What’s the first thing you do with a shiny new Windows notebook? The only answer to this question is “format and reinstall the OS”. It’d be nice if you could just, you know, use the gadget you bought, minus the vendor-installed and mostly useless software. Windows 10 might be Microsoft’s first OS to make this possible.
Microsoft has made available a standalone tool for Windows 10 Insider builds, called “Refresh Windows”. The idea behind the application is remove anything that doesn’t come with Windows 10 by default:
It will also remove most pre-installed applications such as OEM applications, support applications and drivers. The tool does not give you the option to recover removed applications automatically and you will need to manually reinstall any applications you wish to keep.
The tool is in no way discerning — it’ll even nuke Microsoft Office. So it really is something you’d only run with a new notebook or desktop and maybe after using vendor-supplied recovery software.
Microsoft’s page on the tool has a full list of caveats, which I suggest you read through carefully beforehand.
Even with Refresh Windows, a reformat is still a strong option. There’s nothing stopping you from using the tool and if you’re unsatisfied with the results, going ahead with the format / reinstall.
Now Available: Start fresh with a clean install of Windows 10! [Microsoft, via Thurrott]
Comments
7 responses to “Microsoft Releases Dedicated Bloatware Removal Tool For Windows 10”
That’s actually a pretty handy tool. I can see why they did it. A lot of Windows complaints don’t actually come because of the OS but the effects of some of these crappy prebundled packages.
All PC’s bought on Microsoft Store have all bloat ware removed
Pity this won’t remove Microsoft’s own bloatware such as 3D Builder and Solitaire Collection. And especially things like Groove and Xbox that can’t be uninstalled.
Here’s a better ideal; manufacturers pull their heads in and not install the bloatware in the first place.
Trouble is there is no margin with pc sales. So they make a bit on the top by norton giving them $5 to have their trial version installed.. Etc..
Doesn’t that transfer the problem to Symantec then? They pay $5 per PC only to have the end user remove or even reformat the drive because that software completely borked Windows.
Windows 10 already had a built in refresh function to take it back to barebones im pretty sure. ive definitely used the refresh function before. not sure how this differs though? its under the start menue when you type ‘reset this pc’