How to install Windows 11 without bloatware using a simple setup trick

• To install Windows 11 without bloatware, launch the setup from a USB bootable media, choose the “English (World)” or “English (Europe)” option from the “Time and Currency format” setting, and continue with the on-screen directions as normal to complete the clean install.
• Once on the desktop, you will have to choose the correct language and region settings from the Settings app.

On Windows 11, you can use a workaround to install the operating system without third-party apps, and in this guide, you will learn how. When you perform a clean installation of Windows 11, the wizard also installs promotional apps from Microsoft partners, such as Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Twitter, Disney, ESPN, Spotify, and many others. 

Although these are simple links to promote services, they can clutter the Start menu with apps you probably will never use. Usually, after installation, you can remove bloatware apps from the Settings app or use the “Uninstall” option in the Start menu, but there is a trick you can use during initial setup to prevent those apps from being added.

However, it’s important to note that this method will not stop the setup from installing Microsoft apps such as Calculator, Outlook, Microsoft Edge, and others.

In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to perform a fresh Windows 11 installation without bloatware.

Clean install Windows 11 without bloatware

To clean install Windows 11 without bloatware, use these steps:

1. Start the PC with the Windows 11 USB flash drive.

2. Press any key to continue.

3. 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.

4. Choose the operating system’s installation language.

   

5. Click the Next button.

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 the device never included a Windows 11 installation, you will have to provide a product key after the installation.

11. Select the edition of “Windows 11” that your license key activates (if applicable).

    

12. Check the “I accept the license terms” option.

13. Click the Next button.

14. 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.

15. Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install Windows 11.

    

16. Click the Next button.

17. Click the Install button.

18. (Important) Click the Skip option on the “Something went wrong” error page.

    

19. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

20. Click the Yes button.

21. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

22. If the computer uses an Ethernet connection, it will automatically connect to the network. If you have a wireless connection, you must set it up manually (a security key may be required).

23. (Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

    

24. Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)

25. If you are configuring Windows 11 Pro, select the “Set up for personal use” option. This option is not available in the “Home” edition.

    

26. Click the Next button.

27. Click the Sign in button.

28. Confirm your Microsoft account to create an account.

    

29. Click the Next button.

30. Click the Create PIN button.

    

31. Create a new four-digit PIN.

    

32. Click the OK button.

33. Turn on or off the toggle switch for each privacy setting to confirm the one that best suits your situation.

    

34. Click the Next button.

35. Click the Next button again.

36. Click the Accept button.

    

37. Click on “More options.”

    

38. Choose the “Set up a new device” option.

    

39. Click the “Set up as a new PC option” again.

40. (Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the setup to suggest tools and service customizations during this experience.

    

41. Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.

42. Click the Skip button for the Android phone link process.

43. Click the Skip button to skip the backup of your phone with OneDrive.

44. Click the Not now option to skip the Microsoft Edge setup.

45. Open Settings after the setup is complete.

46. Click on Time & language.

47. Click the Language & region tab.

48. Choose the country from the “Country or region” setting under the “Region” section.

49. Choose the Recommended option for the “Regional format” setting.

Once you complete the steps, you can start using Windows 11 without annoying third-party applications in your correct language and region.

If you want to further debloat Windows 11, you can use third-party tools like FlyOOBE or Winhance. The operating system even includes a new policy that lets you set up Windows 11 accounts without bloatware. 

A more advanced approach to installing Windows 11 without unwanted apps is to create an unattended.xml answer file that instructs Setup exactly what to install and what to skip.

With a properly configured answer file, you can prevent specific inbox apps from provisioning, define system features, preconfigure privacy and regional settings, and automate account creation. By integrating the file into your bootable USB media, Windows Setup runs silently and automatically applies your custom configuration, delivering a clean, streamlined installation tailored to your requirements.

FAQs about a clean install of Windows 11 without bloatware

Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about installing Windows 11 without bloatware.

Does this method completely remove bloatware from Windows 11?

No. Selecting the “English (World)” or “English (Europe)” option during setup prevents third-party promotional apps from being added, such as Netflix or Spotify tiles. However, built-in Microsoft apps like Calculator, Outlook, and Microsoft Edge will still be installed.

Why does choosing “English (World)” stop promotional apps from installing?

Those regional format options are configured without Microsoft partner app suggestions. By selecting them during installation, the setup process skips adding third-party promotional shortcuts to the Start menu.

Can I change my region back after installing Windows 11?

Yes. After completing the installation, you can go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region and select your correct country and regional format without affecting system functionality.

Does this work on both Windows 11 Home and Pro?

Yes. The workaround works on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions because it applies during the initial setup phase of a clean installation.

Is this method supported by Microsoft?

The process uses official setup options and does not modify system files. It relies on selecting a different regional configuration during installation, which is fully supported.

Does this prevent Microsoft apps from being installed?

No. Core system apps developed by Microsoft will still be installed as part of the operating system. This method only avoids third-party promotional apps.

Can I remove the apps later if I don’t use this trick?

Yes. You can uninstall most promotional apps from the Start menu or the Apps section in Settings. However, preventing them during setup keeps the Start menu cleaner from the start.

Is this better than using debloating tools after installation?

For most users, yes. Avoiding third-party apps during setup is cleaner and safer than using third-party scripts or tools to remove apps after installation.

Update February 19, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.