Debloating Windows 11 involves removing unnecessary apps, services, and features to enhance performance and free up system resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide to debloat your Windows 11 system.
1. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
Pre-installed apps (bloatware) can slow down your system.
Steps:
- Open
Settings
>Apps
>Apps & Features
. - Locate apps you don’t use, click the three-dot menu (
...
), and selectUninstall
.
💡 Tip: Avoid removing essential apps like Microsoft Store or Windows Security.
2. Disable Startup Apps
Startup apps can slow down your system boot time.
Steps:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager. - Go to the
Startup
tab. - Disable unnecessary apps by right-clicking and selecting
Disable
.
3. Use PowerShell to Remove Bloatware
PowerShell provides an advanced way to remove pre-installed apps.
Steps:
- Search for
PowerShell
in the Start menu and run it as Administrator. - Use commands to remove specific apps. For example:
- To remove Xbox:
- To remove all bloatware:
⚠️ Warning: Use this command carefully to avoid removing critical system apps.
4. Disable Unnecessary Background Services
Certain services consume resources without adding value.
Steps:
- Press
Windows + R
, typeservices.msc
, and hit Enter. - Locate unnecessary services (e.g.,
Xbox Services
,Windows Search
if you don’t use search heavily). - Right-click the service, select
Properties
, and set the Startup type toDisabled
.
5. Disable Unused Features
Windows 11 includes optional features that may not be necessary for everyone.
Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>Apps
>Optional Features
. - Review and uninstall features you don’t need, such as
Internet Explorer 11
.
6. Use Third-Party Tools
Tools like Debloat Windows scripts or O&O AppBuster can automate the debloating process.
Recommended Tools:
- Windows10Debloater (works for Windows 11 too): A PowerShell script to remove bloatware and optimize settings.
- O&O AppBuster: A user-friendly app to manage pre-installed software.
7. Adjust Visual Effects
Disabling unnecessary visual effects can improve system performance.
Steps:
- Press
Windows + R
, typesysdm.cpl
, and hit Enter. - Go to the
Advanced
tab >Performance Settings
. - Select
Adjust for best performance
or manually disable specific effects.
8. Disable Telemetry and Data Collection
Reduce background data collection to free up resources.
Steps:
- Open
Settings
>Privacy & Security
>Diagnostics & Feedback
. - Set “Diagnostic data” to
Required only
or disable feedback options.
9. Optimize Power Settings
Adjust power settings for better performance.
Steps:
- Open
Control Panel
>Power Options
. - Select
High performance
or create a custom power plan.
10. Keep Windows Updated
Ensure you have the latest updates for performance improvements and bug fixes.
Steps:
- Go to
Settings
>Windows Update
. - Click
Check for updates
and install them.
Quick Fix Checklist
- Uninstall unnecessary apps and disable startup programs.
- Use PowerShell or third-party tools to remove bloatware.
- Adjust visual effects and disable telemetry.
- Optimize background services and power settings