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Bloatware: the preinstalled laptop software you can get rid of
We reveal the most common bloatware apps that we’ve found on the latest laptops and explain how to get rid of them
Unwanted pre-installed software, known as bloatware, is the bane of new computer buyers. We give the lowdown on the worst offenders and how to get rid of ones you don’t need.
Almost every Windows PC has apps you might consider bloatware. Our comprehensive testing of course tracks all these apps on every laptop we test, so we know exactly which ones are the most prevalent bloatware.
Below, we rank which are most common, and how you can take out the trash.
See all of our expert laptop advice.
Why does your laptop come with bloatware?
It's a long-running gripe of PC buyers that the experience of launching your shiny new computer comes with unwanted company. Sure, you may find some pre-installed apps useful. But since you rarely get the choice, there’s almost always loads of clutter you’ll want to immediately get rid of.
Of course, this is nothing new; computers have shipped with ‘free’ stuff since the dawn of home computing. ClipArt, games, and even CDs granting you a certain number of hours of free dial-up access were de rigueur for decades, just as Bubble Witch Saga, Candy Crush, and Skype were common bloatware half a decade ago, whenever apps of the moment struck a deal with your laptop brand to be preinstalled.
We test more than 100 new laptops in our lab every year. Of the 275 laptops we’ve tested since August 2023, most had pre-installed software that we would classify as bloatware.
The usual suspects: the most common bloatware on laptops
The software we list here isn't part of the core functionality of your laptop, but nonetheless, we found it on around half of all laptops we’ve tested – or even nearly three quarters, in the case of Microsoft Teams.
While you could argue that these app deals can reduce the price you pay for a laptop, we’ve found bloatware just as prevalent on premium models as budget ones.
1. Microsoft Teams – found on 73% of laptops
What it’s useful for: It’s Microsoft’s platform for team video meetings, messaging and file sharing.
Is it worth keeping? Yes, if you’re working or studying for an organisation that uses it, or collaborating with another organisation that does. However, there are plenty of alternatives you could use instead, such as Cisco Webex, Google Workspace and Zoom.
2. Spotify – found on 69%
What it’s useful for: It’s an audio streaming app for music, podcasts and audiobooks.
Is it worth keeping? It’s mainly for entertainment, so only if you plan to use it. There are lots of rivals too, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, Audible, Deezer, Tidal and YouTube Music. See our guide to the best music streaming services.
3. McAfee security software – found on 67%
What it’s useful for: McAfee LiveSafe and McAfee Personal Security are digital security apps designed to help protect your personal data and devices from cyberthreats.
Is it worth keeping? It’s important to have antivirus software running on your computer. However, McAfee is only one of many providers that can help here. We regularly test antivirus software to see which is best at protecting you from online threats, including which free software is worth installing – see our round-up of the best antivirus software.
4. Xbox software – found on 63%
What it’s useful for: Nothing, unless you’re a gamer who likes Xbox games. Despite this, we found the Xbox app and Xbox Game Bar on more than six in 10 new laptops.
Is it worth keeping? The Xbox app lets you buy games and add-on content, access community features and use related services. So if you don’t game in the Xbox orbit, then this one can definitely go. See our best gifts for gamers.
5. Microsoft Office trial versions – found on 59%
What it’s useful for: Microsoft Office trial versions, now known as Microsoft 365, give you temporary access to Microsoft’s suit of productivity apps including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Is it worth keeping? This is typically one month of free access, before you’re asked to sign up for a subscription. If you don’t subscribe, important features (such as being able to save changes to files) are disabled. There are free alternatives to Microsoft Office you can use instead, and you can also get Microsoft Office for free.
6. Dropbox – found on 46%
What it’s useful for: It’s a cloud-based file hosting service that lets you store files and sync them with your computer and other devices, as well as share and collaborate on files with others.
Is it worth keeping? Only if you're a Dropbox user. There are plenty of rival services, including Apple iCloud, Box (popular with businesses), Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, plus privacy-focused options such as sync.com and Tresorit. You can learn more about the best cloud storage services.
Other common bloatware
Other pre-installed software we found on more than one in 10 new laptops include:
7. Booking.com (19% of laptops) Booking travel and attractions via the travel platform Booking.com. Find out more about our investigation into scam messages on the Booking.com app.
8. ExpressVPN (16%) Virtual private network service that encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address. Find out how to pick a good VPN.
9. LastPass Premium (15%) Password manager. Find out more about how to create secure passwords and learn how to password-protect a USB stick in five minutes.
10. Omen Gaming Hub (14%) This is gaming optimisation software installed on HP’s Omen desktops and laptops, and is safe to uninstall if you don’t use it. See HP’s own guide for more information.
11. OneDrive (12%) Microsoft’s cloud file storage. While it’s only fully pre-installed on a little more than one in ten PCs, its use is heavily encouraged by Microsoft when you set up a Windows 11 PC.
12. Amazon (11%) The online retailer’s app for Amazon services.
If you don’t intend to use these apps, you can safely uninstall all of them. Keep reading to find out how.
How to remove bloatware
All the software mentioned here can be safely uninstalled. However, don’t uninstall system-critical programs, as this could disrupt your computer's normal functioning. If you’re in any doubt, don’t risk it. Tech Support members who need help can book an appointment with our friendly team.
Bloatware can sometimes launch automatically when you boot your computer, so uninstalling it (or disabling its startup setting) can speed up your computer.
Do be aware that if you’re short on space on your computer, removing bloatware is unlikely to free up loads (unless you’ve actually been using the app). But it could give you a few gigabytes, depending on how much bloatware is installed.
To see how much space an app is taking up:
- Windows: Select Settings, Apps, then Installed apps
- macOS: Click the Apple logo in the menu bar and choose About This Mac. Next, click on the About tab, More Info, Storage Settings (for macOS versions older than Ventura, under the Storage tab, click Manage)
The good news is that once you’re sure a program is safe to uninstall, it’s very easy get it done.
On Windows 11:
Go to the Start Menu (or press the Windows key on your keyboard), head to All apps. Right-click on the app and select Uninstall.
On Windows 10:
Windows 10 is reaching the end of its life – find out what you can do to prepare for when Windows 10 loses security support. Go to the Start Menu (or press the Windows key on your keyboard), head to Settings, Apps, then Apps & features. Select the app you want to remove, then click Uninstall.
On macOS:
Apple MacBooks don't come with third-party software pre-installed, although you may consider some Apple apps bloatware if you have no intention of using them.
Common Apple apps pre-installed include Books, FaceTime, GarageBand, iMovie, Keynote, Maps, Messages, Numbers and Pages. Any apps core to the operating system, like Mail and Safari, are protected and cannot be deleted.
There are a couple of different ways to remove apps, depending on what type they are. Head to Apple’s Help page for the instructions.
On ChromeOS:
Go to the Launcher, which is the ChromeOS version of the Windows Start Menu, and right-click on the app you want to uninstall. Select Uninstall or Remove from Chrome.
Need a new PC? We can help – see our pick of the best laptops and best all-in-one computers.
