How to Debloat Windows 11 to Improve Performance in 2026

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Windows 11 runs well on modern hardware, but it can still feel slow or cluttered after a few months—especially if you’re dealing with preinstalled apps, background startup items, unnecessary optional features, and “suggested” content running in the background.

Debloating means removing (or disabling) things you don’t use so your PC boots faster, uses less RAM/CPU in the background, and feels snappier day-to-day.

The key is doing it safely: avoid random “debloat packs” you don’t understand, create a restore point before major changes, and focus on supported tools like Settings, WinGet, and PowerShell.

For business/managed PCs, there are also newer supported policies to remove certain default Microsoft Store apps on Windows 11 Enterprise/Education devices.

Before You Debloat: Do This First (Recommended)

1) Create a Restore Point

  1. Press Windows + S → search Create a restore point

  2. Open it → click Create

  3. Name it (e.g., Before Debloat) → Create

2) Know what not to remove

Avoid removing core components you rely on (examples):

  • Microsoft Store (if you install apps/games from it)

  • Security apps you use (Windows Security, etc.)

  • Drivers / OEM utilities if your laptop needs them (hotkeys, audio console, etc.)

Method 1: Uninstall Apps the Normal Way (Safest)

A) Uninstall from Settings

  1. Settings → Apps → Installed apps

  2. Sort by Size or Last used

  3. Click ⋯ (three dots) next to an app → Uninstall
    Microsoft’s general uninstall guidance applies here, and some built-in apps may not be removable.

B) Uninstall from Start Menu

  1. Press Start

  2. Find the app → right-click → Uninstall

Best for: normal apps like games/trials, chat clients, unused utilities.

Method 2: Remove Apps Using WinGet (Fast + Clean)

Windows Package Manager (WinGet) lets you uninstall many apps from the command line.

Step-by-step

  1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin)

  2. List installed apps:

winget list

  1. Uninstall an app (example):

winget uninstall "Clipchamp"

If there’s ambiguity, WinGet will prompt you to pick the exact match.

Tip: winget uninstall also supports aliases like remove / rm.

Method 3: Debloat Built-In Store Apps with PowerShell (Current User)

Some Windows apps are AppX packages. You can remove them per-user with PowerShell.

Steps

  1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin)

  2. See installed AppX packages:

Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName

  1. Remove one app for the current user (example pattern):

Get-AppxPackage *xbox* | Remove-AppxPackage

Important: This removes the app for the current user only. To stop it from coming back for new users, use the next method.

Method 4: Remove Provisioned Apps (So New Accounts Don’t Get Them)

Provisioned apps are baked into Windows images and auto-install for new user profiles.

Steps (Online system)

  1. Open Windows Terminal (Admin)

  2. List provisioned packages:

Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Select DisplayName, PackageName

  1. Remove a provisioned app (example):

Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online |
Where-Object {$_.PackageName -like "*Clipchamp*"} |
Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online

What this does: The app won’t auto-install for new accounts, but it won’t remove it from accounts where it’s already installed.

Method 5: Newer Supported Option for Enterprise/Education PCs (Policy-Based Removal)

If you’re on Windows 11 Enterprise/Education (often managed by IT), there’s a newer supported policy approach that lets admins select from a defined list of preinstalled Microsoft Store apps and remove them using Group Policy or MDM like Microsoft Intune.

Best for: business PCs, schools, managed fleets (not typical home users).

Method 6: Remove Optional Features You Don’t Use (GUI)

Windows Optional Features can add background components you may not need.

Steps

  1. Settings → System → Optional features
    (Quick open: press Windows + R, type ms-settings:optionalfeatures, hit Enter)

  2. Remove features you don’t need (examples vary by PC):

    • Internet Explorer Mode components (if unused)

    • Extra language features you never use

    • Legacy tools you don’t need

Method 7: Disable Startup Apps (Biggest “Instant Feel Faster” Win)

Steps

  1. Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager

  2. Go to Startup apps

  3. Disable non-essential items (chat apps, launchers, updaters)

Rule of thumb: if you don’t need it running the moment you boot, disable it.

Method 8: Turn Off Background App Permissions (Modern Apps)

Steps

  1. Settings → Apps → Installed apps

  2. Click an app → Advanced options

  3. Find background permissions (if available) → set to Never (or more restrictive)

(This varies by app and Windows build.)

Method 9: Reduce Ads, Suggestions, and Extra UI “Noise”

These don’t always boost FPS, but they reduce background activity and clutter.

Steps (common places)

  1. Settings → Personalization → Start

    • Turn off Show recently added apps

    • Turn off Show recommendations (if you prefer clean Start)

  2. Settings → System → Notifications

    • Turn off “tips and suggestions” style notifications

  3. Settings → Privacy & security

    • Review diagnostics, app permissions, and toggles you don’t want

Method 10: Use a Trusted Debloat Script (Only If You Understand It)

Some admins use scripts to remove sets of apps and scheduled tasks. Example: a well-known community script approach is described by Andrew Taylor. Do not run scripts blindly—read what it removes first.

Safer approach: use scripts as a reference list of what could be removed, then remove items manually using the methods above.

Recommended “Debloat Checklist” (Quick Order)

  1. Uninstall unwanted apps (Settings / Start)

  2. Disable Startup apps (Task Manager)

  3. Uninstall apps via WinGet (for speed)

  4. Remove AppX packages (PowerShell) for your account

  5. Remove provisioned apps (PowerShell) to prevent return on new accounts

  6. Remove Optional Features you don’t use

  7. Turn off suggestions/ads and background permissions

FAQ

Will debloating Windows 11 increase FPS in games?

Usually not directly, but it can reduce stutters and improve responsiveness by cutting background CPU/RAM usage—especially on 8GB RAM systems.

Can I reinstall removed apps later?

Often yes:

  • If removed via normal uninstall, reinstall from Microsoft Store / vendor website.

  • If removed via AppX/Provisioned removal, reinstalling may require Store or re-registering packages (varies).

Is WinGet safe to use?

WinGet is a supported tool for managing apps on Windows 10/11.

Conclusion

The best Windows 11 debloat is the one that stays supported, reversible, and targeted. Start by uninstalling what you don’t use, cut startup clutter, then move to WinGet/PowerShell only for stubborn built-in apps. If you’re on Enterprise/Education devices, policy-based removal is the cleanest supported route for managing default Store apps at scale.

If you want, tell me your Windows 11 edition (Home/Pro/Enterprise) and whether you use things like Xbox, OneDrive, Widgets, and Microsoft Store—then I’ll give you a safe “remove/keep” debloat list tailored to your setup.

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