Removing Bloatware on New Dell XPS Laptop?


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newmann

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Windows 11 Pro
What is the easiest way to do this without doing a clean reinstall of windows 11 pro? Got my dell xps laptop and set it up earlier but still have many things to do with it.


I see I have mcafee so definitely add/remove it correct? I use paid kaspersky total... or the free windows defender. Now if i remove it on the local account which is the account I am planning to use, does it also get removed from the microsoft account which I first created to set up the laptop? If i sign in to the microsoft account, that mcafee will still be there? I only plan to use the local account though.


I also see lot of programs that looks to be bloatware. Is it best to not remove it and leave it as is? Now if its something that is obvious bloatware, you remove it? Is there a guide here which shows all the programs that are bloatware so i can compared the programs with this bloatware list? Thank you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
To remove mcAfee- McAfee is bad about sometimes not cleanly uninstalling . It says it does, but it always leaves stuff behind. I use Revo Uninstaller which will get rid of all its remnants and left over registry entries. (I use Revo to uninstall everything. It's a great little program to have. Free version here. You can install Revo or use the portable version which requires no installation.)
www.revouninstaller.com

Download Revo Uninstaller Free - Remove unwanted programs easily

Download Revo Uninstaller Free helps you to uninstall software and remove unwanted programs easily. Remove all uninstall leftovers and traces
www.revouninstaller.com

If you do not want to use Revo, uninstall McAfee through control panel-programs & features. Then run the McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR) You can get it from here.
www.majorgeeks.com

Download McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR) - MajorGeeks

McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool is designed for the complete removal of McAfee Security products in order to reinstall or install a different antivirus.
www.majorgeeks.com

As far as Dell Bloatware, you can uninstall any of it you do not want the normal way. I did keep Dell Command Update because I find it useful in keeping my drivers and bios up to date. I turned off driver updates through Windows Update as WU always installed older drivers. I use Dell Command Update and the Intel Driver and Support Assist tool which you can get from Intel to handle all my drivers. I run them both monthly.
In Pro, you can turn off updating drivers through Windows Update by using Group Policy Editor or with a reg file. I chose Group Policy Editor method in order to make sure it sticks.
www.elevenforum.com

Enable or Disable Include Drivers with Windows Updates in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable including drivers with Windows Updates in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows Update will include drivers when available in Windows 11 by default. You can enable the Do not include drivers with Windows Updates policy to not include drivers...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.2314
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
10-4 on Revo Uninstaller! If you've got a bunch of Bloatware to get rid of, Revo is your friend. I always use it at the Highest Level and let it do the final Scan for leftovers. The FREE version seems to work just fine.

McAfee is all too often found on a new PC. It always gets Uninstalled, by me. JUNK!
Kaspersky? Comes from Russia! Can you really trust it? I don't!

A MUST HAVE on all my installs is the FREE version of "Super Anti Spyware". It most importantly keeps my PC clean of 'Tracking Cookies' which can build up on HD by the thousands in no time at all. Very few programs look for and delete them. I cleaned up one customer's PC that had 140,000 tracking cookies on it.

Cheers Mates! Stay Safe, Stay Happy!
TM :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

Hi @newmann,

In this guide, you will learn the steps to use a simple to make Windows 11 as lean as possible by removing components you may not need.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
It is always best to make free or pay backup images:

(Acronis, Aoemi, EaseUS, Macrium, Paragon, etc.)


See:

www.reuters.com

Germany issues hacking warning for users of Russian anti-virus software Kaspersky

Germany's cyber security agency on Tuesday warned users of an anti-virus software developed by Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab that it poses a serious risk of a successful hacking attack.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com
www.reuters.com

EXCLUSIVE U.S. warned firms about Russia's Kaspersky software day after invasion -sources

The U.S. government began privately warning some American companies the day after Russia invaded Ukraine that Moscow could manipulate software designed by Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky to cause harm, according to a senior U.S. official and two people familiar with the matter.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com
www.avast.com

Is Kaspersky Safe to Use in 2024?

Is it safe to use Kaspersky? Can Kaspersky be trusted? Learn why governments and authorities around the world are banning and warning against it.
www.avast.com www.avast.com
www.unomaha.edu

Kaspersky Lab Software Warning

A notice from the University of Nebraska ITS Information Security Office
www.unomaha.edu www.unomaha.edu


For bloatware the best method is a clean install and the next best method is a reset save files.

This requires the reinstallation of drivers and applications.

