Windows 11 running slow? These 3 easy steps declutter it in minutes

Windows 11 has a habit of feeling heavier than it needs to be, but cleaning it up doesn’t require complicated tools or risky system mods. These three quick steps can declutter the OS and make it feel noticeably smoother in just a few minutes.

Although the operating system needs attention in several areas, one of the most urgent is the issue of bloatware. This typically refers to the growing number of unnecessary apps and background services that ship with the system by default, many of which add little value to most users while consuming storage and system resources and increasing the overall complexity of the experience.

If you prefer a more streamlined setup, Windows 11 offers built-in options alongside third-party tools to help reduce clutter. For example, during a clean installation, you can choose an option that avoids installing promotional apps. It's also possible to configure Group Policy so that new user accounts are created with little to no bloatware.

Additionally, there are specialized tools, such as FlyOOBE, that go further by removing a broader range of preinstalled apps and services from the system.

In this how-to guide, I'll outline multiple ways to debloat the operating system for a more decluttered experience.

How to debloat Windows 11

On Windows 11, you have at least three ways to debloat the operating system, including using the native options during installation and with the built-in App Package Deployment policies, or using countless third-party tools available on the web.

Debloating via Windows 11 Setup

To debloat Windows 11 using the installation setup wizard, use these steps:

1. Connect the Windows 11 USB bootable media.
2. Start the device.
3. Press any key to continue.
4. Choose the "English (World)" or "English (Europe)" option from the "Time and Currency format" setting.

5. Choose the language to install with the operating system.
6. Click the Next button.
7. Select the "Install Windows 11" button.

8. Check the "I agree everything will be deleted, including files, app, and settings" option.
9. Click the Next button.
10. Click the "I don't have a product key" option.

• Quick note: If this computer didn't have an activated installation of Windows 11 or 10, you'll have to provide a product key after the installation.

11. Select the Windows 11 edition your license key activates (if applicable).
12. Check the "I accept the license terms" option.

13. Click the Next button.
14. Select the edition of the operating system that your product key activates.
15. Click the Next button.
16. Click the Accept button.
17. Select the drive where you want to install Windows 11.

18. Click the Next button.
19. Click the Install button.
20. Click the Skip option on the "Something went wrong" error page.
21. Continue following the on-screen instructions to complete setting up the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE).

Once you complete the steps, the installation will be configured without bloatware.

It's important to note that this process only cleans some components of the system that may be considered bloatware. This option won't remove features such as Microsoft Edge, Xbox, or other apps.

Debloating via Group Policy

To create a new user account without bloatware, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit and click the top result to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Open the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment.
4. Right-click the "Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system" policy and choose the "Edit" option.

5. Check the Enabled option.
6. Check all the applications to remove from the operating system under the "Options" section.

7. Click the Apply button.
8. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, the setting will be saved on the device, and the next time you create a new account, the operating system will automatically uninstall most bloatware, such as Feedback Hub, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot, Clipchamp, Photos, and others.

Debloating via FlyOOBE

To debloat Windows 11 using FlyOOBE, use these steps:

1. Open the FlyOOBE GitHub page.
2. Click the download option for the latest version.

3. Save the zip file to your device.
4. Select the zip file and click the Extract all button from the “Compressed Folder Tools" tab.
5. Click the Extract button to unzip the files from the container.

6. Open the folder with the extracted files.
7. Double-click the FlyOOBE.exe file to open the tool.
8. Click the More Info option, then click the Run anyway button.
9. Click on OOBE from the left pane.
10. Click on Apps.
11. Select the option to debloat Windows 11: "Balanced," "Full Microsoft Experience," "Minimal Windows," or "Community."

12. Check the components to uninstall from the computer.
13. Click the "Remove Selected Apps" button.

Once you complete the steps, the applications cluttering the system will be uninstalled from the computer.

A few small changes go a long way toward making Windows 11 feel cleaner and more responsive. Whether you’re trying to speed up an older machine or just prefer a streamlined setup, these tweaks offer an easy starting point.

If you’ve found other simple ways to cut the clutter, we’d love to hear them.

FAQs about debloating Windows 11

These are common questions regarding getting rid off the bloatware on Windows 11.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

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