I Get Rid of It?
Understand what bloatware is, why manufacturers include it, and how to safely remove unwanted software from your devices.
What Is Bloatware?
Bloatware is a broad term for preinstalled software that users did not ask for and often do not need. It can include trial versions of antivirus programs, vendor-specific utilities, promotional apps, and duplicate tools that replicate features already built into the operating system.
While some bloatware is merely annoying, other programs can slow down devices, consume disk space, display ads, or introduce security vulnerabilities if they are poorly maintained or rarely updated.
Why Bloatware Can Be a Problem
Beyond taking up storage, bloatware can impact performance by running background processes, starting automatically at boot, or constantly checking for updates. Some preinstalled apps collect telemetry data or request unnecessary permissions, which can raise privacy concerns.
On older or lower-powered devices, a heavy load of vendor add-ons may be the difference between a responsive system and a sluggish one. Over time, unused software can also increase the attack surface available to malware by providing more code that might contain vulnerabilities.
How to Remove or Disable Bloatware
To clean up bloatware, start with built-in tools: use the operating system’s app management interface to uninstall programs you do not need. If uninstalling is not possible, look for options to disable or prevent apps from starting automatically. On mobile devices, many manufacturer apps can be disabled even if they cannot be fully removed.
Be cautious when using third-party debloating scripts or tools, as they may remove components that are necessary for system stability. When buying new devices, consider models or vendors that offer cleaner installations or "business" editions with less preinstalled software.