All bloatware is removed and it saves files.

www.elevenforum.com

Reset Windows 11 PC

This tutorial will show you how to reset Windows 11 and Remove everything or Keep my files. You can reset Windows 11 when your PC isn’t working well and it’s been a while since you installed an app, driver, or update. Resetting reinstalls Windows 11, but lets you choose whether to keep your...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4800MQ CPU @ 2.70GHz
    Motherboard
    Product : 190A Version : KBC Version 94.56
    Memory
    16 GB Total: Manufacturer : Samsung MemoryType : DDR3 FormFactor : SODIMM Capacity : 8GB Speed : 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K3100M; Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio CODEC; PNP Device ID HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76E0
    Hard Drives
    Model Hitachi HTS727575A9E364
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Mobile Workstation
FreeBooter said:
Hi @newmann,

In this guide, you will learn the steps to use a simple to make Windows 11 as lean as possible by removing components you may not need.

Click to expand...
@FreeBooter , how to know what windows and system apps are safe to remove for an average user, wanting a light fast, responsive, error free W11 receiving all security and cumulative updates. Nice YouTube.;-)

I viewed this some days back on on another channel.

Now that I have a stable W11 221H2, and a backup am confused between this app, Rectify and NTLite.....:confused:



PS: I don't use any W11 apps, only utilities like notepad, snipping tool, task manager.....No Edge, defender etc...

Have a great day!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (26100.2161).
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron i5 5510
    CPU
    core i7 11th gen
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4 @3200 MHz
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD M.2 NVMe
    Keyboard
    Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – KM7321W
    Browser
    Brave.
    Other Info
    Edifier speakers. (Thanks to @Edwin).
  • Operating System
    W11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XPS Special Edition
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel® Core i7-11700 processor
    Memory
    32 GB, 2 x 16 GB, DDR4, 2933 MHz, dual channel
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
You can safely remove any apps you don't use.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (26100.2161).
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron i5 5510
    CPU
    core i7 11th gen
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4 @3200 MHz
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD M.2 NVMe
    Keyboard
    Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse – KM7321W
    Browser
    Brave.
    Other Info
    Edifier speakers. (Thanks to @Edwin).
  • Operating System
    W11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    XPS Special Edition
    CPU
    11th Gen Intel® Core i7-11700 processor
    Memory
    32 GB, 2 x 16 GB, DDR4, 2933 MHz, dual channel
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6
    Hard Drives
    2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1
zbook said:
It is always best to make free or pay backup images:

(Acronis, Aoemi, EaseUS, Macrium, Paragon, etc.)


See:

www.reuters.com

Germany issues hacking warning for users of Russian anti-virus software Kaspersky

Germany's cyber security agency on Tuesday warned users of an anti-virus software developed by Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab that it poses a serious risk of a successful hacking attack.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com
www.reuters.com

EXCLUSIVE U.S. warned firms about Russia's Kaspersky software day after invasion -sources

The U.S. government began privately warning some American companies the day after Russia invaded Ukraine that Moscow could manipulate software designed by Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky to cause harm, according to a senior U.S. official and two people familiar with the matter.
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com
www.avast.com

Is Kaspersky Safe to Use in 2024?

Is it safe to use Kaspersky? Can Kaspersky be trusted? Learn why governments and authorities around the world are banning and warning against it.
www.avast.com www.avast.com
www.unomaha.edu

Kaspersky Lab Software Warning

A notice from the University of Nebraska ITS Information Security Office
www.unomaha.edu www.unomaha.edu


For bloatware the best method is a clean install and the next best method is a reset save files.

This requires the re installation of drivers and applications.

All bloatware is removed and it saves files.

www.elevenforum.com

Reset Windows 11 PC

This tutorial will show you how to reset Windows 11 and Remove everything or Keep my files. You can reset Windows 11 when your PC isn’t working well and it’s been a while since you installed an app, driver, or update. Resetting reinstalls Windows 11, but lets you choose whether to keep your...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
Click to expand...
Totally agree with zbook
- Make a drive image backup and save on an external drive.
- Extract the drivers and save them to a folder on an external drive.
- Do a Reset Windows 11 PC - Option Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps Off
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 128G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
There isn't a definitive guide to bloatware, as the term has different meanings to different people. Generally speaking, when I have purchased a machine from Dell (I bought 1 personal desktop and 1 laptop, and tons of machines for work). The first thing I usually do is turn it on, make sure the hardware works, then i hit the website, download the drivers and install Windows myself. This gets rid of anything that isn't just the base OS.

However, for other people they might have chosen the machine with Office or Norton and wanted it on there. So, for them, keeping these applications around is what they chose. I've also seen a few instances where there was something like Roxio CD Creator in the past and it seemed to be loaded on the image from Dell, but not necessarily available via the install media or very hard to find on the website.

My suggestion would be to take an image of the machine with a tool like Macrium Reflect. Then, clean it up however you see fit. Uninstall anything you don't want. If all is well, you won't ever go back to that image, but if for some reason you run into an issue or are missing something and cannot get it loaded, you can at least return back to the way it was.

Of course, you can safely leave anything on your machine. It just takes up some disk space. As long as you disable it from running on startup, you shouldn't have impact to performance.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
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