In this guide we will discuss about “How to Install Windows 11 without Bloatware/Preinstalled Apps”. Like that hypothetical new gadget that comes with unwanted preloaded apps, installing Windows 11 can feel like a process of hacking away the things you didn’t sign up for. Other wastes or what are commonly referred to as bloatwares are applications that come pre-installed though most of them are usually never used.
Such apps also occupy space on your phone as well as consume some of the phone’s processing power. Fortunately, there is a means to install Windows 11 while avoiding all these additional features.
Table of Contents
Bloatware and Windows 11: What You Need to Know
What is Bloatware?
Bloatware is any applications that is originally present on your device by the manufacturer or by the provider of your operating system. These are frequently add-on programs, which, sometimes, are never required. For instance, Windows 11 that may or may not have the apps that came preloaded could include Netflix, Spotify, or Candy Crush based on the particular geographical location of the user.
Download Windows 11
Typical preloaded applications in Windows 11
Some of the common bloatware apps you might find include:Some of the common bloatware apps you might find include:
- Spotify
- Netflix
- Candy Crush
- Prime Video
- Messenger
- Xbox
Effect of having Bloatware software on performance of the system
Bloatware can slow down your system considerably mainly because these applications will take up processing power, memory, and disk space. These apps can continue to run in your system and as such they slow down your system start up and even normal functioning. It also occupies more space on computer and it could have been used to store other essential documents or programs.
Before the Installation of Windows 11
Backing Up Important Data
The first that need to be done prior to the procedure of the Microsoft Windows installation is the copying of any valuable data from the computer. This makes sure that those crucial installations which you need on your computer are not swallowed by the clean installation.
A roadmap to Windows 11 installation media
In order to carry out a clean install, you will need a bootable USB with the Windows 11 installation media. It can be made using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Checking System Requirements
Make sure your personal computer has Windows 11 compatible operating system specifications. This includes having a compatible processor, enough RAM and Space to store its database.
Download the Windows 11 ISO
Official Microsoft Download Options
Microsoft currently provides the ability to download the Windows 11 ISO file right from their site. This is the most secure and reliable way to get the installation files.
Stage on the Media Creation Tool
The official way of downloading the Windows 10 ISO for free is provided by Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool which enables the download of the ISO and its burning on a bootable USB drive. That Windows 11 is easy to use and that you have the current version of Windows 11.
Of the many things a bootable USB drive can do, the following are some of the most common and useful operations.
List of tools needed (Rufus, etc. )
Rufus is one of the most popular programs that provides an opportunity to create bootable USB drives. It is simple, swift and effective to use. Thus, to begin, you will require a USB drive with a least 8GB storage space.
There is an alternative way of using the ISO file, and this is making a bootable USB, as follows:
- Download and install Rufus.
- Insert your USB drive.
- Choose the ISO file for Windows 11.
- It is the properties of the sections (file system, number of partitions, etc. ).
- To create the bootable USB, click on the ‘Start’ button located at the bottom right corner of the program’s window.
Making the system to boot from the USB drive
Accessing the BIOS/UEFI
To boot from the USB drive you have to press the appropriate key during the start that leads to the BIOS or the UEFI settings of the computer. This is often done on boot up by pressing a key on the keyboard (F2, F10, or the DEL key for instance).
Changing Boot Order
When in the BIOS/UEFI, go to “boot order” or similar and change USB drive to have boot priority number 1. Close the program and save the changes it has made.
Starting the Installation Process
Your computer will now boot from the new USB drive and the raw installation of Windows 11 will commence.
Performing a Clean Installation
The Language and Region to use in developing the software
At the time of the installation, there will be options to set the default language and date and time format and currency. Select those options that will best suit your requirements.
Custom Installation vs. Upgrade
Choose the “Custom: Installation of Windows only ”feature where user chooses “Install Windows only (advanced)” option. This means when the reader opens it, they get a clean installation free from the previous files or settings.
Formatting the Drive
Windows 11 would be installed in this drive and therefore, you would need to format this drive. What this does is to format the drive and this deletes all the contents of the drive, so ensure to make copies of anything of significance.
Avoiding the OOBE Setup
What is OOBE?
OOBE {Out of Box Experience} is a process performed the first time you start Windows after having installed it. This is the area in which the manufacturers pre-load the system with the unwanted bloatware applications.
Skipping the OOBEREGION Error
When setting up your OOBE you may come across what is referred to as ‘OOBEREGION’ error. To avoid installing bloatware, simply skip this step. You can complete the setup without going through the entire OOBE process.
