# Debloating Windows

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**Warning:**

Debloating and applying certain tweaks to Windows may break the installation, requiring a full clean install. Proceed at your own risk.
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## What is bloatware?

Bloatware is preinstalled software that consumes system resources or storage without providing meaningful value to the user. It can slow down your device, change settings automatically, display unwanted ads, and even create security vulnerabilities.

Manufacturers often include these apps to promote their services or generate revenue, but they typically drain memory, storage, and battery life while cluttering the system.

## Why Remove Bloatware?

Removing bloatware can:

1. Improve performance by reducing background processes.
2. Free up storage space.
3. Extend battery life.
4. Reduce security risks from outdated or unused apps.

## Steps

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**Clean Install (Alternative Option)**

If possible, perform a clean installation of Windows. It’s the most effective way to remove pre-installed junk. It resets your system and wipes out all manufacturer bloat.

**For instructions on how to perform a clean install, refer to the** [installing-windows-11](https://asustuf.gitbook.io/home/windows/installing-windows-11 "mention") **guide.**
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**Remove pre-installed applications**

This guide utilizes the [Win11Debloat](https://github.com/Raphire/Win11Debloat) PowerShell script created by Raphire.

It can remove pre-installed bloatware apps, disable telemetry, remove intrusive interface elements and much more. To see a list of what's removed by default, [click here](https://github.com/Raphire/Win11Debloat#default-settings).\\

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Paste and run the following command:

   ```powershell
   & ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://debloat.raphi.re/")))
   ```
3. Wait for the script to download **Win11Debloat**.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
5. Select the default preset *`1`* and press `Enter`.
6. It will show a list of changes it will make. To confirm, press `Enter` again and let it run.

![Win11Debloat](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/010dd837-cc12-4b3e-953b-2be66e8dfd4c)

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The tool creates a system restore point by default, so if anything goes wrong, you can revert the changes.
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Once it finishes:

* Go to ***Settings > Apps > Installed Apps***.
* Review the list and manually uninstall any remaining unwanted apps.
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**Uninstall 3rd-party antivirus software**

<details>

<summary>Don't I need an antivirus?</summary>

No, not anymore.\
In 2025, you don’t need third-party antivirus software, especially not McAfee or Norton. They can slow down your system, sell user data, and provide subpar protection.

</details>

**Windows Security (Windows Defender)** comes pre-installed with Windows. It's lightweight, effective, and more than enough for most users. As long as you avoid sketchy downloads and use common sense online, you're covered.

To remove them, use these official removal tools:

* [McAfee MCPR Tool](https://download.mcafee.com/molbin/iss-loc/SupportTools/MCPR/MCPR.exe)
* [Norton Removal Tool](https://norton.com/nrnr)
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**Disabling Unnecessary Services (Advanced Tweaks)**

We’ll use the **CTT Tool** ([Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility](https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil)), which provides a clean GUI for installing apps, disabling services, and applying tweaks.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning:**

To avoid interference, the CTT tool temporarily disables Defender after all the tweaks have been successfully applied.\
**Make sure to turn Defender back on manually** by going to:\
**Defender > Virus & threat protection.**
{% endhint %}

**Steps:**

1. Open PowerShell or Terminal as Administrator.
2. Paste and run the following command:

   ```powershell
   iwr -useb https://christitus.com/win | iex
   ```
3. Wait for it to download and launch the tool.
4. **Open Tweaks Tab**: Navigate to the ‘Tweaks’ tab in the application.

<figure><img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/43f3c35b-eff6-4d5b-a036-095601622aca" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. **Select Tweaks**: Choose the tweaks you want to apply. You can use the presets available at the top for convenience.
5. **Run Tweaks**: After selecting the desired tweaks, click the ‘Run Tweaks’ button at the bottom of the screen.
6. Reboot your system when done.
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