How to debloat Windows 11

Windows 11 includes unnecessary apps and services even after a clean install.
You can debloat the operating system using scripts, third-party tools, Group Policy, or during setup.
Native options in newer versions reduce bloat without PowerShell or external tools.

The term “debloat” refers to the process of removing unnecessary apps and services from Windows 11 (in this case) that you may not need, find invasive, or that would otherwise waste system resources.

Unfortunately, even if you perform a clean installation, Windows 11 still includes software and services that may run in the background, wasting system resources and battery life and collecting usage data (telemetry) with no option to disable them.

Although you could spend hours figuring out what to remove and then more time using PowerShell commands, tools like “Win11Debloat” and “FlyOOBE” can quickly debloat Windows 11. Alternatively, you can also use Group Policy and install a workaround.

In this guide, you will learn how to make a simple Windows 11 installation as lean as possible by removing components you don’t need.

Debloat Windows 11 using Win11Debloat
Debloat Windows 11 using FlyOOBE
Debloat Windows 11 using Group Policy
Debloat Windows 11 using install workaround
FAQs about debloating Windows 11

Important: Since this is a third-party application that will make system changes, creating a backup of the system is recommended in case something goes wrong and you need to roll back. Also, consider that removing some features may negatively affect others. Use the tool and instructions at your own risk.

Debloat Windows 11 using Win11Debloat

The Win11Debloat script uses PowerShell to automatically debloat your current setup. The script removes virtually every unnecessary app from Windows 11.

To debloat Windows 11 through the Win11Debloat script, follow these steps:

Open the Win11Debloat GitHub page.
Click the Code menu and choose the Download Zip option.
Extract the contents of the “.zip” file.
Open the Win11Debloat-master folder.
Right-click the Applist.txt and choose the “Edit in Notepad” option.
Review the apps that will be removed.
(Optional) Add a # character in front of the specific app in the list below to prevent it from being removed.
Click on File and choose the Save option.
Right-click the Run.bat file and choose the Run as administrator option.
Click on More options.
Click the Run anyway option.
Click the Yes button.
Press “1” to choose the Default mode since you already edited the Applist file.
Confirm the bloatware that will be removed from Windows 11.
Press any key to continue.

After completing the steps, the script will debloat Windows 11 and remove unnecessary features to provide a more streamlined experience.

Debloat Windows 11 using FlyOOBE

FlyOOBE (formerly Flyby11) is a popular third-party utility that helps you install Windows 11 on hardware that does not meet the minimum system requirements. However, it also includes other tools, such as a debloat feature that lets you uninstall unwanted pre-installed apps and components.

To bulk uninstall unwanted apps from Windows 11, follow these steps:

Open the FlyOOBE download page.
Click the download option for the latest version available.
Save the FlyOOBE-win-x.xx.zip file on your computer.
Select the zip file and click the Extract all button from the “Compressed Folder Tools” tab.
Click the Extract button to unzip the files from the container.
Open the extracted folder.
Double-click the FlyOOBE.exe file to launch the utility.
Click on OOBE from the left pane.
Click on Apps.
Select a debloat level: “Balanced,” “Full Microsoft Experience,” “Minimal Windows,” or “Community.”
Check the components you want to uninstall from Windows 11.

Quick tip: The components are listed using the system names (such as, Microsoft.WindowsCamera instead of Camera). If you’re not sure about a component, you can always search online for additional details. Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s recommended that you uninstall only applications, not system components.
Click the “Remove Selected Apps” button.

Once you complete the steps, the selected components will be removed from the computer.

Although the operating system allows you to uninstall many built-in applications, remember that some components are required for optimal system operation. If you remove them, it may cause unexpected behaviors.

Debloat Windows 11 using Group Policy

Starting with Windows 11 25H2 (and 24H2), Microsoft added a native option to remove most bloatware from the operating system. It’s a policy available for Windows 11 Pro, Education, and Enterprise that prevents installing built-in Microsoft Store apps when creating a new account. If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you can still use this option, but you’ll need to use the Registry to debloat your setup.