Basic Software Configuration and Disabling all the Junk, Skipping Bloatware
If you lose the OOBE setup, you get a bare Windows 11 installation with no preloaded apps that come with the OS by default.
Tweaking Windows Settings Post-Installation
Change the Language and LocationPreferences
Arising from this, if already installed, one can change language and region by going to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region. It is appealing to know that every thing has to go down as per the directions you prefer.
Configuring Privacy Settings
So, let me tell you that there is much you can do with Windows 11 itself regarding your privacy – settings you can tweak to manage your data usage. One should also discuss these settings occasionally or more frequently if one feels uncomfortable with any of them.
Disabling Unnecessary Startup Programs
For better performance you start with windows avoid any program that you feel is not necessary. This can be done in the Task Manager on the computer mainly under the Tab labeled: Startup.
Removing Any Residual Bloatware
Cleaning Up with PowerShell by Uninstalling Unwanted Apps
Of course, even if one makes a clean install in most cases, there are always bound to be any number of unwanted apps. The information below tells you how to use PowerShell to remove these apps:
powershellCopy codeGet-AppxPackage | Remove-AppxPackageOther Tools for Enhanced V=Cleaning
You can after a while use third party applications like CCleaner or Decrap to remove all the bloatware remaining. All of these tools are capable of a more thorough cleanup of your system.
Why Windows 11 Home Users Are Choosing Dynamic Update Over OEM Bloat Pasting
How to Avoid Reinstallation of Bloatware
By default, some apps come pre-installed in your Windows 10 and as part of a system that tries to update these apps, bloatware may reinstall itself, to avoid this, turn off Microsoft Store app updates.
Disabling Automatic App Updates
Microsoft Store – Settings and turn the slider for Update apps automatically to off. This shall eliminate such applications from being accidentally installed again.
System Tuning After System Implementation
Disk Cleanup and Defragmentation
When using a computer, one should, at some point, do disk cleanup and disk defragmentation to ensure that it is in the best state. These tools are inherent in Windows 11 and they are relatively simple to use.
Managing Background Processes
Estimate and control background processes utilising the Task Manager. This is also helpful in freeing up the system resources and thus enhance on the performance of the system.
Enabling Performance Mode
Windows 11 includes a Performance Mode that prioritizes system performance over power efficiency. You can enable this mode in the power settings.
Installing Essential Software
List of Recommended Free Software for Basic Tasks
After a clean installation, you’ll need to install some essential software. Here are a few recommendations:
- Web browser: To browse the web you can use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
- Office suite: LibreOffice
- Media player: application such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, and most of all VLC Media Player.
- Security: Microsoft Defender or Avast Free Antivirus
Safe Downloading Practices
While downloading the software make sure you download it from the official sites or from any other reputed sites so that there is no chance of downloading any malicious software or any other unwanted software’s.
Backing Up Your Clean Installation
Creating a System Image
Having made ours fresh copy or clean installation, it’s recommended to create system image. This enables you to ‘roll back’ your system to this clean state in future when the need arises.
Setting Up Regular Backups
Setting backup on Windows 11 has been made easier with applications included in the system. This guarantees the security of your data in the event that hardware component has failed or developed some other problems.
Read More : “How to Update iPhone via Windows PC using Apple Devices App“
Conclusion
As described in this guide, you can install fresh Windows 11 without all the pre-installed crapware that is often preloaded on OEM laptops. A clean installation does a lot to enhance the performance of the system and most importantly, it brings you a clean environment that is not clustered. With all those bloatware elements out of the way, you must have a clear field view of the Windows 11 that you have installed.
FAQs
What measures have to be taken to avoid such bloatware in the newer versions of the system updates?
In order not to allow for the addition of bloatware in future updates, turn off the Microsoft Store’s automatic app updates and regularly review the list for new, unwanted additions.
Should one expect bloatwares to be different from the programs that are necessary for the system’s functioning?
Yes, bloatware means that it is all those unnecessary apps that are installed in the system while the notable apps mean all those that are useful for the proper operation of the system or those that are useful for the owner of the device.
Are the apps which I removed or uninstalled Earlier Completely gone, so can I download the same application again if needed ?
However, you can reinstall any apps which you have uninstalled by using Microsoft store or from the official websites of the apps.
Is it a risk if I delete the bloatwares? For instance does it void my warranty?
No, the removal of bloatware does not nullify your warrant thus you can do it without the worry of doing something wrong. You should manage the installation of the software running on the system because it is your system.
First of all, are there disadvantages of performing an OOBE setup?
Safely, you can choose not to follow the OOBE setup but there are often options that you can configure during the first start only. The latter can normally be set afterwards in system configuration area.
