Engadget Publishes Guide to Safely Debloating Windows 11

The article says Windows 11 has had a reputation for bloat since it arrived in October 2021, and that Microsoft publicly admitted in February 2026 that the operating system needs improvements. Engadget describes Microsoft's attempts as mixed: some changes have improved performance, added options to the system UI and rolled back adware, but many issues remain unaddressed.

Some users can move to Linux, Engadget says, but many need Windows for work or to run a particular app. For those people, the article recommends spending time debloating Windows 11, which it defines as clearing out unwanted software and settings that Microsoft and its corporate partners bundle into the operating system. In its default state, Engadget says, Windows 11 includes user tracking and data collection pipelines, adware and pre-installed third-party apps whose developers have a deal with Microsoft or the hardware vendor to be included. Only the junk apps are properly called bloatware, according to the article, but such unnecessary items are commonly grouped under the term "bloat."

The first step in Engadget's guide is to remove obvious bloatware, adware and other junk that comes pre-loaded on a new installation. Depending on the hardware vendor, the article says, a computer may come with games, anti-malware trials or other software the user did not ask for. Microsoft also loads the operating system with many of its own apps, and Engadget says many can safely be uninstalled if they are not wanted, such as the Xbox app for people who do not play video games.

Engadget cautions that it is difficult to break Windows beyond repair by uninstalling apps, because Microsoft generally prevents crucial parts of the operating system from being easily uninstalled. But users can go overboard, the article says, noting that various Windows Runtime programs are necessary for running software. It advises people who are unfamiliar with which apps tend to be useful to start by removing only the most obvious bloatware, such as casual games and third-party security tools.

To uninstall bloatware, Engadget says to open the Settings app with the keyboard shortcut Win + I, then select Apps and Installed apps. For each unwanted app, users should click the three-dot button to the right of its name and select Uninstall. In some cases, the article says, a Windows system confirmation is required; in others, users must click through a full uninstall process provided by the app being removed.

After the most obvious bloatware is gone, Engadget recommends disabling Microsoft's telemetry, tracking and advertising with a comprehensive debloating tool. The article cautions against "one-click" debloating tools, saying they aggressively streamline Windows by ripping out annoying and invasive components but take a sledgehammer to a problem best solved with a scalpel. Engadget's recommended tool is Chris Titus Tech's WinUtil, which the article describes as a script with a GUI that can be accessed from the command line.

To run WinUtil, Engadget says to right-click the Start button and choose Terminal (Admin), then type the following command and press Enter: irm "https://christitus.com/win" | iex. The article acknowledges that users should never run commands found on the Internet, especially those that fetch data from the web, without being certain what they do. It says this command comes from a trusted developer and is safe, and suggests visiting the developer's site first to learn more if desired.

Engadget also warns that WinUtil is user-friendly but its advanced tweaks can cause issues if run without understanding them. It advises creating a restore point before beginning, so users can return to a stable state if needed. To do that, the article says to type "restore" into the Start menu, choose Create a restore point and choose Create to make a new one. The System Restore button on the same menu can be used if something breaks.

The guide says users should proceed with caution from that point and recommends returning to Settings later to go through each menu and ensure everything is to their liking after running the debloater. Engadget says no debloating process is entirely without risk, but it presents the combination of manual uninstallation, settings modification and surgical application of a custom debloating tool as the safest and easiest method.