To debloat Windows 11 using Group Policy, follow these steps:

Open Start.
Search for gpedit and click the top result to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

Browse the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates >  Windows Components > App Package Deployment

Double-click the “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system” option.
Check the Enabled option.
Check all the applications to remove from the operating system under the “Options” section.
Click the Apply button.
Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the policy will be saved, and the next time you create a new account, Windows 11 will automatically uninstall those applications from the computer, providing a more bloatware-free experience.

Debloat Windows 11 using install workaround

Alternatively, you can install Windows 11 without bloatware by selecting a specific region during setup. Here’s how:

Start the PC with the Windows 11 USB flash drive.
Press any key to continue.
Choose the “English (World)” or “English (Europe)” option from the “Time and Currency format” setting.

Quick note: This is the setting that will make it possible to install the operating system without third-party applications. If you have another language requirement, remember to choose the correct “(World)” option for your location.
Choose the installation language for the operating system.
Click the Next button.
Click the Next button.
Select the “Install Windows 11” button.
Check the “I agree everything will be deleted including files, app, and settings” option.
Click the Next button.
Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

Quick note: If the device never included a Windows 11 installation, you will have to provide a product key after the installation.
Select the edition of “Windows 11” that your license key activates (if applicable).
Check the “I accept the license terms” option.
Click the Next button.
Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 and click the Delete button. (Typically, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)

Warning: When you delete a partition, it also deletes all data on the drive. Also, it is not required to delete the partitions from a secondary hard drive.
Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install Windows 11.
Click the Next button.
Click the Install button.
Click the Skip option on the “Something went wrong” error page.
Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the Out-of-box Experience (OOBE).

After you complete the steps, the wizard will set up a clean Windows 11 installation without bloatware. However, this option will not install the promotional apps, and you will still see apps and features you may consider bloatware, such as Microsoft Edge, Xbox, and others.

FAQs about debloating Windows 11

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about removing unnecessary apps and services from the installation of Windows 11.

What does debloat Windows 11 mean?

Debloating Windows 11 means removing unnecessary built-in apps, background services, and components that you do not use, which can otherwise consume system resources, affect battery life, or collect telemetry data.

Does Windows 11 still include bloatware after a clean install?

Yes. Even after a clean installation, Windows 11 installs a set of Microsoft Store apps, background services, and system components that many users consider unnecessary and cannot easily disable.

Is it safe to debloat Windows 11?

Debloating Windows 11 is generally safe if you remove only non-essential apps. Removing system components or services without understanding their purpose can cause instability or break features, which is why backups are strongly recommended.

What is the best way to debloat Windows 11?

The best method depends on your experience level. Scripts like Win11Debloat offer maximum control. Tools like FlyOOBE provide a guided approach. Group Policy is the safest native option, and the install workaround is ideal for starting fresh.

Can I debloat Windows 11 without using PowerShell?

Yes. You can use FlyOOBE, Group Policy, or the Windows 11 setup workaround to reduce bloat without manually running PowerShell commands.

Does debloating Windows 11 improve performance?

Yes. Removing unused apps and background services can reduce processor usage, disk activity, memory consumption, and battery drain, especially on lower-end or older hardware.

Will system updates reinstall removed apps?

In some cases, feature updates may reinstall certain Microsoft apps. Group Policy-based debloating and install-time workarounds are more resistant to app reinstallation than scripts.

Can I debloat Windows 11 using built-in Microsoft tools?

Yes. Starting with Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, Group Policy allows Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions to prevent default Microsoft Store apps from installing on new accounts.

Can Windows 11 Home be debloated without third-party tools?

Yes, but it requires Registry changes instead of Group Policy. This method achieves similar results but involves manual configuration.

How do I install Windows 11 without bloatware from the start?

During setup, selecting a “World” or “Europe” region prevents Windows from installing third-party promotional apps, resulting in a cleaner initial installation.

Does debloating Windows 11 remove Microsoft Edge?

No. Core apps such as Microsoft Edge and certain system-integrated features cannot be fully removed using supported methods and may remain even after debloating.

Should I debloat Windows 11 on a work or production PC?

It depends. For work systems, using Group Policy or install-time options is safer than aggressive scripts, as they reduce the risk of breaking enterprise features or updates.

Can I undo debloating if something breaks?

Yes, but recovery depends on the method used. Restoring from a backup, reinstalling removed apps from the Microsoft Store, or performing a repair install are the most reliable options.

Updated January 12, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and add additional details.