If you’ve ever set up a fresh Windows installation only to find it bloated with pre-installed apps, toolbars, games, and features you never asked for — you’re not alone. And no, you don’t need to install shady third-party software to clean it up.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the safest and most effective way to debloat Windows 10 and Windows 11 — without using any external tools. Whether you’re aiming for a cleaner Start Menu, removing Microsoft Edge, or want to undo any changes you made by mistake, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get started, step by step.
🧹 Step 1: Uninstall Apps Using the Built-in Windows Uninstaller
Before we get into PowerShell and registry edits, let’s start with the basics. You can already remove many pre-installed apps using Windows’ own uninstaller.
Here’s how:
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Installed Apps” or “Apps & Features” depending on your version.
- You’ll now see a list of all installed apps.
- Click on the three dots or right-click on an app like Camera or Clock, then select Uninstall.
✅ Apps like Xbox Console Companion, Copilot, or the Weather app can usually be removed this way.
⚠️ However, apps like Microsoft Edge, Game Bar, Get Help, and Phone Link show as “System Apps” and are not removable from this interface — unless you’re in the EU.
Let’s move on to how to deal with those.
🧰 Step 2: Use PowerShell to Remove System Apps (AppX Packages)
Now comes the more advanced (but perfectly safe) part. These leftover apps are stored as AppX packages, and PowerShell gives us full control over them.
🧑💻 First, open PowerShell as Administrator:
- On Windows 11: Right-click the Start button → Terminal (Admin)
- On Windows 10: Search for Windows PowerShell, right-click, then choose Run as Administrator
Now, let’s start exploring what’s installed.
🔍 List AppX Packages:
To list apps for your current user:
Get-AppxPackage
To list apps system-wide (all users):
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers
You’ll now see a list of all AppX apps with names like Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay or Microsoft.YourPhone.
🧾 Step 3: Remove a Single AppX Package
If you just want to remove one app for the current user, here’s what you do.
- Copy the app name from the PowerShell list.
- Run this command:
Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.YourPhone | Remove-AppxPackage
To remove it for all users:
Get-AppxPackage -Name Microsoft.YourPhone -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage
🔴 Don’t remove packages unless you know what they do. Some are essential to the operating system.
📦 Step 4: Remove Multiple Apps in One Go
Want to remove several unwanted apps together? Here’s a cleaner approach.
Example command:
"Microsoft.YourPhone", "Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay", "Microsoft.GetHelp" | ForEach-Object { Get-AppxPackage -Name $_ | Remove-AppxPackage }
Make sure:
- The last app in the list has no comma.
- You don’t include core services like
Windows.SecurityorWindows.ShellExperienceHost.
📝 Pro Tip: Keep a backup of your list in Notepad in case you want to reverse changes later.
👤 Step 5: Remove Apps for All Users
To completely remove these apps from every user on the PC:
"Microsoft.YourPhone", "Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay" | ForEach-Object { Get-AppxPackage -Name $_ -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage }
Note: On Windows 10, Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers doesn’t always work due to system restrictions. In that case, remove apps individually per user.
🌐 Step 6: Uninstall Microsoft Edge (Safely)
Edge is tricky. It’s a system app — and unless you’re in the EU, it won’t show the “Uninstall” option.
But here’s the workaround using EU Mode and Registry edits.
Prerequisite:
✅ Install another browser like Google Chrome before uninstalling Edge.
🔑 Enable EU Mode via Registry:
Open PowerShell or Command Prompt as Admin and run the following two commands one by one:
reg add "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate" /v "IsEUMode" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate" /v "AllowUninstall" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
🔧 Edit JSON Permission File:
- Navigate to:
C:\Windows\System32\IntegratedServices
- Find the file
IntegratedServicesRegionPolicySet.json. - Take ownership of the file:
- Right-click → Properties → Security → Advanced → Change Owner → Enter your username → Apply full control.
- Rename the original file with
.bakas backup. - Edit the JSON file on your Desktop:
- Change:
"edge_is_uninstallable": "disabled"to:"edge_is_uninstallable": "enabled"
- Change:
- Copy it back to the folder.
Now, go back to Installed Apps and you’ll see the “Uninstall” option for Microsoft Edge. Click it, and follow the prompt to remove it.
🛠️ Step 7: Restore Accidentally Removed Apps
Oops! Deleted something important? Don’t panic.
For most apps:
- Go to the Microsoft Store
- Search for the app, e.g., “Calculator”
- Click Get to reinstall
For Microsoft Store itself:
Open PowerShell and run:
wsreset -i
No progress bar will show, but the Store will be restored silently. Check your notification panel after a minute or two.
🎯 Bonus: Clean Up the Taskbar & Start Menu
For that minimal Windows feel:
- Right-click on Taskbar → Taskbar Settings
- Disable Widgets, Task View, and Search box
- Align icons to left
- Remove unwanted tiles from Start Menu
- You now have something close to Windows 11 LTSC
💬 FAQ
Q1: Will this increase my PC’s performance?
A: Not really. It won’t speed up your machine but will clean clutter and streamline your Start Menu.
Q2: Is it safe to remove Microsoft Edge?
A: Yes, if you’ve installed another browser. Windows updates may reinstall it later, but you can repeat the same removal process.
Q3: Can I get the removed apps back later?
A: Yes! Use the Microsoft Store or PowerShell commands to reinstall them.
🧩 Final Thoughts
So far, so good! You’ve now learned how to declutter your Windows 10 or 11 machine — entirely without any risky third-party apps. Whether you want a minimalist setup or just like having full control, this guide gives you all the tools to do that safely.
Keep in mind that while these changes make Windows look cleaner, always proceed with caution when using PowerShell or editing registry files. Back up when possible.
🔗 Useful Links:
📌 Tags:
windows 11, debloat windows, remove bloatware, uninstall microsoft edge, powershell, windows appx packages, clean windows install, windows optimization
📢 Hashtags:
#Windows11 #DebloatWindows #RemoveBloatware #PowerShell #MicrosoftEdge #WindowsTips #MinimalWindows #TechGuide
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This guide is for educational purposes only. Some system apps are essential to Windows operations. Improper removal of components may lead to system instability. Always ensure you have backups and only remove apps you fully understand.
